Unravelling the Land Rover Series 3 GAME

In the mid-1970s, Leyland Australia embarked on a distinctive venture – the creation of an up-market, short-wheelbase Land Rover known as the GAME. The motives behind this endeavour, whether to boost short-wheelbase sales, target the recreational four-wheel-drive market, or expand the model range, remain obscured by the sands of time. What emerged, however, was a captivating trim upgrade version, the Land Rover Series 3 GAME.

A Short-Lived Marvel

The Land Rover GAME, a short-lived marvel, holds the distinction of being exclusive to Australia. Production spanned a concise three years, from 1976 to 1979. Before the GAME’s arrival, the Australian market lacked a short-wheelbase (SWB) station wagon, and County-level models didn’t grace the scene until the introduction of the 110.

The Genesis of the Land Rover GAME

Amidst the production of 2.25-litre petrol versions, diesels, and 2.6-litre six cylinders, Leyland Australia seized the opportunity to introduce the GAME. Local development efforts, spanning nuts and bolts to seat facings, wheels, and paint colours, injected a distinct Australian flavour into the Land Rover line-up.

Despite its seemingly short production run, each Land Rover GAME underwent an intriguing evolutionary process. Classified as a Complete Knocked Down (CKD) or kit-form vehicle, the GAME boasted a level of local content that surpassed mere assembly. Parts sourced from previous local Series IIIs and unique, one-off purchases contributed to the distinctive Australian identity of the GAME.

Crafting a Land Rover GAME

Contrary to expectations, creating a Land Rover GAME required more than meets the eye. While starting with a SWB Land Rover knocked-down kit, Leyland Australia added a set of specific features to define the GAME’s character. From big tires and white spoke wheels to wheel arch extensions, rear bumpers, and distinctive decals, each GAME was a testament to meticulous detailing.

A Glamorous Upgrade Series

The Land Rover GAME, introduced as a cosmetic upgrade in 1976, can be viewed as part of a larger upgrade series by Leyland Australia. The Leyland Mini SS, Leyland Mini LS, and Leyland Moke Californian shared a similar trajectory. Interestingly, all these models, along with the Range Rover, rolled out of the same Leyland Australia/Pressed Metals Corporation plant in Sydney, showcasing the versatility of the company’s production capabilities.

Design Challenges of the Land Rover GAME

Despite its charm, the Land Rover GAME faced some design challenges. The placement of the spare wheel carrier and rear door configuration created a narrow funnel arrangement for rear load space access. The swing-away carrier posed safety and legality concerns, hindering the vehicle from becoming a station wagon.

The radio cassette cabinet assembly, reflecting the Mini design, introduced ergonomic issues, impacting gear shifting and stereo installation. Additionally, the traditional ‘punch the dash’ first gear position was exacerbated by the radio’s position.

Complete Knocked Down (CKD) Unveiled

Understanding the CKD nature of the Land Rover GAME provides insights into its diverse configurations and production variations. Assembled from kits with varying degrees of completeness, the GAME showcased Leyland Australia’s flexibility and adaptability in the manufacturing process.

Configurations and Mysteries of the Land Rover GAME

Despite its designation as Australia’s first SWB station wagon, the Land Rover GAME deviated from the expected features of a typical SWB wagon. Very few, if any, were equipped with all the anticipated features, such as a station wagon chassis, rear seats, rear door, and deluxe bonnet. The reality of local production meant utilizing the next SWB petrol chassis available, leading to unexpected configurations.

The Compliance Plate, a mandatory feature on all GAMEs, quoted seating capacity. Despite owner recollections, locating a factory-compliant GAME with seven seats and a swing-away spare wheel carrier remains a challenge.

Distinctive Colors and Finishes

Often recognized by its iconic Yellow Devil hue, the Land Rover GAME shared colour schemes with other vehicles on the PMC assembly line, such as the Mini, Moke, and long wheelbase Land Rovers. The standard white roof persisted, complemented by black paint for a sportier touch. Silver accents, mirroring the standard Australian wheel colour, added to the GAME’s unique aesthetic.

Interior Insights of the Land Rover GAME

Normal poverty-pack Land Rovers featured local Series III brown trim. Seat facings and lap sash seat belts matched in brown, while door tops remained bare. The top-of-the-line black trim, exclusive to station wagons, showcased a blend of UK production and locally-made components. Rear inward-facing seats featured a simple pleated seat pattern, differing from the UK Deluxe seat pattern.

In conclusion, the Land Rover Series 3 GAME stands as a distinctive chapter in Australia’s automotive history. Its short-lived existence, coupled with its unique design challenges and configurations, makes the GAME a sought-after collector’s item. As an embodiment of Leyland Australia’s ingenuity, the Land Rover GAME remains a testament to the Meccano spirit of Land Rover and the adaptability of automotive manufacturing in the 1970s.