A meticulously restored 1976 Land Rover Series 3, dubbed “The Admiral” for its Admiralty Blue paint, offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern performance. Built by Kent Heritage Works (KHW), this one-off vehicle exemplifies the growing trend of “restomod” conversions – classic vehicles updated with contemporary engineering.
Preserving the Past, Enhancing the Present
The project begins with a short-wheelbase (88in) Series Land Rover, fully stripped and restored. KHW then modifies the rear bulkhead to maximize cabin space and elevates the interior with bespoke leather and wood trim. However, the true transformation lies under the hood.
A V8 Revival
KHW revived a period Rover 3.5-litre V8 engine, increasing its output to 250bhp and 220lb ft of torque through a series of performance upgrades. These include a reground crank, rebored cylinders, new pistons, high-lift cams, Holley fuel injection, and a custom stainless exhaust. To smooth out the engine’s inherent sharpness, it’s paired with an older ZF four-speed automatic transmission – a deliberate choice to preserve the original vehicle’s high/low and rear/four-wheel-drive options.
Pricing and Availability
The Admiral’s price tag is £195,000. KHW can build similar vehicles on request, but given the labor-intensive nature of restomods, production is limited to only a few commissions per year. This highlights the exclusivity of these projects, where the cost reflects not just materials, but also the skill and time invested in blending classic design with modern functionality.
The Admiral shows that while many automakers chase innovation, there’s still demand for expertly crafted vehicles that honor automotive history while delivering a contemporary driving experience.
