Description
Land Rover Lightweight Cabriolet | 1978
Highlights:
– 2.3-Liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine with manual transmission
– Former Dutch army vehicle with documented military origin
– Restored in 2010 including engine, with further mechanical work carried out in 2025
– Beige soft top fitted in 2025 with renewed seats and door panels
– Santana overdrive fitted for improved cruising comfort
The seller offers for sale a 1978 Land Rover Lightweight Cabriolet with manual transmission and diesel power. This vehicle was originally supplied to the Dutch army and imported in 1992. In 2010 it was restored, including the engine, after which the kilometer counter was reset. Continued care followed in later years, with the installation of a new beige soft top, renewed interior upholstery, brake components, clutch hydraulics and chassis treatment carried out in 2025. The paintwork presents well, showing only light traces from off-road use that can be improved by polishing. The interior has a fresh and correct appearance with refurbished seating, tidy floor panels and original fittings. The engine runs well and the gearbox shifts smoothly, making this Lightweight an attractive and usable classic with authentic military character. The current documented mileage after restoration is 10.000 km and it holds a valid technical inspection.
The cabriolet is fitted with a beige soft top that was renewed in 2025. The fabric and stitching present well and the roof fits neatly. The soft top mechanism operates smoothly and quietly, contributing to a pleasant open driving experience while still offering proper protection when closed.
The Land Rover Lightweight was developed specifically for military duties, combining compact dimensions with the robust off-road ability the brand is known for. Designed to be air-transportable and easy to maintain in the field, it earned a strong reputation for durability and versatility. Today, the Lightweight is valued for its honest engineering, mechanical simplicity and engaging driving experience. Its open body, upright seating position and utilitarian design offer a direct connection to classic Land Rover heritage, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate purposeful vehicles with a strong historical background.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in: Braga district, Portugal.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Portuguese registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
