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PAINT TO PATINA 15 FEATURED LAND ROVERS

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10A0
SSIC COILSIC
CL ER

ISSUE NO 68
£4.60

1984 Press
Fleet Ninety
THE WORLD'S BEST SELLING CLASSIC LAND ROVER MAGAZINE www.classiclandrover.com

MEN AT WORK
LAND ROVERS
FROM A LAND
DOWN UNDER
Trayback: 107in
Ute repatriated
from Australia

IIA: 1963 88in on


Western Australia's
dirt roads

Perentie: History of the


Australian military variants
January
2019 £4.60
TECH & TOOLBOX
Painting a Series IIA
Brand new old wheels
Discovery I project JAN 2017 £4.40

109in One-Ton rebuilt


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FROM THE EDITOR
JANUARY 2019

TIME AND TIDE

A “437 DEL and


s the year of Land Rover’s 70th DELs. 437 DEL and 438 DEL were a pair of
anniversary comes to an end there better than new 1950 80ins that Ken had
has been another reminder that meticulously restored and were also in the
438 DEL were
time and tide wait for no one. As you’ll line up on one of their first outings. They a pair of 1950
see from our obituary on page 14, Ken now belong to Jaguar Land Rover. DEL’s boy, 80ins that Ken
Wheelwright the noted restorer of Series with his aptronymic surname, made a big had meticulously
Ones has died. It’s been 30 years since he impression on the classic Land Rover scene
restored”
restored a pair of 80ins and displayed them and it was a pleasure to have known him.
at events when Land Rover was marking its
40th anniversary.
I remember going to the Yorkshire
Rover Owners’ Club event at Langley
EDITOR JOHN CARROLL
Farm in Huddersfield and parking my john.carroll@keypublishing.com
trials-spec ’57 in the Series One line-up PS - Don't forget to look at CLR's classified ads
to hear everyone talking about the online at www.classiclandrover.com

John Carroll Garry Stuart Martin Port Kate Russell


Editor John has owned leaf- Photographer Garry Stuart has Regular contributor Martin Kate, who now owns a 109in
sprung Land Rovers since 1985 been photographing Land Rovers, Port is the art editor of Classic Series IIA camper, does the sub-
and now maintains his small fleet and plenty of other things with and Sports Car magazine and editing and a lot of the behind-
that covers Series One, IIA and engines, for decades and is the owner of a former Trans-Africa the-scenes work on Classic Land
III models owner of a Series III 88in expedition Series II 88in Rover magazine

Steve Donovan Emrys Kirby Louise Limb Ros Woodham


Art editor Steve is deeply Knowledgeable contributor Emrys Louise is well known around Contributor Ros now has two
immersed in all things fifties so has his own collection of Land the club scene as an illustrator, Land Rover Santana classics,
needed little encouragement to Rovers and is immersed in the club photographer and writer enjoys overland travel and takes
work on CLR beyond a sunny scene which makes him an ideal and you'll frequently see her great pictures, so she's most
greenlaning weekend in Wales member of the team scribbling away at events definitely one of us

Tom Lunn Clare Westbrook Jim Willett Ian Clegg


Tom is the Advertising Manager Writer Clare has been using Jim is one of CLR’s technical Photographer and designer Ian
and is keen to deal with our Nellie, her Series IIA 88in with a contributors. He’s run classic Clegg iowns a classic 90CSW and
advertisers and their specific needs 200Tdi engine, as daily transport Land Rovers for years and is now contributes regularly to the
on an individual basis for the past decade and has now hands-on when it comes to magazine
bought two classic Range Rovers repairing and restoring them.

Copies of Classic Land Rover can be obtained Classic Land Rover (ISSN 2052 2258) is We are unable to guarantee the bona fides of
each month by placing a standing order with published monthly by Key Publishing Ltd any of our advertisers. Readers are strongly
your newsagent. and distributed in the USA by Mail Right recommended to take their own precautions
Int., 1637 Stelton Road B4, Piscataway, before parting with any information or
Subscriptions NJ 08854. item of value, including, but not limited
Please refer to main advertisement to, money, manuscripts, photographs or
Editor: John Carroll within the magazine. All applications Postmaster: Send address corrections to personal information in response to any
Art Editor: Steve Donovan stating name, address, date to commence Classic Land Rover, Key Publishing Ltd, c/o advertisements within this publication.
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Craig Allen, Toby Savage, Dave Marsh, Classic Land Rover, plc, Bourne, Lincolnshire.
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VA23451-9828. be reproduced in any form without permission. Website: www.keypublishing.com

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 3


ISSUE 68 JANUARY 2019 GIVE THE GIFT THAT LASTS ALLYEAR!
A subscription to Classic Landrover makes a great gift
this Christmas. See pages 48-49 for all special offers.
LAND ROVERS
6 HOW THE WEST WAS WON
An Australian Series IIA with patina and
character in spades 62
22 THE TORCH OF LIFE
Series One and Grey Fergy, a father and son
story

28 A UTE NAMED WOMBAT


A 107in Series One repatriated from Australia

34 WRECKS TO RICHES
A beautiful rebuild of a One Ton 109in recovery
truck

38 FIRST PARADE
A restored RAF Series One 80in passes muster

52 CLASSIC COILER
One of Land Rover’s press fleetNinetys

60 PROJECT PERENTIE
Part One of a comprehensive history of the Australian
Perentie 110s

73 OUR LAND ROVERS


Examples of Series One, IIA and III Land Rovers

34
6
TECH AND TOOLBOX
78 PROJECT DISCOVERY 78
The Discovery 1 is a lot less common
that it was

82 PAINT IT BLACK
The Series IIA 88in recommissioning
continues apace

86 THE SUM OF ITS PARTS


Newly made vintage wheels for Land
Rovers
86
4 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com
WWW.CLASSICLANDROVER.COM
CONTENTS

JOURNEYS
44 BEWARE OF TANKS
Greenlaning in One Ton 109ins

92 A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
Visiting the legacy of World War Two in France

REGULARS

12 NEWS AND PRODUCTS


New information about old stuff

19 EVENTS
Classic Land Rovers in Norway
98
20 CALENDAR
Lots of event dates for 2019

50 CENTRE SPREAD 98 LOOKING BACK


The NADA seven-seat Station Wagon A rare 100in Prototype Land Rover

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 5


SERIES IIA

The roads of Western Australia offer some fantastic drives through idyllic countryside

S
pring has sprung in Western motoring before summer hits and a tilt Before returning to Australia though, the
Australia; the temperatures are rising becomes necessary just to offer some shade. owner of that particular vehicle presented
towards the 20s, the canola fields are “I guess it started when I was about two Andrew with his very own model of a red
in bloom and on an otherwise deserted road years old,” he says, “we were visiting family two-door: “I still have it today, and now my
a roofless 88in is coaxed around a sweeping in Dorset in the UK and there was a chap kids play with it,” he added.
bend under blue skies. Sounds like heaven with a two-door Range Rover. Apparently Andrew’s dad stoked that initial fire even
doesn’t it? But for Andrew Rogers this is the I wouldn’t leave it alone - I was obsessed further. Having set out from his London
‘norm’ and he is making the most of topless with it!” roots on a motorcycle and sidecar with

6 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


Western Australia offers an unrivalled combination
of great roads and stunning countryside, so

How what better way to explore it than in a Series IIA?

The West Was Won


WORDS AND PICTURES MARTIN PORT

‘Twenty years ago, a patina restoration


was pretty much unheard of’

some mates, he arrived in Australia in the he decided to get his own transport for it stood out. That wasn’t necessarily a bad
early 1960s and before the decade was out taking ‘scramble’ ’bikes out into the bush, thing however, and when a local saw him
had his own Series II 88in before buying a he bought a Series IIA. “I’ve still got it,” he driving around in it, he approached Andrew
1970 Series IIA 109in as family transport in confirms, “it’s in the back of the garage - I to see if he might be interested in another
the 1980s. ‘flatpacked’ it a few years ago.” Land Rover.
It was that particular Land Rover that Having rebuilt that initial 88in on a pretty “The old fella reckoned that I’d done a
Andrew recalls along with the British-based tight budget, Andrew gave it a coat of decent job of that one and said that he had
Range Rover, and when as a 13-year-old bright blue paint and it’s fair to say that another in need of a home. I told him that

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 7


SERIES IIA

Andrew’s Series IIA began life as a CKD


vehicle and was distributed by Faulls in Perth

I didn’t have any money but he said not to


worry about it and gave me the keys!”
Being a conscientious 15-year-old
however, and a firm believer in ‘doing the
right thing’, Andrew handed over a bottle
of brandy by way of an exchange and Old
Bill was his. Why Old Bill though? “That
was the old fella’s name,” he laughs, “pretty
straightforward eh?” Beverley Town Hall was built in 1938 and provides
The 1963 Series IIA was very original, the perfect backdrop for a night-time shoot
but the 2,286cc petrol engine was running
on just three cylinders with a blown head
gasket. The brakes needed attention too - as
did the gearbox, and so Andrew and his dad
decided to give it the attention it needed.
Over the next two years they rebuilt the
engine, gearbox, axles and brakes.
Twenty years ago, a patina restoration
was pretty much unheard of, but when
the pair realised that almost everything
on the IIA was original and correctly A chance meeting with a two-door Range
dated, Andrew’s dad suggested keeping the Rover at two years old set Andrew up with a It might not be a factory modification, but it
original paint and just concentrating on lifelong passion for Land Rovers works and looks at home on the IIA
making sure everything worked underneath
- certainly an approach that went against making memories,” he confirms, “as well
the usual method which often incorporated as for just helping you get to wherever you
a fresh coat of paint before taking to the need to go, of course.”
road again. Since that rebuild, Andrew has covered
Two decades on, and with a very different in the region of 30,000km and it is usually
marketplace surrounding the Land Rover his vehicle of choice for everything from
world, Andrew is very glad they took that camping, fishing and surfing trips with
route - not that he’s interested in values mates to the school run, trips to the dump
or trends as far as Series vehicles are and everything in between. “We did a great
concerned: “They’re for using, enjoying and trip to the Margaret River,” he explains,

8 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


Original decals adorn the engine bay
‘I’d heard so many
tales of people fitting
overdrives only for
them to turn out to
be a pile of junk’
“I stuck it in fourth gear and just drove
for hours - we probably covered around The 88in proved to be a decent swap for a
bottle of brandy!
1500km over the weekend.”
Although Andrew certainly doesn’t shy
away from using the IIA, its effectiveness
has certainly been improved by the addition
of a Toro overdrive unit. “It seemed a little
bit wrong to cut the transmission tunnel
seeing as it’s all so original,” he says, “and
I’d heard so many tales of people fitting
overdrives only for them to turn out to be
a pile of junk that I didn’t bother with the
lever - I just flip the centre panel up and
engage it before a long journey.”
That Toro unit turned out to be in
great condition, and mated to the rebuilt
engine and gearbox provides the perfect
combination for exploring the distances
and varying terrain offered by the region.
“We do quite a lot of trips as part of
the TeamW4 club, and that includes the
Andrew Rogers has owned ‘Old W4Challenge, but really that’s the only time
Bill’ for nearly 20 years, having we go out with the intention of specifically Australian-spec front grille badge just one
bought it at the tender age of 15 driving over tree trunks and through subtle difference to UK-assembled vehicles

Largely original interior; elephant hide seats


removed for safekeeping and just a phone
charger added to the dash sockets

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 9


SERIES IIA

ravines - day-to-day use is usually about a Land Rover-owning mates often prefer
minimum impact, ‘drive around the obstacle to just help each other out, passing parts
if you can’ approach.” between them in exchange for other bits or
Since swapping a bottle of brandy for good deeds.
Old Bill, Andrew’s passion for Land Rovers That is a refreshing attitude in this day
certainly hasn’t waned. A suffix-A two- and age and one which perhaps keeps the
door Range Rover of his own sits proudly passionate enthusiast at the heart of the
outside his home, as until recently did a movement instead of the bank manager -
Stage One Station Wagon: “We needed a definitely a good thing for the future of old The addition of a Toro overdrive has helped
new patio so I swapped it for the work!” he Land Rover ownership. cover longer distances on various road trips
laughs, although there is a serious side to With several other Series vehicles in to go surfing, camping or even prospecting
this scenario. With the value of Land Rovers his ownership, Old Bill is still the family
going up and up, the appetite for spares and favourite - wife, Anna, frequently in the
vehicles has arguably become out of hand. driver’s seat, as too are the couple’s three
With that in mind Andrew and his fellow children, even if just for the purposes of

Original 2,286cc petrol engine has covered


around 30,000km since a rebuild

play at the moment. “I’ve got to be careful


now though,” laughs Andrew, “they know
where to put the key and how to start it!”
Although the IIA wants for nothing
apart from a new tilt, one item Andrew is
particularly proud of is the original service
book complete with an unstamped service
voucher with no expiry date on it. “I tried to
cash it in at the local dealer, but they were
having none of it!” he says. Their loss.a
Windscreen down for a trip into the Julimar
Forest and the W4Challenge weekend

‘Andrew gave it a
coat of bright blue
paint and it’s fair to
say that it stood out’

10 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


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www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 11


NEWS & VIEWS

The County set


Welcome to the County set! I’m and head padding strips were
very excited that CLR is to feature trimmed in white rather than the
a County as a project vehicle, more usual black.
and look forward to following the I think these are very interesting
progress. vehicles from a fascinating period

DLRC at I too acquired a County a couple


of years ago, which I use regularly
in my role as a scout leader, and
in Land Rover history, there is
still much to discover and a lot
of ignorance. Have you noticed

Baskies 2018
Team Moore, brothers Alex and David, represented the Dorset
like yours it had been rebuilt on a
galvanised chassis, unfortunately
a lot of the original County fittings
were not replaced: D rings, super
that even dealers seem to be
automatically tagging ‘County’ to
‘station wagon’ irrespective of age
or even series?
Land Rover Club at the Baskerville Challenge event, and did the 8 spotlamps, and the distinctive Anyway, I wish CLR well on the
club proud, picking up 30 points in the CCV. Only two of the 88in D-shaped rear grab handles that rebuild. If BHD 940Y (Bad Boy)
class 10s (coil sprung) beat them, while they managed to score 38 are quite hard to find. can be of any help for reference
points in the RTV. No other class 10s entered, there were a lot of Similarly I have found the purposes, then I would be pleased
retirements due to rain, but the brothers gave the 90s a good run interior hard to find, especially to assist.
for their money. And then finally they managed to come third over- as, unusually, my door cards Dave Fox, Bury, Lancs
all in the time trial despite having a mare of a first section almost
getting completely stuck! And so overall, team Moore brought
back the Challenge Trophy again!

Save the dates


Taking time out from producing her lavish hand-drawn maps and
uniquely expressive pen drawings for Classic Land Rover magazine,
regular contributor Louise Limb has gathered together 12 of her pen
and wash images featuring Series Land Rovers into a limited edition
A4 sized calendar for 2019.
Only available directly from Louise via her website with prices
starting at £17.50 including UK post and packing, each one of the
first 100 calendars comes numbered and signed by Louise, making
www.firstfour.co.uk

it the perfect collectable Christmas present.


Louise’s classic Land Rover Christmas card designs are also avail-
able to buy online, a huge selection produced on heavyweight card,
A6 in size and the print good enough to frame when the festive sea-

A classic weekend
The tenth anniversary of the annual meeting of leaf-sprung Land
son’s over. Select and buy your cards
and calendars via www.louiselimb.com

Rovers at Opheers, a small village in Belgium, takes place from


July 3-7, 2019 – one extra day than usual to mark the occasion.
The programme is similar to that of previous years and there
will be plenty to see and do throughout the weekend with food,
drink, trophies and bonfires as well as greenlining trips. Thursday
evening is, as usual, a buffet of local specialities – participants are
encouraged to bring food representative of their local region.
Plans are also being hatched to head off to France and Spain for
a few days after the event before taking the ferry to Portsmouth
and on to a Series 2 Club annual camping weekend at Sixpenny
Handley, Dorset on July18-21.

12 JANUARY 2019
NEWS & VIEWS
& VIEWS

Land Rover Dog of the


Where’s the fire? Month
More applications to join this most exclusive motoring club.
I was extremely interested in the article in November’s Classic Land
Rover by Craig Watson, which I must say, is always a great read.
To enter please send photographs of your pets and
It brought a great smile to my face due to me just having finished
classic Land Rovers, and a few words about both, to
restoring a 1964 Fire Armour Fire Engine which is very similar.
news@classiclandrover.com
Mine was one of the very last 12 built before transferring over to
HCB in, I believe, that same month. I was lucky enough to be able to
show it at this year’s NEC Classic car show on the Series 2 stand .
Dillys as I called it, in my opinion, hasn’t came out half bad but it
was a long three years getting there.
Malcolm House

Poppy Bob and Murray


Graeme Barden sent in this These two lovely black
photo of Poppy, his daughter Labradors called Bob and
Sian’s chihuahua, in the back Murray are all ready for the
seat of his1988 90. off in the back of Charlie
Thankfully, he says she is not a Harvey-Evers’ 1970 Series
handbag dog and loves getting IIA 1970 called Martha. We
muddy and riding in the Land featured Martha in the Oct
Rover - in that order. 2017 edition of CLR.

Turning back
the years
Here is a pic of me sitting on the wing of my father’s Series II Beau Diesel and Meg
back in the day when he was a head forester with the Forestry This is Beau who loves to go Diesel and Meg, who belong
Commission. The Land Rover spent a lot of time off-road with its for drives in the Land Rover, to Neil Sims from Kent, like
6.00TMs and I remember it recovering fire engines and tractors on
according to owner Cathal to help out on the farm in his
occasions.
It also had a fire trailer (pump hoses and water tank) which sadly Clarke who writes to us from Series III pickup.
I have no picture but was styled similar to the Series II wings. It Dublin.
didn’t stand up to off-
road use so well and
broke a spring.
My father was a
www.firstfour.co.uk

great fan of Land


Rovers although only
drove FC once. He
also drove the Forest
Rover at Alice Holt
- he wasn’t greatly
impressed!
Graeme Barden

Pepper, Elsa and Freda Mollie and Milly


Jeremy Swinburne taking Springer spaniels Mollie and
Pepper Elsa and Freda out Milly are always first into
Please send in your news and letters for inclusion on these
hunting in his classic Range the front of Julie and Mark’s
pages. It may be a new product you’re retailing for the first Rover soft dash and then on Series IIA camper when it’s
time, a show you’re organising, a piece of research you’re for a swift pint at The Baa, time for a trip away and have
aware of, a special Land Rover you own or know of - in fact Edmundbyers, Co Durham, to be persuaded that they really
anything at all that you feel may be of interest to our readers. where all Land Rover owners should be riding in the back.
Please email news@classiclandrover.com are made most welcome.

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 13


NEWS & VIEWS

A legend
among legends
It’s not an exaggeration to say two-year project.
Ken Wheelwright, champion He attended many shows with
restorer of Series Ones, who his Land Rovers both in the UK
died recently aged 86, has left and abroad, winning many prizes
legacy that will endure for many for his work and making lifelong
years to come. He quite literally friends wherever he went.
changed the way that Land Ken restored around 40 Land
Rover Series Ones were viewed Rovers including an early AA
and was one of the first to realise breakdown vehicle. Many of his
their potential, restoring the first restorations have been used by
ones to concours condition. Land Rover and are in the Land
Kenneth Gordon Wheelwright, Rover Heritage Centre (including
or ‘Tim’ as he was known to fam- the DELs) and his name affixed
ily and close friends, was a dairy to a restoration adds many thou-
farmer in Mytholmroyd, Hebden sands of pounds to its value.
Bridge, Yorkshire. In 2003 Ken bought a 1946 Mor-
One of seven children he ris Commercial and he renovated
was born into the Wheelwright it in the livery of Wheelwright Bros
Brothers haulage dynasty, the haulage – it was this vehicle which
family diversifying into farming transported him on his final jour-
when the haulage business was ney, driven by his brother Barry.
nationalised after the war. Ken’s funeral on November 16
Ken’s first restoration was a Tri- was attended by hundreds of
umph 1300 in 1968 before moving mourners, many of whom trav-
onto buying and renovating Jeeps, elled for many miles to pay their
ex-military Minis and his beloved respects.
Series One Land Rovers. The first He leaves behind his widow
two of these were the DELs which Doris, whom he married in 1955,
sat around in boxes for 20 years his daughter Mary, son-in-law
until he and his friends got around Frank and grandchildren Eli and
to renovating them for Land Rov- Grace. His eldest daughter Gillian
er’s 40th anniversary in 1988 – a died in 1992.

A place for
everything… No water - no
problem
We all know that there is a lack of storage space inside a Land
Rover but David Bowyer of David Bowyer’s Off Road Centre has
come up with one solution to this problem.
His Roof Locker, made in Devon using high quality 9mm birch plywood,
Fontus is a great
can be used to store clean clothes or waterproofs when greenlaning or
valuables and personal belongings - in fact anything you would like to
little cordless
www.firstfour.co.uk

hide from sight! cleaner from


Apart from adding security and keeping your Land Rover tidier, the Bosch which can
roof locker also adds sound insulation making driving more pleasurable be used where there is
especially on long journeys. no mains water thanks to
Supplied as kits, they are cut to size, come with all the fixings and its 15-litre tank.
instructions and will fit all Land Rover hardtop models from Series II, The powerful 18-volt battery
1958, right through to 2016 will keep it going for up to
Defender 90 and 110. 60 minutes and it is perfect
The launch price is £199 for a range of cleaning tasks
plus carriage. wherever it is needed – use it
More information: www. to wash down the dog before
davidbowyer.co.uk putting him back in your Land
Rover after a muddy walk. It
works on gentle low pressure
so is quite safe.
Available online from around
£220.

14 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


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www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 15


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& VIEWS

In my experience Changing a half-shaft in


the snow in the Maluti
Mountains of Lesotho

Reader and regular contributor Series Land Rovers never were; at with a Salisbury rear axle? I have ment or as ‘improvements’ (Fitting
Eric Hayman has made a few least the ones I drove in the UK, had a half-shaft break on pulling LED Bulbs), physics now talks of
observations about the articles in Africa and Australia in the 1960s away from a tar road T-junction – light being bent by ‘gravitational
CLR issue 67: and 1970s. but only after the vehicle had had lenses’: light from a distant source
The difference between the The W4 Challenge brought back a pounding on rocky mountain is bent around any large object be-
power of the pre-Stage One Land memories of back-road driving tracks. tween the source and the observer.
Rovers and the Toyota Land in Western Australia, but not a As for the petrol fuel pump Since such distances are of the
Cruisers available at the time be- place name was mentioned. In jamming, I recall driving a Series inter-stellar range, this is unlikely
came very apparent when using what part of the very large state LWB Station Wagon fitted with two to trouble drivers on the longest
either at high altitude. Lesotho – were the drivers pitting their skills fuel tanks and an electric solenoid of earthly road journeys. But
with its lowest terrain at around against the terrain? pump. On a trip from Lesotho to those piercing beams do dazzle
5,000ft and its highest roads I was very surprised to read of a Durban, it refused to stop pumping when hitting interior and door
at more than10,500ft – readily Series III breaking a half-shaft on because of a faulty float valve in the mirrors; the former can easily be
showed how the 105bhp rated the traverse of the Canning Stock carburettor. The excess fuel found dipped, but not the latter.
Land Rover engines were beaten Route in present times. Admitted- its way into the sump, producing a Looking Back’s mention of Cuth-
by the Japanese165 bhp ones. ly any dirt road can have corruga- very diluted engine lubricant. bertson and railway wheel Land
‘Sporty’ may be the wrong word to tions, but did the half-shaft have Whether one loves or hates the Rover conversions reminded me
describe a 4x4 workhorse, but the the 10 or 24 splines? Since this is latest types of headlight bulbs that there is a short Pathe News
Land Cruisers were lively, which 2018, was the Series III not fitted currently available as original equip- film showing both on You Tube.

Retro Eighty Clean up your act


www.firstfour.co.uk

Over time a petrol engine’s performance deteriorates and fuel


Retro Eighty, the consumption and emissions go up.
Shropshire-based The fault lies with deposits on the inside of the engine that im-
business owned by Land pede combustion - the older the engine is, the more encrustations
Rover-loving graphic it carries around with it.
artist Dan Tomlinson has One solution is Injection Cleaner by German company Liqui Moly
launched a new T-shirt which is poured into the fuel tank so the product and the petrol
design featuring a see- can together clean away the deposits. Injection Cleaner can also
through 80in Series One. be used preventively: one can every 2,000 kilometers ensures that
It is screen printed onto new deposits cannot form in the first place.
100% soft feel white and Readily
costs £20 with free UK available, it
postage. retails in the
More details on this and UK around
the range of other prod- £7.50 for a
ucts at www.retroeighty. 300ml
co.uk treatment.

Injection nozzle before and after the use of


Injection Cleaner.

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 17


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The Showground, The Cliff, Matlock, Derbyshire. DE4 5EW
WORDS ROBERT SOEVIK PICTURES TERJE LINDGREN AND NEIL CAMPBELL EVENTS AND RALLIES

Arild Hokstad’s grey Series III won a prize in the public vote

Olav Haavardsholm’s Series One 107in which


was used as a school bus in the 1960s

It Takes Two
to Tango Drone images of the Vestby Old Rectory

Classic Range Rovers team up with Series Land


Rovers for a fun-filled weekend in Norway

before the main venue - the Vestby Old


Rectory, where another 40 cars were waiting.
Old friendships were sealed and new
ones made as people strolled among the
cars. Prizes for the public’s favourites were
Series IIIs shine in the sun Gaute Loftgaard’s retro road service Series III awarded to each of the Series generations
as well as two and four-door Range Rovers
and a lecture about the formation the

T ‘Old friendships
he Norwegian Land Rover Club has highway system leading north towards Oslo
run respective Land Rover meets was enjoyed.
for both Series and Range Rovers were sealed and new The sun had shone all day but as barbecue
for 13-14 years. This year, for the marque’s time approached the clouds were gathering
70th anniversary, the events were combined ones made as people so a number of tarpaulins were stretched
for a fun-filled weekend. between the vehicles to protect the tables
Saturday morning saw a mixed group of 17 strolled among the from the rain.
vehicles make an early start to meet up at the
old naval base of Karljohansvern in Horten
various cars’ The next morning the rain continued, but
undeterred, a number of participants put
where a tour of the old 1960s navy frigate themselves forward for the all-day Geo-
HNoMS Narvik, now a museum ship, was and took pictures. Challenge, the task was to navigate a route
scheduled. After landing on the eastern side in Moss and answer questions along the way.
On the way to catch the lunchtime Oslofjord the convoy faced its most challenging task At the end of the weekend, organisers
ferry a procession of 20 Land Rovers lined - the Saturday city traffic! Vehicles were agreed that combining the two events was
up for a cavalcade through Horten – which scattered but a rendezvous was arranged for a success, and something to aspire to in
caused great amusement as bystanders waved the last quiet half-an-hour of country lanes future years. a
www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 19
Events
Dates already announced for 2019
l
c
p
Land Rover Only Event

CLR coverage

Prizes
m
t
Motorsport

Camping

b Beer Tent i Points of interest

February
3
Stoneleigh Militaria
Military vehicle parts and militaria expo
The Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry,
Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ
07976 777117/info@militariashows.com
www.militariashows.com

April
7
Newbury 4x4 & Vintage Spares Day
Newbury Showground, Chieveley, Berkshire, RG18 9QZ.
The biggest Land Rover Autojumble in Europe plus large
Vintage section, over 800 sellers.
£7 per adult. 10am-2pm.
www.4x4sparesday.co.uk

May
11-12
Gaydon LR Show
British Motor Museum, Banbury Road, Gaydon,
Warwickshire,CV35 0BJ
10am-5pm (4pm Sun)
Adults £14, Children £9
www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk 25-27 June
The Overlord Show
23-27 Denmead, Hants 8-9
Three days of military vehicles, living history
Series III & 90-110 Owners Club accompanied by militaria and food traders. Ripon 4x4 & Vintage Spares day
National Rally In support of military and local charities. Ripon Racecourse, Boroughbridge Rd, Ripon, HG4 1UG.
Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire Land Rover & vintage spares autojumble. Classic car
www.overlordshow.co.uk
www.thelandroverclub.co.uk show on June 9
£5 per adult. 9am-1.30pm.
25-27 25-26 www.4x4sparesday.co.uk

ALRC National Rally Land Rover Legends


Anglian LRC and Chiltern Vale LRC
Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire 15-16
www.landroverlegends.com Wartime in the Vale
Site near Milton Keynes
More details tba Ashdown Farm, Badsey, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire,
www.alrc.co.uk WR11 7EN
A family show with mix of military and vintage civilian
displays
07899 025091/amy@ashdowncamp.com
www.ashdowncamp.com

28-30
LRSOC National Rally
Norfolk tba (members event)
www.lrsoc.com

July
3-7
Opheers Mark X
Opheers (75km east of Brussels), Belgium
10th anniversary of this classic Land Rover event
carl.vanravensteyn@telenet.be

5-8
Les Series en Helvetia
The Swiss Series meeting
www.series-helvetie.ch

To have your Land Rover event listed here send


details to news@classiclandrover.com

20 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


6-7
Annual Summer Gala and Historic
Transport Weekend
Evesham Vale Light Railway
The Valley, Twyford, Evesham, Worcestershire,
WR11 4DS
Cars, bikes, traction engines, tractors, commercial
vehicles and buses welcome
Matthew Lambert 07867 804776/ml31271@gmail.com

23-27
War and Peace Revival
Hop Farm Show Ground, Maidstone Road, Paddock
Wood, Kent, TN12 6PY
Military vehicle and re-enactment show.
www.warandpeacerevival.com

26-28
Kelmarsh Land Rover Show
Northhamptonshire
kelmarshlandrovershow.com

August
24 14-15 27
Ripon 4x4 & Vintage Spares day MROC Major’s Memorial Trial Malvern 4x4 & Vintage Spares Day
Ripon Racecourse, Boroughbridge Rd, Ripon, HG4 1UG. 50th Anniversary Event
Wye Halls, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs,
Land Rover and vintage spares autojumble. Classic car Eastnor Castle, Eastnor, Ledbury HR8 1RN
WR13 6NW
show on August 25 £6.50 per adult. 9am-1.30pm.
£5 per adult. 9am-1.30pm.
www.4x4sparesday.co.uk www.4x4sparesday.co.uk
October
24-26 November
Leafers at’Pit 6
New Venue! Newbury 4x4 & Vintage Spares Day 8-10
Apedale Valley Light Railway, Chesterton, Newcastle- Newbury Showground, Chieveley, Berkshire, RG18 9QZ. Lancaster Insurance
under-Lyme, Staffs. The biggest Land Rover autojumble in Europe plus large
vintage section, more than 800 sellers. Classic Motorshow
£7 per adult. 10am-2pm. NEC, Birmingham

September www.4x4sparesday.co.uk www.necclassicmotorshow.com

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 21


SERIES ONE

The first big test – Gatescarth Pass in the Lake District

young man of about 12 or 13 years, who III, as the Series One was not quite ready. I

I
t’s always a pleasure to see a father and
son working together on the restoration in a very polite way, enquired whether was standing idly by the Land Rover when
of an old Land Rover. It reassures us that my Series One Land Rover was for sale. up came the same young man, accompanied
the custodianship of these historic vehicles I explained that my project was merely by his father. After introductions, it turned
will be in safe hands in the future. When ‘resting’, and that I was soon to begin work out that Harry and James lived just round
I discovered that such a team restoration finishing the refurbishment of the vehicle. the corner from me, and that they were now
effort was taking place within 100 yards of The lad thanked me, and went on his way, working on a 1957 Series One project.
my home, I had to investigate further. and I thought no more of the matter. James Hodgson – the father – was brought
The story began one evening as I arrived Fast-forward to the Leafers at t’ Pit show up in and around Land Rovers through his
home from work and was approached by a later that year. I'd gone there in my Series family links to agriculture. In the main,

22 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


Richard Johnson meets a
father and son who have
discovered a shared interest
The in Series Land Rovers

Torch WORDS RICHARD JOHNSON


PICTURES LOUISE LIMB AND HARRY HODGSON

these were the ubiquitous, marine blue


Series IIIs, so familiar in the 1970s farming
world. Later, working for a company which ‘One interesting
did maintenance on utility sites such as
reservoirs, James had the use of a range feature on the
of modern Land Rovers – Defender 110in
Hicaps, both Tdi and Td5 versions, and a
bulkhead was
90in Td5 – which were used to carry mowers
and other equipment to the more remote
the existence of two
sites. After James established his own holes on each side’
www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 23
SERIES ONE

First tentative test back on the road

The front panel fitted. Hung on the wall is an 86” panel rejected by Harry

The body panels – some good –some bad

The abandoned project as purchased

landscape gardening business, he bought an The seller had bought the Land Rover for
ex military 90in for use in winter. restoration, but had done little before losing
One evening Harry and James saw a interest and putting it up for sale again.
programme about the restoration of a 1950 Very little is known of the previous history
80in and knew that they wanted to work on of the vehicle. It had once been owned by ‘As their knowledge
a similar project themselves. a farm in Essex, and at some stage a V8
The hunt for the perfect project began engine had been installed, but this was no grew they developed
in earnest and eventually they found an
abandoned restoration in Leeds, which
longer present. James later wrote to the
farm to see if he could learn anything more,
the ability to pick out
seemed to fit the bill and they made a
successful bid.
but received no reply.
With the 1,997cc engine in the rear
hidden treasures’
24 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com
tub, the project was put on a trailer and checked and refurbished, Harry and James fitted and bled, attention was turned to the
driven back to the Hodgsons’ workshop realised that many of the smaller parts million and one other jobs that take up so
for inspection. All the major components were missing. They began to frequent auto much time in a thorough rebuild. At first
were present, and the chassis and bulkhead jumbles, looking for Series One parts. This the plan had been to fit a truck cab, and
seemed to be in reasonable condition. The became an enjoyable aspect of the rebuild, one had been purchased. Now, after some
wings were not good, and there was no and as their knowledge grew they developed consideration, views had changed, and the
hard top, but work on building up a rolling the ability to pick out hidden treasures: they decision was made to fit a full hard top.
chassis could be started without delay. quickly found many of the parts needed. One was found on eBay, and although it
The chassis was rubbed down, and In parallel with the acquisition of parts, was located in Kent, was purchased – the
although it needed some welding on the came an accumulation of knowledge. Harry travelling is all part of the fun.
outriggers and rear crossmember, it was read everything he could about the history of
soon ready for a coat of red oxide primer. Series One production, and rapidly became
The bulkhead top rail was too far gone expert at knowing when changes were made.
for repair, although the rest of the structure In an amazingly short time he became the
was good, so a complete new section was arbiter of authenticity, reining in the industry
purchased from Radfords, and was carefully and enthusiasm of his father – if a part was
welded into place. One interesting feature incorrect, it would not be fitted!
on the bulkhead was the existence of two With the rolling chassis fitted with engine
holes on each side, roughly level with the and gearboxes, the engine tested, the brakes
vents. These are about half-an-inch internal
diameter, and have tubes in them, suggesting
that they were intended to be load bearing.
They are well made, with quality welding to
retain the tubes. The best suggestion so far is
that they were made to fit a roll cage.
The engine turned, but was something
of an unknown quantity. Eventually the
decision was made to strip it down while it
was out, rather than run the risk of trusting
to luck. When dismantled, the bores were
found to be in good enough condition for
further service, so the engine was rebuilt Proud owners – James and Harry
using new piston rings, bearings and seals.
The same method was used with the Icons of British farming
gearbox and transfer box. Everything was
checked then rebuilt with new seals and
gaskets. Both axles went through the same
process, and, after being fitted with new
road-springs, were fitted to the chassis -
work was going well on the project.
As these major components were being The nicely worn seats and period farming
features

Timeless – an evocative workshop scene

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 25


SERIES ONE

Some parts were found much nearer home,


including a full set of seats. Though well
worn, they do the job, and avoid the ‘gold
tooth’ look of shiny new seats in an old
vehicle, which so often spoils a restoration.
With most of the mechanical work
completed, attention could now be turned
to the body. It was never intended that this
should be a concours restoration, rather a
sympathetic rebuild to return the vehicle
to regular use. The body panels were made
good, where necessary, and were hand
painted with Tractol coach enamel. It works

Ready for another 60 years of service Stripping paint from the chassis. Nothing too bad was found

Icons of Post-War
agriculture
When the Land Rover entered the market
in 1948, the management at Rover
foresaw sales to farmers as a potential
growth area. However, the Land Rover
could only drag implements like ploughs or
harrows – it was a motorised equivalent of
a draft horse.
In 1946, the Ulster genius, Harry
Ferguson had negotiated an agreement
with the management of the Standard
Motor Company, to manufacture his TE-20
tractor at their Coventry plant. The TE-20
was fitted with the Ferguson hydraulic
three-point linkage, which meant that
tractor and plough worked as a unit.
The obvious advantages of the three-
point linkage meant that the use of
the Land Rover as a draft engine was
superseded before actual production
The rebuilt engine is tested began. Despite this, it was common to see
both these icons of agriculture together on
The rubber and felt seals for the brake and
clutch pedals are fitted correctly. Many people
‘Some parts were farms for decades after the 1940s

fit them the wrong way found much nearer 60-year-old Series One coped with the
terrain. Since that first big test the vehicle
home, including a has been used regularly, both for green
laning, and in connection with various
full set of seats’ shoots that Harry and James belong to.
The father and son pair are not resting on
well, and again avoids the ‘too shiny’ looks their laurels. Even while the Series One was
of some over-restored Land Rovers. being restored they added further projects,
With new 6.00x16 cross ply tyres fitted, including a 1979 Series III, and a Ferguson
and all the paperwork sorted out, 134 tractor. By the time the Series III is on the
ASV was ready for use. A few gentle miles road, young Harry will be old enough to
around home revealed no major problems, take his driving test, and this will become
so plans were made for longer excursions. his first vehicle. In the meanwhile, the hunt
The first real test of the Series One was is on for another project, for they would like
on a camping and green laning weekend in to own an 80in Series One. Though many
the Lake District. Apart from having a flat have been investigated, the right one has
battery on the Saturday morning – rectified not yet been found, but in time it will be.
by use of the starting handle – the vehicle The torch of Land Rover ownership burns
behaved impeccably, and successfully drove brightly in the Hodgsons, and James can be
over Gatescarth Pass. James, who is used proud that young Harry will be more than
Test run on a local lane
to modern Land Rovers, was completely
impressed by the ease with which the
capable of carrying it into the future.a
26 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com
P.A BLANCHARD & CO.
EX MILITARY LANDROVER SPECIALISTS, CLAY LANE, SHIPTONTHORPE, YORK, UK YO43 3PU

TEL: +44 (0)1430 872765 | FAX: +44 (0)1430 872777


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EX MOD SPARES,
SURPLUS STORES
& EQUIPMENT

checkout our facebook page & surplus stores page.


1000’s of series parts stocked 1948 - 1984
for military and civilian models.
telephone or
place your order on our website.

wanted
new land rover parts purchased in any quantity
SERIES ONE

WORDS AND PICTURES LOUISE LIMB A Ute named


Wombat

‘Exporting the Land Rover was as much a


priority for Rover as it was for Britain post-war’

28 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


Paul Lund once owned two famous Series IIAs but always yearned for a
Series One. This Australian Ute fitted the bill perfectly

orkshireman Paul Lund’s Land Rover

Y Series One 107in ‘Ute’, is a vehicle


specification peculiar to Australia.
The term referred historically to a tray-back
configuration with a wooden load bed and
kangaroo guard rather than a pick-up,
though nowadays Australians give the
name Ute to just about every vehicle that
fits the description, ‘pick-up’.
Rover’s longer Land Rover, a model that
would appeal to commercial buyers, had
first appeared in 1954. A prototype dating
from 1951, clearly inspired by the Tickford
body hints at US-styling to the cab but
the vehicle that was finally launched had
a much more familiar look. The 107in
wheelbase model boasted a load space 72in
long and 57in wide and a payload of 15cwt
with bigger brakes to match.
Rover also claimed that this new pick-up
gave a better ride as the prop-shaft was
longer, permitting greater vertical wheel
travel. The company even tempted buyers
with deluxe additions for the cab such as
head-lining, door trim and floor covering and
there is even photographic evidence of an
optional tropical roof. The engine however
remained the same 1,997cc spread bore petrol
engine that had been introduced in 1953.
Exporting the Land Rover was as much
a priority for Rover as it was for Britain
post-war, and Australia had been a vital part
of Rover’s export drive from the outset. The
Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric scheme in
New South Wales was among those to set the
ball rolling in 1950, taking 300 Land Rovers.
Subsequently complete knock-down (CKD)
kits were distributed to various agents for
assembly using some local parts. For example,
Grenville Motors (a part of the Larke, Neave
and Carter group) was the Sydney, NSW agent,
assembling CKD kits in the early 1950s until
Paul Lund acquired this 1956 Series One Ute in July 2017 with the Pressed Metal Corporation (PMC) took over
Ben Stowe completing much of the initial refurbishment work all assembly in NSW.

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 29


SERIES ONE

‘Ben replaced the 11in brakes, pipes


and master cylinder to ensure the Land
Rover stops as efficiently as it drives’

Paul has added one plate to the entirely original


dash to accommodate the oil and water gauge
and has added a choke light
Paul’s Ute arrived in the UK in May
2017, one of a wave of Australian-built
Land Rovers wending their way back
to a somewhat damp mother country.
Their chassis and bulkheads are virtually
corrosion-free and their bodies sand-blasted
to a highly desirable patina by the dry, red
dirt of the outback.
The prodigiously talented Ben Stowe of
Black Paw 4x4 had spotted this 107in and
began work straight-away re-commissioning
it sympathetically. Paul bought it in July
2017 while work was still in progress and it
had its first public outing two months later at
the York Historic Vehicle Group’s Knavesmire
show at the city’s racecourse. According to
the PMC build plate, the Land Rover has
Body 142 and serial number 107142.
The chassis was rust free as was the
bulkhead. The rear crossmember and bell-
housing crossmember, while slightly bent,
are very low down on Paul’s to-replace
list. The only replacement needed, apart
Paul’s 107in Ute dates from 1956 when Little is known of the Ute’s time in Australia from the front bumper which had been
Land Rovers were being assembled from after it was despatched from the PMC factory pulled out of shape after many years of
CKD kits at the Enfield plant in the suburbs on April 11, 1956 but in common with other a rope tugging round its middle, was the
of Sydney (the same plant where PMC examples bears the name of an owner on gearbox crossmember due to abrasion.
also assembled the Austin Gipsy and other its offside wing; in this case, A C Ingram Exceptionally rough country had reduced
BMC models). Some components such of Nimmitabel, NSW. Nimmitabel, on the this to half its original thickness. The
as the wheels were produced locally and southern edge of the Great Dividing Range original black paint long gone, the chassis
those on Paul’s 107in are each stamped was a once important stop on the Monaro had been painted a light green and to
‘ROK Australia’. ROK was Rubery Owen Plains for miners and prospectors on their protect his rust-free chassis Paul has used
and Kelmsley, the same company that later way to the gold fields at Kiandra. The area Buzzweld wax oil inside the chassis and
became Rubery Owen Holdings in Australia, has particularly rich, fertile soil for and it is Owatrol oil on the visible areas. The latter
the British parent company Rubery Owen also possible that the Ingram on the wing may dries to a clear, tough finish.
responsible for the 101in’s powered trailer. well have been a farmer. The tray-back is bolted directly to the

30 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


The ‘Ute’ is a type of vehicle peculiar to chassis and Ben sourced some suitable Perspex window at the rear of the cab, also
Australia, characterised by a wooden tray-back, timber from an architectural salvage yard repairing the runners. The windscreen glass
kangaroo bars and angular rear wheel arches to re-board it. Wombat is now equipped panels had been so badly etched by sand
with around 12 floorboards from a once that on his first outing, Paul was completely
splendid hotel in Harrogate - though Paul blinded and had to stop until the sun
has plans to replace these eventually with disappeared behind clouds.
hardwood for better outdoor durability. This 107in is a later example, with the
An agricultural tow pin sits on the battle- front panel made from steel rather than
scarred rear crossmember. aluminium alloy and has the single hole
The body of the 107in is a testament to more usually found on a 109in rather than
Australia’s climate and much of the exposed the usual four found on earlier 107in pick-
paintwork has been lost to the weather, with ups (although 107in Station Wagons always
areas such as under the bonnet edges retaining had the steel, one-hole panel). Behind that
the original dove grey. Paul has washed traces
of oil off and treated the surface with beeswax The engine bay is almost entirely original and
to preserve the 107in’s patina. Paul’s happy find of a Morris Minor horn was a
There are of course interesting traces of perfect and it transpires, appropriate fit
history on the bodywork; one of these, a
split in the near-side wing an another a
rumoured bullet hole in the rear side panel.
Original door and window rubbers had
perished and Paul replaced these along
with the windscreen and door glass and the

Proud Yorkshireman Paul Lund is no stranger


to Land Rovers. His enthusiasm began when
serving as a military transport driver for the
RAF. He recalls a 109in and a powered trailer
for the Air Sea Squadron with fondness and
remembers driving 130in ambulances in the
Falklands. Paul’s first Land Rover was a Series
III Station Wagon and he went on to own a
1964 Series IIA 88in which was the first to
be used by the ‘Heartbeat’ television show.
Following this brush with the media, Paul
acquired a Herbert Lomas Series IIA ambulance
rebuilding it from scratch. The Lomas appeared
regularly in Heartbeat, also earning its keep When Paul acquired the 107in the glass was so
in ‘The Royal’ TV show. The Ute is Paul’s first sand-blasted that he could not see through the
Series One and he will not be selling it windscreen when driving into the sun

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 31


SERIES ONE

‘There are of course


interesting traces of
history on the bodywork’

The Ute’s tray-back, boarded with hardwood


or in Paul’s case, reclaimed timber, sits high
above the rear crossmember on a sub-frame
atop the chassis

Specs: connectors, one of which is a small wooden


stick, possibly eucalyptus and carefully
Model: Series One 107in wrapped in wire, likely an outback repair.
Year: 1956 Front sidelights also now function as the
Engine type: Rover four-cylinder indicators, a Series II indicator lever unit
Fuel: Petrol operating the flasher relay and sealed beam
Displacement: 1,997cc headlights have a dip switch in the centre
Power: 52bhp at 4,000rpm of the steering wheel. As there were no rear
The 107in Series One was assembled at the Torque: 101lb ft at 1,500rpm lights when the Land Rover arrived from
Enfield, Sydney plant of the Pressed Metal Transmission: Land Rover Australia, Ben sourced a set of neat period
Corporation and delivered in April 1956 Series One truck lights that blend in perfectly. Also, as
Type: Selectable four-wheel the 107in was a commercial vehicle there is
Each of the five wheels is stamped ROK
drive in high range just one wiper and motor and Paul lost an
Australia, the Pressed Metal Corporation
Gears: Four forward arm on an early outing. Luckily, it was found
using locally produced parts
one reverse lodged underneath the spare wheel on the
Transfer Box: Two speed high and bonnet.
low range The horn was a mystery. It wasn’t present
Suspension: Leaf springs front and there seemed to be no evidence of one
and rear where it should have been on a 107in, down
by the radiator. The present item came from
Brakes: Drums front and rear
a Morris Minor belonging to Paul’s brother
Wheels: 16in ROK
and it fitted perfectly into a bracket they
Tyres: 700 x16 found on the bonnet. There was a curious
Wheelbase: 107in slit in the wing and when Paul closed the
radiator panel, the engine is the original Length: 173.5in bonnet with the new horn in place, it fitted
1997cc factory-fitted side-valve engine. As Width: 62.6in perfectly into this groove. The Austin horn
it was smoking when it arrived, Ben had the Height: 83.5in was meant to be there. Remembering that
engine rebuilt and apart from an exhaust Weight: 3,031lb PMC, Enfield, Sydney’s plant also assembled
gasket blowing, the engine cruises quietly minimum unladen Austin vehicles the mystery clears; it was
and efficiently at 50mph. As Paul notes: Turning circle: 50ft possibly the same one they were fitting
“You can even talk loudly over it.” Ben to Austin Gipsys! The Ute is now a firm
fitted a new exhaust with Paul later adding replacement. New, safer, prop shafts, track- favourite with its ‘Pommy’ owner and Pepsi,
a radiator cowling and heat shield. He also rod ends and springs were on the list and his border collie. Paul has equipped the
replaced the very tired Solex carburettor while the steering is all original and “works Land Rover with two period milk churns
with a Weber and fitted a new fuel pump fine with very little wander”, he replaced all and a steel box for storage on the rear.
along with new pipes, but the remainder of the swivel balls and seals and upgraded the Despite being bolted down, Paul has had to
the engine and system appears original. cone system with Railko Series II bushes. furnish them with straps to keep the traffic
Ben replaced the 11in brakes, pipes and The electrical system needed attention and police at bay. They stopped him once for
master cylinder to ensure the Land Rover Ben fitted a new wiring loom. The 107in carrying an unsecured load. Winter is a
stops as efficiently as it drives. The axles has a positive earth system with a dynamo little less fun than summer as the Ute has
and steering system were sound though and regulator, all different from the British no heater nor any pipes to fit one but Paul
some parts subject to wear and tear required specification. The regulator has two fuse is happy to put a few extra layers on. a
32 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com
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www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 33


SERIES III

Wrecks WORDS AND PICTURES


DAN WARDEN

to Riches
This One-Ton breakdown truck has been on Dan Warden’s radar for some

A
t Gaydon Land-Rover show last own. You could have eaten your dinner off tilt and used to tow a trailer of some kind,
spring I finally clapped eyes upon any part of this vehicle, or sat in it in your possibly a forensics unit.
a vehicle I had been waiting to see Sunday best without fear of staining it. As It was sold off in 1979 and acquired by
for some time. Bright yellow and standing a well as being an exceptionally high-quality Trevor for his motor repair business and
little taller than other Land-Rovers, Trevor’s rebuild, the vehicle itself had an interesting converted into a recovery truck complete
Essex-based One-Ton 109in breakdown history to boot. with Harvey-Frost crane in the rear tub. It
truck was a real head-turner. It was originally used by Essex Police, gave sterling service for a few years before
You get nice restorations, and you get tidy although there is some uncertainty as eventually being replaced with newer
Land-Rovers, but what we had here was to exactly what they did with it. Trevor equipment.
just something else, really in a league of its believes it was fitted with a three-quarter By the late 1980s it had been rendered

34 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


‘The vehicle had
the interior painted
in the correct deep
bronze green’
photos, and thinking it looked like a great
project, but probably the kind of thing
many would baulk at.
Covered in moss and old leaves, paintwork
faded, door tops hanging forlornly from
rotten bolts, it was almost impossible to
imagine at that time the gem it would end
up being. A true wrecks to riches story.
I don’t know what it cost, but as the
work was being done in-house at Trevor’s
business, it was probably more tolerable
than employing a rebuilder to do the work.
In any case this is genuinely one of the best
out there, from the wonderfully straight
panels to the crisp, bright paintwork. And
there was no skimping either. The vehicle
had the interior painted in the correct deep
bronze green, not just done in yellow to
match the outside.
It’s the attention to detail that really
catches the eye. The only real deviation
from original is the hydraulic winch.
Apparently it did have one when new,
but the police removed it before sale. A
winch was found and now sits proudly
atop the front bumper. After sitting outside
for so long, rust was a problem, and so a
new galvanised chassis was bought from
Richards and the vehicle built up on that,
using many new parts, combined with
original parts, expertly reconditioned.
When Trevor began the restoration
there was some question over the correct

This mighty 1-Ton is standing


tall on its 900X16 tyres Time had taken its toll on this breakdown truck

obsolete, and succumbed to the fate that


sadly eventually befalls many Land-Rovers.
Parked in a corner of the yard it was slowly
forgotten about and began to return to
mother earth.
Fast forward a few years and after his
retirement Trevor’s mind turned back to
that faithful old One-Tonner, his original
breakdown truck. A plan was hatched to
restore it. I recall being emailed the initial The signwriting and blue wheels are a wonderful contrast to the yellow bodywork

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 35


SERIES III

‘It was almost impossible to imagine at The side view shows the overhang of the crane, so
care is needed when reversing!
that time the gem it would end up being’

Time had taken its toll on this breakdown truck

The 2.6-litre engine is just as well restored as the


bodywork

registration for the vehicle. Although it had


been road-registered when new, Trevor ran
it on trade plates as a breakdown truck, as
was normal at the time.
I came up with every idea that occurred to
me to help get the original registration back
on it but without luck, especially as the
DVSA have become very cagey about owner
information in recent years. Eventually
I suggested contacting the local county Cab interior is as good as the exterior
archives, sitting down with the registration
documents and looking for the chassis Salisbury pattern rear axle rather than
number. Amazingly it worked! The vehicle the expected ENV design. By this time the
is now reunited with its original registration Series IIA was coming to the end of its reign
number, ROO 980K. and all models had shallow sills, lamps
The vehicle was built on chassis number in wings, and on 109in vehicles the rear
22900137H, a pretty late production series wheelarch had been enlarged.
IIA One-Ton 109in, for the home market. It Since getting it back on the road Trevor
entered dispatch on August 24,1971, and has taken it to a few shows near his home,
was dispatched ‘out’ on the following day, and I did smile when he told me he didn’t
destined to Windmill & Lewis, the Land remember quite how noisy, slow and
Rover dealers for Bristol. thirsty the One-Tons were. “The memories
Quite how it ended up with Essex police perhaps travel a little better than the Land-
Harvey Frost recovery crane is just the job for
from Bristol is unclear. Being such a Rover,” he said! In this case, keeping those
late build IIA One-Ton the vehicle has a
breakdown work!
memories alive is what it’s all about. a
36 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com
www.roamerdrive.com
In U.K. visit your Britpart stockist
SERIES ONE

First Parade
The RAF celebrated its centenary in 2018 with a calendar of parades and events so
it seems right to mark the occasion by inspecting the details on this stunning 80in
WORDS: EMRYS KIRBY PICTURES: IAN CLEGG AND NICK SAWYER

T
he Royal Air Force was established saw the RAF become a true household name
on April 1, 1918, just as World War ‘Nick Sawyer’s through its most significant campaign in the
One was entering its final stages. It is
the oldest independent air force in the world
80in has to be one Battle of Britain.
Post-war, the RAF underwent significant
and for more than 100 years it has played
a significant role in British military history.
of the best-restored reorganisation, reflecting the development
of jet technology and the rise and
Its mission statement is to be ‘An agile, RAF Series Ones deepening of the Cold War. It is also
adaptable and capable Air Force that, person during this period that it started using
for person, is second to none and that makes out there’ 80in Land Rovers. The Ministry of Supply
a decisive air power contribution in support tested two pre-production Land Rovers
of the UK Defence Mission’. World War Two in 1948, leading to significant military

38 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


Note correct khaki colour tilt

RAF vehicles were used in a variety of roles and no two were the same

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 39


SERIES ONE

contracts, even though the vehicle was can easily serve as a reference vehicle.
initially considered a stand-in until the Completed in 2008, it remains as fresh
Austin Champ hit full production. When as the day it came out of his workshop and
Champ production stopped, the Land Rover is a testament to his skill as a professional
eventually became the official quarter-ton restorer and custodian. Nick has an RAF
Forward Area vehicle in 1956. Usually we background, having served three years as a
think in terms of military Land Rovers as ground support mechanic, and his decision
standard Deep Bronze Green – after all it to buy this vehicle was based purely on the
was because of the strength of military fact that it was also ex-RAF and happened
contracts that it became the standard colour to be complete and in original condition.
and the army had them by the thousands Over the past few years, he has become
but of course, Land Rovers supplied to the something of an expert on the details
RAF were painted blue/grey. of early RAF Land Rovers: he has been Oil grades marked on all top-up points
Nick Sawyer’s 80in has to be one of the instrumental in knowledge-sharing in the
best-restored RAF Series Ones out there and Series One Club and in getting a batch of
the care and attention he has put into the Ministry of Supply identity plates made up.
restoration and ancillary details means this The Ministry of Supply identification plate

Nick acquired the appropriate 368 RAF plate

Note extra towing eyes on the rear crossmember – it might have been used as a glider tug

Justifiably proud owner Nick Sawyer

40 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


Rolling chassis during the restoration

‘The plate was


attached with four
dome head spiral
shank rivets’
on the near side dumb iron of 368 RAF
confirms it as a Truck Quarter Ton 4x4 GS
Rover Mk2; GS tells us it was a General
Service vehicle and the Mk2 confirms it as
a 1,997cc model (Mk 1 was used for the
earlier 1,595cc engine models). The 361
prefix on the chassis number dates it as a Original number plate curved round the wing
1953-year model but this one was actually profile
built in December 1952. The vehicle
was built under contract number DO6/ This vehicle is as authentic as possible in all the
small details
VEH/10185 and given military number 43
AA 83. It’s worth noting that the location
of the plate on the dumb iron is for the later this tended not to happen to RAF vehicles.
80in models, earlier vehicles had the plate Nick was also able to find the original
attached to the engine side of the bulkhead RAF roundel on the left-hand wing. These
or to the left inner wing under the bonnet. could be painted on or in the form of a
The plate also includes spaces to note water slide transfer and for reference, it
vehicle maintenance and repairs. On these consists of a 9in Oxford Blue circle, a 6in
later vehicles the plate was attached with white circle and a 3in Signal red centre. He
four dome head spiral shank rivets. Original Ministry of Supply identity plate explained that these were usually on the
When Nick first acquired the vehicle it right-hand wing but because of the location
still had a significant amount of original of the Land Rover number plate, it was
paint and the remains of RAF details. He applied to the opposite side.
explained that the original paint colour was With reference to the original number
the slightly darker blue/grey introduced plate 43 AA 83, the two number, two
in 1947 and from 1949, this became a full letters, two numbers was the standard
gloss finish with the code BSC 633. The military format but the A relates to an RAF
usual zinc chromate paint was used as vehicle. When on show, it wears its original
undercoat on aluminium but red oxide was RAF identity, the seven-and-a-half by
used as the undercoat on steel. It’s been thirteen-and-a-half in number plate curving
observed that while army Land Rovers round the wing profile but when out on the
Rebuilt engines were painted sky blue
were often repainted many times in service, roads it wears the appropriate 368 RAF, a

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 41


SERIES ONE

Many hours of research have gone into getting all the details right on this vehicle

Getting slightly muddy but the vehicle is kept pristine

Original roundel was still on the wing

Plenty of the original paint clinging on to the


bulkhead

number that Nick chose for it, replacing the on a reference vehicle. As with all military
otherwise insignificant number allocated on Land Rovers it has been fitted with a brass
demob. Pyrene fire extinguisher, fitted to a bracket
Walking round the vehicle, you’ll notice a on the bulkhead, just above the transmission
number of codes giving oil grades near the tunnel.
filling points; engine OMD 110, gearbox OMD The engine in Nick’s vehicle has been
330, axles OMD 220, steering box and relay painted Sky Blue which was the standard
OC 600. Look at the front crossmember and military engine colour. It would have been
you’ll see D/T and an arrow which relates to the usual factory dark green/blue colour Original stencilling on the re-built engine block
the drain tap and if anti freeze was added, when it first entered service but repainted in
a white square with a red dot and the date military colours when it was reconditioned possible that Nick’s was used on an airstrip
filled would be added either on the bonnet in service. Otherwise it is a sweet-sounding, to tow a glider, indicated by the extra towing
or on the radiator. As with all military Land standard 1,997cc Siamese bore engine but eyes on the rear crossmember. This vehicle
Rovers, the tyre pressures are noted on the with Nick’s own modification to the oil filter is a superb reference for any would-be RAF
wheel arches. This is fantastic rivet-counting to give it full flow filtration. Land Rover owner and it has also served as
stuff but is important information which Series One Land Rovers would have seen a the inspiration for a Minichamps 1:18 scale
made life much easier for the maintenance variety of roles in RAF service, from aircraft diecast model, one of the most detailed Land
staff and which deserves to be replicated crash rescue to mountain rescue but it is Rover models available. a
42 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com
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YORKSHIRE SPECIALISTS
Traditional Motor
Engineers specialising in -
Repairs and Service for all
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www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 43


JOURNEYS

Meeting up on the edge of the plain

‘It had clearly been


cosseted and appears
to have had at least
a partial rebuild’

Wrecker and SEB on the last lane

44 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


Beware of

Tanks Dan Warden and his friend Tom


take their two 1-Tons for a spot of
greenlaning on Salisbury Plain
WORDS AND PICTURES DAN WARDEN

O
ne evening my phone pinged to tell minutes, he said”. It gave me a chance
me I had received a message via to take in the scenery, investigate the
Facebook. It was my friend Tom, a annoying clicking coming from my driver’s
fellow 1-Ton owner. side wiper, and snap a pic of the ‘tanks
“Do you fancy doing some laning on crossing’ road sign native to the region.
Salisbury plain in 1-Tons?” he asked. Well After a short wait Tom arrived, we had a
naturally I didn't need to be persuaded, so quick chat, did a couple of little jobs that
I told him to let me know when and where two pairs of hands make easier, and then
and I would be there. He promised to do off we went.
some advertising to see if anyone else was I can't offer a blow-by-blow description
interested. It was a long shot considering of where we went on the plain. Suffice it to
how few 1-Tons are left! say that it is vast and pretty much covered in
In the interim I had been offered a set of green lanes.
replacement tyres, no mean feat to get a set Keep an eye out for tank and artillery ranges
of five 9.00x16s, so the plain would end up in use, and follow all warning signs and you’ll
being a nice first testing ground for them. be fine. Instead I'll just let the photos do the
With new tyres on, I set off early one talking.
morning to the designated meeting point Most of the driving was on rough gravel Watch out for tanks! Not
about two hours away by One-Tonner. I roads rather than on what most would a normal laning trip
arrived with no sign of Tom. “I'm having consider green lanes, and after the summer
engine issues, will be with you in 20 heat they were still kicking up a fair dust

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 45


JOURNEYS

‘The two vehicles represent opposite


ends of the IIA 1-Ton spectrum’

SEB on a grass track

cloud when driven. I had images in my


mind of ‘First Overland’ in the far east, or
the time Simon Westcott drove a IIA One-
Ton to South Africa in 1972.
The two vehicles represent opposite ends
of the IIA One-Ton spectrum. Mine is the
oldest known on the road, battle-scarred
and bruised in places, but still slogging on. Parked up by Imber village
Identical brothers to it worked in the region for
Southern Electricity Board in the 1970s, mine open to visitors. The houses are long gone,
a little further away in the Portsmouth region. replaced by FIBUA training facilities, but
Tom’s is the second to last IIA One-Ton by the church remains. We went inside for a
build number. It had clearly been cosseted look round, and to buy a drink. As I was
and appears to have had at least a partial being served Tom commented: “Did you
rebuild in the past. It also has all the later see that Series One 80in we passed?” The
IIA features such as bigger wheel nuts, woman serving me perked up: “A Land
shallow sills and the larger rear wheelarch. Rover? I love old Land Rovers!” You can
One highlight of the trip was stopping find Land Rover enthusiasts in the most
off at Imber village. Normally off limits unlikely places.
to civilians, for a few days each year it is We continued on after our drink and had Meeting up on the edge of the plain

46 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


a look at some of the unique sights, such Tech specs
as the burned out remains of tanks left
scattered around, a remnant of cold war
1-Ton 109in Series IIA
disarmament agreements.
A stop off at a local pub for lunch is 2.6-litre six-cylinder petrol engine
typical of a green lane run and this was no IIB Forward Control gearbox/transfer
exception. We also used the break time to box ratios
change over the rotten oil tank bracket on my 900x16 tyres on six-and-a-half in steel
truck with a sparkling new reproduction item wheels
from LR Optional Equipment. Top quality Axles by ENV
work and a good price too. If only the rest of
the underside was as tidy to match! NBK 148G
The plain is mainly chalk downs, with Chassis number 22900013A
little mud, and aside from an occasional Built April 28, 1969
puddle it was pretty dry overall, even on SEB Green
grassy sections. Dispatched to Henlys of London for
The new tyres (NATO pattern bargrips if onward sale to Southern Electricity
anyone is interested) performed flawlessly, Board at Portsmouth. Retired from
although I don't think I was pushing them service in 1984
to the limit anyway.
Even with just the two vehicles it was an CTV 169K
enjoyable experience, sometimes big groups Chassis number 22900169H
are not so much fun. It was slightly peculiar Built 1September 1, 1971
to see a breakdown truck off-roading, as Davos White
they would likely have spent most of their
Dispatched Cavendish Motors,
time on-road recovering cars. It was a little
Chesterfield for use by Kennings Motor
disconcerting at times to see the crane
winch wire and support brackets flapping Group as a recovery truck. As a very late
about on the undulations! IIA 1-Ton this vehicle was factory fitted
A final petrol fill up gave us another with a Salisbury rear axle
surprise. As we were about to leave a chap
approached us, saying he “hadn't seen one
of these before, and here are two!” He knew
they were One-Tons, and asked about ENV
axles, how fast they go, how thirsty they
are etc. I reckon we made his day! It goes to
show, you never are far from a Land-Rover
Scenic shot on a perimeter road
enthusiast!a

New tank bracket from LR Optional equpment

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 47


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The left-hand drive 88in Station Wagon was
marketed in the North American Dollar Area
(NADA) and this one is seen here with a 1959
British Columbia licence plate. As a Station
Wagon was originally defined as ‘a vehicle
providing transport to and from a railway
station’ it is no surprise to see its role in more
modern times widened to include transport to
and from an airport.
This press photo was probably taken at
Vancouver Airport where both Canadian
Pacific Air Lines and Pacific Western Airlines
Ltd were headquartered during the 1950s and
1960s.
Canadian Pacific Air Lines operated from
1942 to 1987 serving domestic Canadian
and international routes. Pacific Western
Airlines operated scheduled flights throughout
western Canada and charter services around
the world from the 1950s and through the
1980s
CLASSIC COILER

‘Only in the wildest of dreams would he


have thought that Land Rover would be
building a 70th anniversary luxury version’

52 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


Ninety was launched with one-piece doors with wind-up windows

WORDS EMRYS KIRBY PICTURES GARRY STUART

Launch
Sequence
A fleet of Ninetys was revealed to
the motoring press at an
event at Eastnor in May 1984,
many of which carried A-KRW
registration numbers

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 53


CLASSIC COILER

I
t’s May 1984 and period photographs
show the Slate Grey Land Rover
clambering through the slippery
Eastnor mud, the chunky Michelin XCL
750R16 tyres digging in and finding grip
below the greasy surface. At the wheel,
a sideburn-sporting motoring journalist
looks impressed with the performance of Original seats have seen better days
the Ninety, the latest short wheelbase utility
vehicle from Land Rover. He’d probably Coil springs made it far more capable than the
old Series III 88in
started out on the gentle ‘white’ run that
morning before realising that it was no
challenge for the new vehicle and quickly
switched to the most challenging ‘black’
route. No doubt he was delighted by the
way the vehicle just seemed to glide over
the lumps and bumps, the coil springs
ensuring the tyres remained in contact with
the ground.
Like many others of his profession, just
over a year earlier, he’d most likely attended
the launch of its bigger brother, the One
Ten, a vehicle that combined the utility of
the Land Rover 109in with the comfort of
the Range Rover and he knew it wouldn’t be
long before a short version would be added

54 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


to the range. and the interior trim was improved.
While the Ninety felt very similar to the The new ‘2.3’ petrol engine had just a
One Ten he’d driven in freezing conditions little more grunt to it than the old 2,286cc
in March 1983, the new vehicle felt better variant in the outgoing Series III 88in, the
put together with rattle-free one-piece new 32/34 Weber carburettor meaning it
doors with wind-up windows and new rear now boasted 74bhp. It was still a plodding
sliding side windows held in place with engine, perfect for the steep and muddy
moulded rubber surrounds. He noted from tracks of Eastnor though the new five-
the model line-up in the castle grounds that speed gearbox meant it performed well
the One Ten had received the same upgrades enough on tarmac. There was also a new
Optional soundproofing on transmission tunnel and the Range Rover was also sporting a diesel engine available in both models;
few improvements. The Land Rover colour the old 2,286cc diesel had been given a
palette had also been updated, he noted longer stroke making 2,495cc and fitted
Slate Grey was new, as was Ivory on the with an improved injector pump. With a
roof and wheels instead of Limestone. New starting price from about £7,400 to almost
side graphics adorned the top specification £11,000, it wasn’t cheap in comparison to
County Station Wagon of both wheelbases some of the rival 4x4s in the market but

Note bonnet lock – it became a standard


fitment on the Ninety

‘One of my favourite
press images of a
launch Ninety is
of A838 KRW at
the timber yard at
Eastnor’

It may be a bit scruffy bit it sits well and is a


handsome vehicle

Three generations of the Ninety – prototype,


launch and one of the last off the line

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 55


CLASSIC COILER

Slate Grey was a new colour for the launch

The Ninety launch cars impressed the motoring


press

Front axle has a very low build number

Land Rover’s marketing was focusing on classic car status, and early examples are
the long-term costs given the well-proven now attracting the attentions of enthusiasts.
longevity of the utility vehicles. In the past, original engines were replaced by Early fuel caps didn’t lock
Little did our journalist know that 34 years the ubiquitous 200Tdi and assorted off-road
later, a version of this capable but basic bling and paraphernalia added. Now the trend
vehicle would have only recently gone out is moving towards preserving these vehicles
of mainstream production and would have and indeed putting them back to original
iconic status the world over. Only in the specification. I know all too well of ‘mistakes’
wildest of dreams would he have thought in the past, my own early Ninety has been
that Land Rover would be building a 70th through the same process in my hands!
anniversary luxury version with 400bhp In particular, the vehicles used on the
and a price tag starting at £150,000. launch event and in contemporary press
The original Ninety has recently made images are the ones to find and while they
the tough journey from being an old car to aren’t fetching silly money at the moment,
abuse and modify for playing off-road to they definitely need to be watched. Most Galvanised inner wings in good condition

56 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


Dymo tape giving tyre pressures – probably of these launch cars were registered on a iconic image of a no-frills working Land
from the launch sequence of A8* KRW number plates and Rover. Add to this the famous images of the
a few of us in the Stage Two Register have County Station Wagon A90 JVC splashing
been trawling the internet trying to locate through fords on the estate and you have
them. Early Series One enthusiasts go wild country life transport wrapped up – you
for factory registered HUE and HAC plates, could work the land or own the land but
early Range Rover enthusiasts have their the Land Rover said very little about the
prototype and press launch YVB-H and depth of your pocket back then. Times have
NXC-H plates. For us early coil spring of course changed, the Land Rover brand is
enthusiasts, we have CWK-Y One Tens and far more up-market and has become very
the A-JVC and A-KRW Ninetys to seek out. successful because of it, but the heritage
One of my favourite press images of a of the brand is still important, both on a
launch Ninety is of A838 KRW at the timber commercial and grass-roots level.
yard at Eastnor. Wearing 205R16 Michelin A832 KRW is owned by David Harlow
XM+S tyres and a truck cab, the back filled who is a lifelong Land Rover enthusiast
with logs, it was, and to me remains, the who just happens to work for JLR. Since
a school trip of a lifetime driving across
‘As with many the Sahara in a Range Rover, a 101 and
a Stage 1 V8, he’s been hooked on the
early coil spring vehicles and is a key member of the Stage
Two Register. He’d been on the lookout
vehicles, A832 KRW for an A-KRW for a while so when fellow
enthusiast David Maingot called by with
Owner David Harlow couldn’t refuse A832 when
has been slightly A832 KRW on a trailer, he really couldn’t
he saw it had axle 00005A ‘Defenderised’ say no, especially as it just happened to
have rear axle number 00005A. Early coiler
chassis numbers can be difficult to date

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 57


CLASSIC COILER

Chunky XCL tyres were fitted for the launch Avon TMs, the chunky XCL mud tyres gave
additional off-road ability to impress the
motoring press. They were actually a military
specification tyre and are quite difficult to
get hold of these days but they just complete
the look. Interestingly, there is Dymo tape
by the driver’s door striker plate quoting the
pressures – 25psi front and 35psi rear – and
we believe this was fitted for the launch
event. There are plenty of original early
Ninetys out there to find, some are just nice
every day vehicles but there are still a
number out there with factory history that
we don’t know about. Keep your eyes peeled
for VC, RW and WK local identifiers! a

accurately as VIN numbers are mixed in models used at the launch event, evidence
with other vehicle models so this confirmed suggests that it was originally built as a basic
Launch of the Ninety also saw a facelift on the
that it was an exceptionally early vehicle. It hard top. While it is slightly scruffy, the
One Ten
was registered in May 1984 for the launch chassis isn’t too far gone to be repaired to a
and while we’ve not yet found photos of it good standard. The important thing is that
in action, we know it was dispatched to the an interesting and significant piece of Land
publicity department. Rover history has been saved from being
As with many early coil spring vehicles, trashed and picked for parts, a fate that has
A832 KRW has been slightly ‘Defenderised’ befallen a few factory vehicles over the years.
with a 200Tdi engine and a ‘bad boy’ David is collecting parts to return it more
straight-through exhaust. It was originally towards launch specification, the more
built as a 2,286cc petrol (the factory literature notable is a set of standard rims fitted
called it the 2.3) and it retains the original with the original off-road launch tyres,
fuel pump and filter bowl just in front of the Michelin XCL 750 R16. While the original
offside rear wheel. While there were soft top base specification tyre was still 600-16
Bulkhead has survived well

58 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


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www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 59


PERENTIE

MAIN PIC: An Australian Army Land Rover


disembarks a landing craft onto a beach
in Ormoc, Philippines, during Operation
Philippines Assist following Typhoon Haiyan
in November 2013. Photo by Cpl Jake Sims.
© Commonwealth of Australia.
INSET: Official Australian Army logo for Project
Perentie. The Perentie is a large, fast and agile
indigenous monitor lizard, or goanna

60 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


WORDS AND PICTURES CRAIG WATSON

Project
Perentie In part one of a two-part comprehensive
study, Craig Watson looks at the history and
4x4 variant of Perentie Land Rovers

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 61


PERENTIE

Diesel Engines BELOW: There were no special production or

T
he Australian Army is currently
conveyor lines at JRA’s Moorbank facility. Only
replacing its ageing leet of Land Through the 1970s four-wheel drive sales
about five vehicles were completed each day.
Rovers, many of which have already in Australia began to grow exponentially as Photo courtesy Land Rover Australia
found their way into private ownership. But the civilian leisure vehicle market grew and
there’s much more to these very special, became mainstream. Vehicles from Japanese
Australian designed and built Land Rovers manufacturers began to dominate the
than meets the eye. market, particularly due to their powerful
Land Rover has been a major supplier of four-litre six-cylinder engines.
vehicles to the Australian Army since 1958, Land Rovers, by comparison, were regarded
but those supplied from 1987 under Project as sturdy and reliable, but lacking in creature
Perentie, and the later Project Bushranger, comfort and highway performance.
are unique to this country and in many ways A diesel engine had been on offer from
superior to what was on offer from the UK. Land Rover (UK) since 1957 but even by
Although only a handful of Series Land the late 1970s, with diesel power gaining in
Rovers were supplied in 1958, some 1,841 popularity following the second fuel crisis
Series II, 4,776 Series IIA and 2,303 Series of 1979, diesel Land Rovers were considered
III were supplied to the Australian Army underpowered for Australian conditions.
between 1959 and 1981. Around 75% were One 1981 report on the 2.3-litre diesel
109in long-wheelbase versions and virtually Land Rover, with 45.6kw, described it as
all the Series III units featured the Rover producing “modest performance but with
six-cylinder petrol engine.
Many were essentially the same as the
civilian version, with some modiications to
meet army requirements, while others were
highly specialised vehicles. These included
184 ambulances, with special integral bodies,
Fitted For Radio (FFR) mobile radio stations,
and maintenance vehicles (mobile workshops).
But the numbers involved and the
fact they were all assembled locally
with signiicant local content, show the
importance of the army contract to Land
Rover in Australia at the time.
British Aerospace also supplied 58 fully-
imported 101 Forward Control models
independently from Land Rover Australia,
speciically for use as tractors for the Rapier
mobile anti-aircraft surface to air missiles
(SAMs), between 1976 and 1978.

BELOW: All vehicles used in the initial assessment


trials were given temporary army identification.
Here, LU3 is going through its paces at Army
Trial and Proving Wing, Monegeetta (near
Melbourne). Photo courtesy Bandiana Army
Museum. © Commonwealth of Australia
RIGHT: JRA’s Land Rover assembly line at
Engineering Services, Moorebank was fairly
primitive and labour intensive, but suited the
purposes of such a small production run. Photo
courtesy Land Rover Australia

62 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


good economy.” By this time, the Nissan usage, it had a proven track record
Patrol was available with a 60kw 3.3-litre of market acceptance, reliability and
diesel and Toyota Land Cruiser with a 77kw durability, and would be un-stressed
four-litre powertrain. in the application to such a relatively
Land Rover (UK) was already planning light vehicle as the Land Rover.
to combat the issue of insufficient power • With its direct fuel injection
by fitting the 3.5-litre V8 from the Range system it provided very good fuel
Rover to its Land Rover models. However, consumption with consistently high
by this time the Australian Army was torque throughout the rev range.
moving toward an all-diesel fleet and Land • Future high-performance
Rover Australia (LRA) knew that to remain variants, particularly through
a supplier to the army it would need to offer turbo charging, were expected in
a more suitable diesel engine. the near future – which proved to
In his thesis, Australian Development of be true.
the Land Rover One Ten for the Civilian
and Military Market, then engineering
RIGHT: Cover of the Army Engineering
manager for LRA, Ray Habgood, wrote:
Development Establishment’s
“An extensive survey of available diesel
information brochure on the
engines was undertaken, and the 3.9-litre
Perentie Land Rovers. A 6x6 LRPV is
four-cylinder Isuzu 4BD1 diesel engine illustrated on the cover
was selected as the most suitable for BELOW: Regional Force Surveillance
our application.” Vehicles (RFSVs) from Darwin
Four main reasons for the selection of the Squadron move through the
Isuzu diesel were identified. countryside near the indigenous
• It was of similar size and performance community of Oenpelli in the
to the Rover 3.5-litre V8 petrol engine, Northern Territory during a driver
meaning there would be little modification training activity. Photographer
required on the vehicle for the diesel engine. unknown. © Commonwealth of
• Being an engine derived for heavy truck Australia

‘Isuzu was happy to accommodate


Land Rover’s requirements and supply
engines in sufficient numbers’

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 63


PERENTIE

LEFT: The first delivery of Perentie 4x4 Land


Rover 110s outside the Jaguar Rover Australia
assembly building at Moorebank, Sydney, in May
1986. Photo courtesy Land Rover Australia
BELOW: The rear section of the 4x4 chassis was
modified to accept an under-slung spare tyre,
while the exhaust was re-routed to prevent grass
fires. Photo courtesy Land Rover Australia

A further consideration was that Isuzu


was happy to accommodate Land Rover’s
requirements and supply engines in
suficient numbers. “Isuzu and their trading
company, C Itoh, proved most enthusiastic
partners, assembling special 4BD1
engines for our Land Rover applications,”
Habgood explained.
Isuzu developed a noise-reduction package
for Land Rover’s application, which featured
a double-skinned rocker cover and front
engine cover, rubber mounted sump and
modiied pistons – as well as a special sump
and lywheel housing.
Another uniquely Australian requirement
for Land Rover was the itting of an
aluminium lat tray with drop-down sides
and tailgate. Other markets speciied a
pick-up body with ixed sides and a drop-
down tailgate.
The 1.8m x 2.5m aluminium tray was
developed and supplied by Hockney Alcan
in Sydney. All locally-assembled chassis-
cab Land Rovers had their wheelbase
extended by 246mm, to 3,040mm (120in),
to accept the tray bodies, and the rear
springs were uprated to increase the gross
vehicle mass (GVM) to 3,200kg (3.15 ton).

Project Perentie
In 1981, the army issued its requirements
for future lightweight and light trucks (one
and two-tonne) and called for tenders.
One of the army requirements, due to
Commonwealth government stipulation
as well as the need for local supply and
support, was that the vehicles had to be
assembled in Australia, with as much local
content as possible. It was also necessary

RIGHT: A heavily-laden Land Rover approaches


a river crossing in the Kimberley region of
north-western Australia, carrying three crew
and seven days worth of fuel, stores and water.
Photo by Reservist Adrian Brown
© Commonwealth of Australia

64 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


LEFT: Even a Perentie Land
Rover has its limits. During
flood recovery assistance
on Mooloo Downs in
Western Australia’s
Gascoyne region, this
river bed wasn’t as firm
as it looked. This Perentie
is getting a helpful tow
backwards from a mate.
Photo by ABIS Morgana
Ramsey © Commonwealth
of Australia
BELOW: A table showing the
variants and the numbers
that they were produced in

that the vehicles be based on those currently


available to the civilian market, rather than ‘So versatile are the
purpose-built military ‘prototypes’.
The army’s detailed requirements for
Perentie Land Rovers
Project Perentie were released in July 1982. that it is taking five
Seven vehicles were tendered for each of
the light and lightweight categories. From different vehicles,
these, in the lightweight (one-tonne payload)
class the contenders were the Land Rover 110 from three different
4x4, Jeep M10 and Mercedes-Benz 300GD –
usually referred to as the G-Wagon. manufacturers to
In the two-tonne category, only the Land
Rover 110 6x6 and the Mercedes-Benz
replace them’
Unimog U1300 were selected. Both were
accepted for different roles, and we will
look in more detail at the 6x6 Land Rovers field protection.
in the next issue of this magazine. The 4x4 Perentie uses the non-turbo
For now, though we will look at the 4x4 version of the Isuzu 4BD1 with improved
Perentie Land Rover. air intake system and the above mentioned
While Ray Habgood was in charge of noise reduction modifications. The gearbox
the engineering side of things, it was LRA is from the Range Rover and there have
managing director (and deputy MD for Jaguar been some changes internally.
Rover Australia – JRA) Jack Heaven who was The exhaust is routed along the side of
the real driving force behind the company’s the chassis in line with the wheels, before
push to win the Project Perentie contract, as bending around and above the rear wheel
Habgood recalled: “We felt that it was our and exiting behind the rear wheel. This is
contract, because we had been supplying to reduce the risk of grass fires, as the front
Land Rovers to the Australian Army for wheel will flatten long grass so it doesn’t
30 years before that. Jack was quite keen touch the hot exhaust.
that we retained it and he was, I suppose, The 110’s coil spring suspension is retained
instrumental in making sure we did.” in the rear of the vehicle, but is beefed up
While there is no doubt the 6x6 Perentie for the army’s requirements. A sturdy rear
was a unique concept, of which the people bar supports holders for four Jerrycans and
at JRA had every reason to be proud, the the NATO-spec tow hitch.
4x4 Perentie also underwent an enormous All the usual blackout and convoy lights
amount of development away from the are fitted, as well a simple but ingenious
standard civilian Land Rover. system for night convoy driving – the back
The chassis was modified at the rear to plate of the rear differential is painted white
accept an under-slung spare wheel and the onto which a small light under the chassis
entire chassis was hot-dipped galvanised is shone, the body of the vehicle preventing
for rust protection. The fuel tanks are it being seen from above.
under the seats and on the surveillance The body has come in for plenty of
patrol versions there are two spare wheels modification as well, with numerous storage
mounted in the cargo area. lockers let into the sides. On the passenger
All Perentie Land Rovers, regardless of side are housed two batteries, on a sliding
configuration, were painted with a highly tray for easy access. Similarly the forward
durable polyurethane paint for better in- locker on the driver’s side has a lockable

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 65


PERENTIE

Building Army Land Rovers


Land Rovers, including the earlier Series
military units, had been assembled at PMC
in Enield since about 1956.
Financial problems within the Leyland
parent company, increases in import duties on
CKD packs, on-going industrial strife, falling
sales across all Leyland products, and the end
of Mini and Moke production, all conspired to
see the closure of Enield in early 1984.
To ensure the continuity of supply of
Land Rovers to meet Australian Army
requirements, production was moved to the
company’s engineering services division at
Moorebank, in Sydney’s south-west.

BELOW: Army Ordinance in Maribyrnong,


Melbourne, manufactured trailers specifically
for use by the Land Rovers. Here a Perentie
4x4 Cargo with trailer carefully reverses into a
Hercules transport aircraft in Townsville. Photo by
LAC David Said © Commonwealth of Australia
RIGHT: 1,153 Perentie Land Rovers Fitted For
Radio (FFR) were supplied to the Australian
Army, of which 169 were also fitted with a
winch. Photo courtesy Rover Australia.

storage box that also slides out. ABOVE: A Perentie 4x4 FFR being air-lifted
One of the army requirements was that the by a Chinook heavy-lift helicopter during a
Land Rovers had to be air-transportable: in Combined Arms Training Activity (CATA) at
the case of the 4x4 that included being able Townsville, Queensland. Photo by Cpl David
to be transported slung under a Chinook Cotton © Commonwealth of Australia
RIGHT: A Regional Force Surveillance Vehicle
helicopter. They also have to be able to be
easily hoisted on and off ships by crane. Patrol from Norforce’s Darwin Squadron
pose for a photo in Arnhem Land, Northern
Therefore, all Perenties have lifting hooks
Territory. Photographer unknown.
front and rear and the centre of gravity (CG)
© Commonwealth of Australia
is identiied on both sides of every vehicle.
“In terms of the whole development, we
put as much effort into the four-wheel drive heavily armed vehicle with a number of
vehicles as we did to the six-wheel drive”, unique and interesting features.
Habgood explains. “Even though the six- Most notable are the door-mounted
wheel drive is seen as sort of the Australian spare wheels. As the normal positions for
development, but so is the four-wheel drive, the spares in the 4x4 Perenties are either
because we certainly wouldn’t have won the under the rear of the chassis or in the rear
contract with the basic UK Land Rover.” cargo area, neither location was considered
suitable for the requirements of the SRV.
Special Forces SRV Rover Australia developed lightweight
Prior to Project Perentie the Special Air frames to support the spare wheels, mounted
Service Regiment (SAS), Australia’s most to the body using the original door frames
elite ighting unit, had used Series IIA-based and supports, which swing out like normal
4x4 Long Range Patrol Vehicles (LRPVs). doors. Although not providing any sort of
While a unique LRPV would be developed armour protection, they do provide a limited
from the 6x6 Perentie, a 4x4 vehicle of amount of protection from small arms ire.
a similar concept has also been deployed The SRVs also have a forward mounted
since the late 1990s with the Commando machine gun for the front passenger, a
Regiment. Known as the Surveillance rotating heavy machine gun mount in
Reconnaissance Vehicle Special Forces the back, a crew step on the back and the
(SRV SF) it is a highly modiied and capability to carry three or four crew.

66 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


Prior to the awarding of the army ‘Rover Australia Tech Spec
contract in late 1987, Land Rover
production was at an average of only about developed Land Rover 110 Perentie 4x4
two vehicles per day. There is no doubt
that had Land Rover not won the Project lightweight frames Cargo Soft Top
Perentie contract, production in Australia
would have ceased altogether.
to support the spare (This is the basic unit, supplied in the
“The only real reason that we continued to wheels’ greatest numbers – 1,222. Other 4x4
variants weighed more and had other
locally assemble any Land Rovers after the
closure of the Enield assembly plant was to features, depending on equipment carried
maintain the capability to locally assemble/ and staff increased, to be able to produce on or purpose)
manufacture Land Rovers for the Australian average around ive vehicles per day.
Army”, Ray Habgood admits. “If we had not Although a fairly primitive set-up
won the army contract we would have shut compared with what had been at Enield, Make: Land Rover
down the Moorebank assembly operation – with individual vehicles moved around
Model: Perentie 110 4x4
for 4x4 as well as for 6x6 Land Rovers.” the factory on trolleys as they were built
When they did win the Perentie contract, up, it served the purpose for such a low Army Nomenclature: Truck, Utility,
estimated in a Land Rover press release volume production. Lightweight, MC2
in early 1988 to be worth $150 million, The number varied, depending on how Nationality: Australian
engineering services was increased in size by many 6x6 were built, but the production
around 50%, at the cost of about $1 million, split was usually around 70-80% in favour Production Run: 1986-1992; 1996-
1998

Engine: Isuzu
Type: 4BD1
Fuel: Diesel
Displacement: 3.9lt
Power: 66kW (89bhp) @ 3,200rpm
Torque: 245Nm (181 ft lb) @1,900rpm

Transmission: Range Rover


Type: LT95A
Gears: Four-speed
Transfer Box: Two-speed with inter-
axle differential

Suspension: Front - Coil springs with


radius arms and Panhard rod. Rear
- Coil springs with trailing arms and
locating link.
Brakes: Vacuum-assisted front disc
brakes and rear drums.
Wheels: 6F x 16in single-piece rims
Tyres: 7.50 R 16LT x 10-ply Dunlop-
Olympic Steeltrek 105
Crew/seats: Two plus six troops

Dimensions
Length: 4865mm (191.5in)
Width: 1790mm (70.5in) plus mirrors
Height (unladen): 2066mm (81.3in)
Wheelbase: 2784mm (109.6in)
Weight: 2,250kg (2.21ton) unladen;
3,200kg (3.15ton) laden

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 67


PERENTIE

of 4x4. “It wasn’t a very sophisticated The only member of the team kept on was
production line”, explained Habgood. “We George Fowler, who transferred across to
did them in batches. It was basically to an Rover Australia to head up the maintenance
army schedule, which we sat down with and support for the army Land Rovers for the
army and agreed to, then tried to stick to it.” required ten years of the Perentie contract.
In 1991, with a year left to run on the
Perentie contract, JRA, which had been Follow-on and Bushranger
formed in 1983 following a management Ironically, three years later the army decided
buy-out of the troubled Leyland Australia, to exercise its option within the Perentie
ran into inancial trouble due to two contract for additional vehicles, through its
main factors: follow-on clause and Project Bushranger.
• The introduction of the luxury car tax, Bushranger was for the supply of an
which affected Jaguar, Rover and Range Infantry Mobility Vehicle (IMV), with phase
Rover models – ie, most of JRA’s products, all one, beginning in 1993, being for modiied
of which were fully-imported – and resulted Perenties to be supplied as Interim Infantry
in a severe downturn in luxury car sales. Mobility Vehicles (IIMVs).
• The fallout from the ive-month pilot’s This took Rover Australia by surprise, as
dispute of 1989 meant that busses (JRA also they no longer had the capacity to provide
owned Dennings coaches at the time) sold the vehicles as speciied by the contract.
in good numbers for a short period, but Land Rover (and the entire Austin Rover
those sales soon dried up with the end of Group, and by extension Rover Australia) at
the dispute and bus sales generally over the that time was owned by British Aerospace
next few years were slow. (BAe), who had a military vehicles division
JRA wasn’t owned by Rover in the UK, at Wingield in Adelaide, South Australia.
but was a locally-owned distributor. JRA’s Rover Australia was directed to liaise with
assets were taken over by Rover, who BAe in Adelaide for the production of the
wanted the Australian arm to become solely extra Perentie and Bushranger Land Rovers.
an importer of UK-built vehicles. This was co-ordinated by George Fowler
However, under the Perentie contract, the in Sydney, with the Adelaide enterprise
vehicles had to be Australian-assembled managed by Graham Fairhead from the UK,
and supported, so Land Rover was forced
to re-establish Rover Australia Pty Ltd, as
a wholly-owned subsidiary, and continue
RIGHT: A Perentie 4x4 Land Rover 110 is hooked
local production until the end of the
up to an MRH-90 helicopter during an external
contract in 1992. load trial for the helicopter. Photo by AC Phillip
At that time, after conirming that no Sharpe © Commonwealth of Australia
more vehicles were required by the army, BELOW: Commandos from 2 Company, 1
Rover Australia closed down the assembly Commando Regiment, on an exercise in
plant at Moorebank on September 30, 1992, South Australia’s Cultana Range, in their
stored away the jigs, sold off the hand tools Surveillance Reconnaissance Vehicle Special
and laid off the production and engineering Forces (SRV SF). Photo by Cpl Chris Moore. ©
staff, including Ray Habgood. Commonwealth of Australia

‘The number varied, depending on


how many 6x6 were built, but the
production split was usually around
70-80% in favour of 4x4’
with a young local engineer, Tom Harris. ABOVE:4x4 Perentie Land Rovers
Reporting on this development in its May undergoing a lift exercise with a Chinook
1994 issue, Overlander magazine quoted heavy-lift helicopter. Photo courtesy Land
Project Perentie director Lt Col Lee Osborne: Rover Australia
“It made sense to us to continue with Land
Rovers because of their advantageous life-
cycle costs. Over the life of the vehicle in Rover Defender TD5 vehicles.
army service – up to 20 years or more – the Although modified locally to meet some
Land Rovers prove to be very economical.” army requirements, these are essentially
In total, around 350 additional Land Rovers standard production Defenders and do not
were supplied, between 1996 and 1998, have modified chassis (other than at the
with about 150 of those being Bushranger front to accept any of the three Perentie-
IIMVs. In the middle of this period, BAe sold derived bullbars) and the spare wheels are
the Rover Group and all its subsidiaries, mounted on the rear doors. They all feature
including Rover Australia, to BMW. hard-top troop carrier bodies, but have
In 1999 the Bushranger contract (phase storage lockers let into each side.
two) was awarded to Australian Defence They do not have any of the unique
Industries (now wholly-owned by Thales) in Perentie modifications for better durability,
Benalla for its Bushmaster IMV. and as such have only a ten-year service
Although BAe produced Land Rovers that life. They are also only for general
were essentially similar to the Perentie, duties and are not suitable for combat or
numerous items had become obsolete surveillance roles, or deployment overseas.
making the vehicles quite different in many In 2004 a further 17 TD5 Defenders were
details. As a result, many components from bought, bringing the total to 50.
the BAe Perentie follow-on vehicles and the
Bushrangers are not compatible with the Replacing Perentie
JRA or Rover Australia built vehicles. It has been 30 years since the first trials
vehicles were delivered for Project Perentie
A Final Fling and nearly 20 years since the final vehicles
In 1998 two Perentie GS 4x4 Land Rovers were supplied to the army.
were shipped to Longbridge, UK where they In 2006 Project Overlander was announced,
were fitted with TD5 engines and returned to replace all of the army’s road fleet – the
to Australia, along with a British Army-spec medium (Unimog) and heavy (Mac trucks)
Wolf Land Rover, for a short evaluation trial being in service even longer than the Land
against the in-service Perentie GS (4BD1). Rovers. Replacement of the Perentie Land
It appears nothing came of the trial; the Rovers is stage three of Overlander.
two TD5 Perenties were converted back to At that time, Land Rover was owned by
Isuzu engines and put back into service, while Ford (having been bought from BMW in
it is not known what became of the Wolf – 2000) but Ford was in the process of selling
though it may have been returned to the UK. the company to Indian car maker Tata.
ABOVE: APerentie Land Rover 110 is hoisted Although Rover Australia no longer has the Ford was not prepared to allow Rover
aboard HMAS Choules by crane during Operation facilities to manufacture the Perenties, there Australia to undertake the expense
Squadex 2012. Photo by Navy Imagery Unit – was a requirement from the army for an required to build new vehicles to tender for
North. © Commonwealth of Australia additional number of Land Rovers in 2000. Overlander, on the chance that the contract
As a special one-off purchase, after may be lost to another company and the
two prototypes (one Tdi, the other TD5) money would have been wasted.
had been imported for trials, the army The reality is Land Rover probably would
permitted Rover Australia to supply a have won the contract (word is that the
small batch of 33 UK production Land army would have preferred to stick with

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 69


PERENTIE

Land Rover anyway), but Rover Australia at more than four years and as yet none have
the time was not permitted to tender for it. been deployed with the SASR overseas. Acknowledgements
It is also a reality that with Land Rover’s Most of the 4x4 GS are in the process The best source for information on
recent focus on soft-roader vehicles, and of being replaced by the 4x4 Mercedes Perentie, and all Australian military
the recent demise of the Defender, and with G-wagon, while the specialised 4x4 units, Land Rovers, is undoubtedly the website
no local manufacturing facilities, they do such as the SRV SF, will be replaced by the www.remlr.com (Registry of Ex-Military
not currently have the capacity to produce all-Australian Thales Hawkei. Land Rovers) from where much of the
anything of the same standard or to meet The Project Perentie Land Rover was information for the story has come.
the needs of the modern army anyway. undoubtedly the biggest and most successful Two other valuable sources were
So versatile are the Perentie Land Rovers undertaking by Land Rover in Australia.
the thesis by Ray Habgood, former
that it is taking ive different vehicles, from It gave the Australian military a world-
engineering manager at Land Rover
three different manufacturers to replace them. class and highly versatile group of vehicles
Some of the 6x6, including the and was done by a small band of dedicated Australia, for the Society of Automotive
Bushranger IIMVs, will be replaced with Australians, independently from their UK Engineers - Australia, titled: Australian
the Australian-built Thales Bushmaster, parent company. Development of the Land Rover One Ten
while others are being replaced by the 6x6 They have every reason to be proud of for the Civilian and Military Market and
Mercedes G-wagon. The highly-specialised
LRPVs for the SAS are being replaced
what they achieved. a Project Perentie - Phase 2.
These were supplemented by a personal
by the Supacat – the locally assembled interview with Ray Habgood.
versions being named the Nary – LRPV. Also the books: Combat Land Rovers
However, it is understood that the SAS Portfolio No.1 by Bob Morrison and
LEFT: Familiar faces. Patrolman Private Manuel
Regiment wants to keep its Land Rovers Brown from the Tiwi Islands takes advantage Land Rover File - 65 Anniversary Edition
and is resisting the change. The Supacat of the Norforce display at the Oenpelli Cultural by Eric Dymock.
has been undergoing extensive testing for Festival to catch up with, and camouflage his Thanks are also due to Land Rover
nephew and niece, eight-year-old Jaque Gebadi Australia for access to some of their
and four-year-old Jamieleah Taylor. Photographer archives and to the Media Unit of the
unknown. © Commonwealth of Australia. Australian Department Of Defence.
BELOW: A Regional Force Surveillance Vehicle History of Leyland, JRA and Rover
from Darwin Squadron crosses the East Alligator Australia also came from The BMC
River into Arnhem Land, near the top end
Experience archives and newspaper
indigenous community of Oenpelli during a driver
training activity in the region. Photographer
articles sourced through the National
unknown. © Commonwealth of Australia Library of Australia, via trove.nla.gov.au

70 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


A SPEC
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THE IMPERIAL WAR GRAVES COMMISSION
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OUR LAND ROVERS

Martin Port’s Series II has had a busy year


WORDS AND PICTURES MARTIN PORT

‘When the water


pump began to make
unwelcome noises,
I opted not to find a
replacement.’
Help enlisted from youngest son with head
gasket replacement

267 HYP as part of the 70th birthday parade at Goodwood Festival of Speed

WORKING HARD
FOR ITS LIVING
A
long with the realisation that it’s unit within hours of it arriving with them.
been a long time since the Series That meant that the Series II could
II appeared in these pages, came make its way down through France to A mad dash from Le Mans to Caen may have
acknowledgement that it’s been one heck Le Mans for the classic racing and with contributed to a blown head gasket
of a busy summer - aided of course by the temperatures topping 30°C, I was glad
wonderful weather. the cooling system was in good order. A
It was, of course, the usual mix of ups fuelling problem on the return journey
and downs: time spent gently rubbing (just as we were trying to ‘dash’ for
back an area of galvanised coating on the the ferry), resulted in some very rough
chassis slowly revealed the factory stamp. running. But with no time to investigate
This confirmed what I was certain of all deeper, except for trying to clean the jets
along: as well as the engine, gearbox, and filter in the Weber carburettor, we
running gear, body and most other soldiered on and caught the boat, having
ancillaries, the bulkhead and chassis are to keep the choke out to stop it from
most definitely the original items. stalling at every junction - the issue then Water pump rebuilt after play discovered
Does it matter? Not really. Ownership is clearing as we boarded the ferry.
about using, enjoying and maintaining Related to the mad dash or not, a blown Maybe it was the fact that I then
where necessary, but in a world where head gasket followed soon after; the abandoned it and disappeared to Australia
it is not unusual for some Land Rovers contents of the radiator looking more like for two weeks, or that I have just become
to be celebrated for their history despite a coffee shop mocha than a mixture of slightly complacent to its mechanical
perhaps having had most of the major anti-freeze and water. A long day resulted upkeep, but the Series II has now rewarded
component parts replaced in the process of in a strip down and replacement and the me with a difficult-to-trace occasional
a restoration, it is satisfying to know that 88in then completed a test-run the next hesitation. Fuelling seems to be okay, and
good old ‘Trans-Africa’ is, for the most day to Dorset and back - just a couple of it starts on the button so investigations are
part, present and correct! hundred miles to bed it all in! in progress. One thing is for sure though,
Following that train of thought meant In between all of this of course, the Series the time appears to be right to finally get
that when the water pump began to make II ran up the hill at Goodwood as part the original 1959-dated Solex carburettor
unwelcome noises, I opted not to find a of the 70th celebration at the Festival of rebuilt and refitted in place of the Weber
replacement, but had the one that has Speed and cracked on with its usual duties 34ICH that has served the 88in well. At
been on the 88in for at least 20 years of school runs, tip trips and the occasional least it will mean I can confirm that side of
overhauled. SP Water Pumps did an commute, as well as prom transport for our things are OK; after that, it will be the tired
absolutely superb job and refurbished the eldest son and his mates. engine that needs a rebuild.

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 73


OUR LAND ROVERS

Violet Deacon contemplates therapy of


the four-wheeled kind
WORDS AND PICTURES VIOLET DEACON

Series Land Rovers have been ingrained in


my life and psyche from as far back as I can
remember. I’ve been told and can vaguely
picture a four-year-old me ‘driving’ a close
family friend’s Russet Brown Series III 88in,
coupled with my earliest driving memories
being my dad’s aforementioned 109in
Station Wagon around woodlands and farms
of Leicestershire and Rutland (VGC 998M
where are you now?). This might explain my
undying love and adoration for the Series
III, and also how driving any Series vehicle
over anything else is so relaxing to me.
Like the finest comfort food they soothe the
mind, calm the nerves and add perspective.
Some of the toughest decisions and harshest
periods in my life have been eased by
contemplation in the embrace of a vinyl
deluxe seat.
This all probably explains why on a recent
temporary relocation from Leicestershire
to overlooking the Clyde near to Glasgow

LEAF SPRUNG I insisted on bringing Tak, my 1955 Series


One 86in up with me to use as a daily
driver. This was a choice that’s been proven

CALM TECHNIQUE Muddy mirrors on a daily


driver make for a happy Violet

H
ow to unwind and de-stress from
the rigours and madness of daily life ‘To travel along
in 2018 is quite a contested topic.
For some it involves an alcoholic drink or at a pace dictated
two in front of the television to consume
whatever shows appeal to them, for others
not by a clock but
it may be feeling the ‘burn’ in the gym or
the flexibility of yoga. These are perfectly
by the vehicle’
acceptable, ‘and it harm none’ so to speak.
For me, driving has been my modus
operandi when it comes to unwinding
ever since learning to drive in the family’s
109in aged 11. All the way up to and
beyond getting my first car, driving has
been my passion, my hobby. With driving
came that elusive freedom - the ability
to escape the maddening crowds and just
be me, by myself with my machine. This
‘freedom’ was greatly expanded when I A lane with a view on the
got my first Land Rover, my beloved 1983 way home from work
Series III109in, called Ary, as with it came
the ability to go even further away from no more. I’ve a few times heard people who a wise one not only for the calming relaxing
society and for longer periods. don’t ‘get’ them bemoaning them, the most effect of having one of my favourite vehicles
Calming. Relaxing. Stress relieving. These regular complaint being the inability to here with me, but also because my new
are words not commonly associated with keep up with ‘modern traffic’ commute takes me over the moorland, and
Series Land Rovers but for me they’ve To me this lack of haste is part of the already I’ve encountered quite spectacular
always had a cathartic effect, be it from appeal. To travel along at a pace dictated flooding. Sometimes passions are justified,
greenlaning or even just driving on road. not by a clock but by the vehicle, to arrive regardless of the expense!
Many people have described how a Series when I’ll arrive is part of the experience.
Land Rover imbues every journey with a Because a Series truck is an experience,
sense of adventure, no matter how menial. which some folks won’t enjoy. But for those A supporting video for this
To me every journey done in a Series Land who do, those who ‘get’ it, the rewards are article can be seen on the NoEgo YouTube
Rover has this and more. You cannot be gratifying; the sense of arrival, as already channel: https://youtu.be/uDct59Iroj0
rushed; they travel at the speed they go at, said every journey becomes an adventure!

74 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


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www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 75


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OUR LAND ROVERS

John Carroll believes that, in magazine terms, every


breakdown is a paragraph or, in this case, six.
WORDS AND PHOTOS JOHN CARROLL & RO SMITH

Miss Matchdoor is a 1982 Series III


High Capacity Pick-Up (HCPU) Carroll? Classic Land Rover?”
“Yes, yes and yes.”
The reason he’d recognised me from the
basic details he’d been given was because
he’s one of us - into Land Rovers and old
tractors - and we had numerous mutual
Facebook friends. By the time he arrived
from another job it was pitch black so, by
torchlight, he also considered the Hi-Cap’s
lift pump and decided that the Land Rover
was going home on a truck.
I got back later than planned and
probably woke the neighbours up unloading
the Hi-Cap. The next day I ordered and then
fitted a new lift pump. It didn’t feel much
different to the one that was on but the
Land Rover started and runs.
I am still slightly sceptical and am
wondering if, on a long run on the A1, it
was drawing air in through a rubber pipe
somewhere. I’ll change them when I have
a spare weekend which, at the current rate,

NICELY RECOVERED will be in 2023 or thereabouts.

‘It was cold, raining,


B
ecause I have a few Series Land
Rovers and use them as everyday
getting dark and,
drivers, my friends who tend to have
more modern and more ‘sensible’ cars
frequently joke that I’m on first name having left home
terms with the RAC. I can’t deny that,
induced by Tdi issues, I have had a couple in a hurry, I had no
of long rides north from the south west
on the back of beavertail trucks. Generally tools with me’ Hazard warning lights gave a sense of security
on a dark A road
though, I manage to drive home although
not too long ago, my friends were proved lights on - a novelty for me as I’d
right. I’ll never live it down! never had a Series III with them fitted
As usual, this magazine’s deadline came before - and waited. My phone rang
round so I jumped in Miss Matchdoor, the and the RAC man - Matt Unsworth –
1982 109in Hi-Cap and drove the roughly asked: “Land Rover Series III? John
100 miles from Yorkshire to the office in
Stamford. It’s a 2,286cc naturally-aspirated
diesel so there’s not much to go wrong.
A couple of days later it was time to go
home so, unconcerned, I set off north and
things were going well until somewhere
near Worksop, the engine hesitated a Diesel lift pump is an easy thing to
ABOVE:
couple of times. Lifting my foot off the change on the side of the engine block
accelerator then putting it down again
kept things running but I was slightly
apprehensive.
Sure enough by the time I got to a dark
stretch of the A57 that cuts across from
the A1 to the M1, the hesitations were
becoming more frequent and prolonged.
In a lay-by I fiddled with the lift pump
which didn’t feel quite right, I flicked the
engine over on the starter to reposition
the camshaft and it still felt odd. It was
cold, raining, getting dark and, having left
home in a hurry, I had no tools with me. John Carroll ponders the intricacies of Land
I called the RAC, switched the hazard Rover diesel engines

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 77


SPONSORED BY DOUBLE S EXHAUSTS LTD. TEL 01884 33454
TECH AND
TOOLBOX

PROJECT DISCOVERY
Craig Allen gives a home to an elderly Discovery and he couldn’t be more pleased

WORDS AND PICTURES CRAIG ALLEN

The Discovery at a brief stopover on the


drive home from Aberfeldy

W
hen casting around for a
new project I quickly become
dismayed at the current
trajectory of Classic Land Rover prices.
Even the humble Series III, once available
for reasonable money, is becoming a more
expensive prospect. In fact it would be
hard to find a half-decent vehicle for the
£1,200 I originally paid for my 88in.
It may have been rough and ready but
was drivable and had a current MOT. Now
examples held together mainly with rust
are being offered for £2,000 and more as Jason and Marina po
‘projects’. This relentless rise in prices has se with the Series III in
their new unit
been fed by the highly desirable status
of early Series Ones swiftly followed by
Series IIs making it tough on the average the Discovery 1. and often cited as the key to the marque’s
enthusiast on a budget. I had always hankered after a Discovery survival back in the 90s.
Therefore when looking for something but simply couldn’t afford one back in In fact the Discovery 1, once ubiquitous
usable and affordable to keep the miles the day. Now they are old and worn at on Britain’s roads, is becoming rarer as
off my Defender I decided to take another the bottom of their value cycle with only many have been scrapped or become
course. This led me to one of the few older early three-door and press launch models donors for their engines and running gear.
generation Land Rovers which don’t cost gaining interest. This is surprising as they Others have soldiered on as tow cars and
serious money to either buy or restore - were an important vehicle for Land Rover farmers’ hacks while many have been

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modified for off-roading. So discovering


an early 200 Tdi for sale in original trim
‘The 200 Tdi
and looking pretty straight for under a
grand was a find.
coughed into life
It had a short MOT and would need some at the first turn of
welding but that didn’t put me off. More
importantly it was in Aberfeldy within the key’
striking distance of my Edinburgh home,
so well worth a look. Series III was tucked away inside.
Arriving by train I was picked up and The Disco was sat by the gate and first
whisked off to an industrial unit at the impressions were good as it indeed looked
edge of town where Jason Smith and his original and everything seemed to work.
partner Marina are setting up a new garage The 200 Tdi coughed into life at the first
business. It’s early days but they intend turn of the key with no white smoke and
to be up and running in the new year soon settled into a characteristic clatter.
under the banner of Land Rover Shack. To After a chat with John and Marina about
underline the point there were a couple of their future plans it was time to sort out the
battered projects in the yard while a tidy paperwork and, with a shake of the hand, I

The Conran-inspired interior still looks good and cleaned up well with soap and water

Pulling back the carpets, the boot floor was


miraculously intact

That wonderful 200 Tdi still sounded sweet


and seemed to be in good condition

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een’
le though no ‘show-qu
The Discovery looks reasonably presentab ‘I had always
hankered after a
Discovery but simply
couldn’t afford one
back in the day’
induced steering wobble. This could just be
the tyres but is probably down to simple
wear in the suspension. All in all for a
26-year-old wagon with 170k on the clock
it wasn’t half bad and I began to relax and
enjoy the drive.
Next day I set about cleaning out the
interior and taking a closer look at just
what I had bought. I knew the vehicle had
been stood awhile as evidenced by signs
of mildew but the interior cleaned up well
with soap and water.
Being an early model the Conran-designed

was the proud owner of an old Discovery.


The driving experience was good and
the bombproof Tdi pulled strongly while
the gear changes were smooth with only
a hint of backlash. I soon got the hang
of it and made good progress on the
twisting country roads. I especially liked
the commanding driving position and that
big steering wheel, although there was
an annoying squeal from the PAS while
manoeuvring at low speed.
On the faster roads from Stirling I opened
it up and found no trouble cruising to
60mph although pushing beyond that

Genuine Land Rover rubber mats in the rear


and no sagging roof lining

The rear door hasn’t dropped but seems a


little on the stiff side

interior, though present, was mercifully in


beige rather than sonar blue. The biggest
surprise came when I lifted the carpets to
find the boot floor miraculously intact.
The rear passenger wheel arch and offside
sill hadn’t fared so well and would need
attention before the next MOT. Meanwhile
the panels were remarkably straight, there
was no sagging roof lining and even the
paintwork wasn’t bad.
No show-queen perhaps but I imagined
a little hard work would have it looking
presentable. In the coming days I intend
to give the 200 Tdi a service and have the
vehicle inspected by a friendly mechanic
before putting it into use on some of my
The notoriously leaky sunroof is sealed but
will bear watching
a
future projects.

80 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


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TECH AND
TOOLBOX TIME ALLOWED: 3 DAYS
COST: TBC

REPAIRING A 1961 SERIES IIA (PART 5)


A 3M blar
filterblar
maskblaris used to spray the
synthetic enamel paint, but a full-face
air-fed mask must be used for 2K paints

PAINT IT BLACK (AND GREEN)


Jim Willett begins painting as the IIA’s new chassis WORDS JIM WILLETT
PHOTOS JIM WILLETT AND
arrives and parts come back from shot blasting JACK BOOCOCK

I
n the last instalment, CAS 496’s The best type of paint to use is partly down surfaces, but will not last long on a
bulkhead and front panel had been to personal preference and partly down to smooth panel.
sent away to be blasted and hot-zinc the surface to be painted. Once the top coat has been chosen, a
sprayed while other parts were repaired Choosing a modern two-pack (2K) paint is suitable primer must be selected. Different
and shot-blasted. the easiest way to achieve a durable high- primers are suited to different surface
Shot blasting provides an excellent surface gloss finish, however, it is expensive and finishes, will have different levels of ‘build’
for new paint to adhere to, but the metal will contains isocyanates which can pose serious to smooth out imperfections and may not be
quickly corrode if left unprotected, so paint risks to health. compatible with certain top coats.
must be applied promptly after blasting. A good re-spray in 2K paint can give an Sometimes a pre-treatment will be
Choosing the correct type of paint is far more early Series vehicle a finish of a far higher required before priming. Galvanised parts
in-depth than picking your favourite colour. In standard than when it left the factory, some can be treated with mordant solution
this case, the bulkhead and body parts would purists may argue that this is not authentic. T-wash before etch priming, priming and
be painted in satin Deep Bronze Green, the Traditional paints can give a more period- finishing. Alloy panels must be etch-primed
galvanised sill sections would be freshened correct look and cost less, however, some in order for subsequent coats to adhere.
up with some cold galvanising spray and can be slow to cure and colours will be more When selecting paint, consideration must
everything else would get several coats of satin prone to fading. also be given to whether it will be applied
black. A durable finish would take priority A variety of modern single-pack paints by brush, spray or roller. All methods have
over an exact colour match in this case as are also available which can offer a good their advantages and drawbacks: the parts
John, the IIA’s owner, wished to paint the compromise. Some DIY paints provide for CAS 496 would all be sprayed for a good
whole vehicle himself after re-assembly. excellent adhesion to pitted and rusty finish and even coverage.

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1. Shot-blasted parts are checked for defects then 2. Galvanised sill sections were lightly blasted to 3. The steering box’s aluminium parts were
sprayed with primer on both sides before applying clean then coated with cold galvanising spray masked before painting the steel sections satin
the satin black top coat black

4. Wheels were refitted to the shot-blasted rear 5. The first coat applied to the rear axle casing: 6. The satin black top-coat is a single-pack (1K)
axle to manipulate it for spraying A multi-purpose two-pack high-build etch primer synthetic enamel which can be brushed from the
which can be applied to steel or alloy tin or thinned and sprayed…

7. …Unlike a 2K paint which must be mixed 8. Front axle casing: synthetic enamel can be slow 9. With the paint dry, the differential’s pinion seal
with a specific percentage of hardener just before to dry and cure but the type of thinner chosen can retainer can be overhauled. This is a separate alloy
application alter drying time part on pre-1970 models…

10. …On later models, the seal must be prised 11. Stub-axle assemblies had been overhauled 12. The re-assembled front axle can be unwieldy
out of the one-piece casing. Here, the seal was when the IIA was last on the road, so were to manoeuvre until the overhauled track rod has
installed while the retainer was stripped checked, cleaned and fitted with new oil seals been installed

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13. These semi-elliptic leaf springs had only 14. Springs are handed as well as different 15. Removing each spring’s centre bolt easily
been fitted for a short time before upgrading to front to rear, so were cleaned without removing releases the lower leaves for cleaning and allows
parabolic springs markings space to clean between the upper leaves

16. The centre bolt is coated with copper grease 17. Polyurethane spring eye bushes were to be 18. Springs will be will be wrapped in Denso tape
and the leaves with graphite paste. Some prefer to fitted to match those in the chassis. A bench vice is once fitted: A traditional method to prevent dirt
assemble dry sufficient to press these in ingress causing abrasion between the leaves

19. Freshly blasted and hot-zinc sprayed bulkhead 20. Any surface imperfections are now clearly 21. …Taking care not to sand through the
and front panel from M&H Metal Spraying visible, a little Upol Top Stop Gold finishing filler is hot-zinc coating and compromise the corrosion
(01594 562317) applied and lightly sanded… protection…

22. …Only the exposed door pillars and outside 23. The gearbox diaphragm cover is another steel 24. A gravity-fed high velocity low pressure spray
of the front panel are flatted smooth before the part which needs thorough cleaning and painting gun is used, supplied with air from a 200-litre
high-build etch-primer is applied to keep rust at bay 240v air compressor

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25. The easiest way to ensure complete paint 26. …Spraying outside offers excellent light and 27. …Before spraying commences on the engine
coverage is to spray parts on one side, then re- ventilation, but operations had to move inside bay side of the bulkhead. Awkward areas are
position to spray the other… when rain clouds started looming. Tack rags sprayed first…
remove dust…

28. …Before moving across the bulkhead applying 29. Richards Chassis delivery for CAS 496 and for 30. Chassis can be difficult to manoeuvre without
an even coat to avoid overspray or runs. After another 88in. Fresh zinc looks smart but will be assistance, a pair of small wheels bolted to the
several coats, the bulkhead is left to dry painted black for extra protection spring hangers makes it much easier

31. The new chassis is stamped with the original 32. A gallon of mordant solution T-wash is quite 33. T-wash is brushed on then washed off with
serial number. The registration number is also inexpensive and is sufficient to prepare numerous plenty of water. The zinc turns a dark grey as the
stamped in various places as a theft deterrent chassis for paint T-wash works

34. Once the water is blown away, the chassis is 35. After applying several coats of satin black with 36. …Several more passes with the spray gun
left in front of a heater to dry thoroughly before the chassis stood on its side, it is lowered onto the ensure that no parts have been missed. Next time,
spraying with etch primer wheels to roll outside… the re-assembly can begin!

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THE SUM OF ITS PARTS


Emrys Kirby gets a tour of JLR’s Classic Works to learn about Land Rover
Classic Genuine Parts and the reproduction of rare Series One wheels

WORDS EMRYS KIRBY


PICTURES JLR

Pre-1500 Australian 80in is just as beautiful as


the pristinely restored ones

I
am a rivet counter – there, I’ve said it including the exceptionally rare four-
and there’s probably no cure for it! As and-a-half in rim as fitted to 1948 and
with many Land Rover enthusiasts, I early 1949 year models. In October I
like the minutiae of parts and age-correct was invited to JLR’s Classic Works in
details. While my knowledge of the parts’ Coventry to see the product in the flesh,
books isn’t quite committed to memory, I learn more about the Classic Genuine
can quote a few off the top of my head. Parts programme and get an update A rare glimpse of
the original engin
One of the most memorable to me is on the Land Rover and Range Rover drawings for the eering
231601 wheel
231601 which is a standard rim as fitted to Reborn Programmes.
SWB Series Land Rovers. The rivet counter The movers and shakers behind the
in me also knows that there are a number remake of the wheels and the general Reborn programme over the past few years,
of variations-over-year models, despite the expansion of the availability of genuine overseeing the build of the finest early
same number - the most notable during parts are Calum McKechnie, global general Land Rovers on the planet.
the early stages of 80in development. manager of JLR’s Classic Parts and Michael Early on in our tour, Calum explained
Land Rover Classic Parts recently Bishop, Land Rover Classic’s product that Classic Parts is committed to
announced that it had started making specialist. Michael has put his heart and improving the availability of genuine parts
wheels to the original specification, soul into developing the Land Rover and to have parts re-manufactured and

86 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


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A huge amount of Classic Parts then has to make decisions on


what parts to have re-manufactured based
Classic infotainment system was inspired by
customer demand for a retro system with
effort has gone into on cost, likely sales and ensuring that the
retail cost is commensurate with the value
modern features

matching the colour of the vehicle it is to be fitted to.


Series One expert Michael explained
and grain texture of that having parts re-manufactured is a
surprisingly complicated, but worthwhile,
an original’ business for both for in-house restorations
and to make them available to the public.
The issue of the wheels was inspired
available for the public and for use in-
house on the Reborn programme. Because
the parts are fully backed by JLR, every
new part has to undergo a full sign-off
with independent testing.
Add to this the issue of sourcing
suppliers that can do low volume, there is
inevitably a lag in making parts available.
This process does, of course, ensure the
customer can have confidence that the part
will not only fit but will give good service
life. For JLR, a vehicle crosses into classic
territory at 10 years old and while there
are still plenty of genuine parts around -
for example more than 50% of Discovery
II parts are available - there are many
thousands of parts that are unavailable.

Remanufactured four-and-half in wheel


beside an original – it’s a perfect match with
the valve hole in the ‘gap’

Stunning North American specification 80in

by the fact that a significant proportion


of original wheels were unsuitable as
‘go-again’ refurbished parts. Added to this,
when you want to complete the vehicle to
the highest standards you want to ensure
the parts are age-detail correct. Wheels
on 1948 and early 1949 year-model
Land Rovers were unique – at four-and-
a-half in, not only where they narrower
than later models, they were undated. In
1949, the design changed to 5in and age
stampings added to the outside in a month
and year format, e.g. 3/50 is March1950.
The true rivet counter can also spot an
early 5in wheel – the valve hole is in line
with the ‘gap’ rather than the ‘spoke’ of the
wheel. The solution of course was to start
reproducing the wheels as genuine tested
and approved parts.
Luck would have it that the original
Rubery Owen wheel press tooling was still
available in Australia as it was used in the
A perfect re-manufactured four-and- Perentie (military Land Rover variant for
a-half in wheel made on the original Calum McKechnie, head of JLR Classic Parts is the Australian Army) programme. This is
press tool also a true enthusiast the genuine original 1950s CKD tooling,

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a suite of five separate tools and is the


closest possible to the original units.
‘Classic Parts said that none of the thousands of visitors
had noticed they were any different! As
There were actually a number of then has to make well as the original engineering drawings,
manufacturers of the wheels over the years the Classic team has a number of all-
– Dunlop, KH and ROH (Rubery Owen decisions on what original reference vehicles available to
Holdings). Michael and the classic team them. Not only do these act as great eye-
are rightly proud of creating Series One parts to have candy as you enter the Classic premises at
wheels from the original 1950s tooling and
manufactured to modern safety standards.
remanufactured’ Ryton on Dunsmore, they are invaluable
in seeing how the parts actually looked in
The press tooling is actually surprisingly real life. For example, the location of the
complicated and Michael just happened number and date stamping and indeed the
to have a copy of the original engineering position of the valve hole.
drawings showing the specifications and
the updates over the years. The drawings
also outlined the original testing process
and it is surprisingly rigorous with multiple
simulated kerb strikes and weight loading.
One of the factors in having classic parts
remade is that the manufacturing and
construction techniques and processes
have developed. Obviously asbestos
cannot be used but the construction of
items such as ECUs have changed and
known design flaws in items can be
rectified. This is also relevant for the Perfectly re-manufactured Range Rover dash
reproduction of the wheels; the original top was based on an original example from a
units were riveted together but this is no cold climate vehicle
longer a legal construction technique in
the automotive industry so the new wheels Soft rubber tailgate rubbers are being trialled
are welded together, making a much on this vehicle
stronger and safer part.
The new wheels have been fitted to the
Reborn cars for the past year and Michael Newly remanufactured Range Rover seats –
Palomino ones will be available in the future

This Masai Red Range Rover is the engineering


car to try out components

88 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


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PVC seats are also on the list of parts that


will be available in the future.
It is always a pleasure to visit JLR’s
Classic Works but this was pretty
inspirational for me. The team is made up
of true Land Rover experts, enthusiasts
and aficionados. To some, a wheel is just
a wheel but there is so much more to this
– it is a genuine move to reproduce classic
parts as authentically as possible and
make them available to the public.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, there
will be more parts in the future, especially
as the Range Rover Reborn programme
develops. Classic wheels are available at
£150 plus VAT in the UK. a
‘There were
actually a number
of manufacturers of
the wheels over the
years’
Windscreen to bulkhead seal being fitted to an 80in

231601 steel rims contrasts well with the


Sawtooth Alloy on the 70th Anniversary 90

Our tour round the Reborn facilities was


as spectacular as ever but the noticeable
change was in the development of the
Range Rover Reborn programme. There
was a stunning ‘engineering’ Masai Red
two-door Range Rover Classic that was
being built as a test bed for the fit of a
number of remanufactured parts.
It was sporting a newly-manufactured
dash top which will be available in the
future for both Reborn and to the public.
A huge amount of effort has gone into
matching the colour and grain texture
of an original, using a good example
from a cold climate vehicle which hadn’t
suffered from significant UV exposure.
New soft rubber seals are also being
trialled, ensuring better-than-original
door closing and resistance to UV Choices… shall I take the Jag, the Series One or
degradation. The unique early Palomino the Defender today?

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 89


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90 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


JOURNEYS

ht
A sobering sig

The memorial wall


at Dunkirk

O
ne drizzly Saturday morning in began to dissolve the night away. Hues of
mid-October I met up with fellow orange, red and purple greeted us as we
members of the Herts Laning Group arrived at the ferry terminal just before 7am.
at South Mimms services on the M25. As we waited in line for passport control
I was the first to arrive in my trusty I noticed the sign stating ‘no spare fuel
Series III, Mattilda, Rick was next, in his cans’. I glanced at the full Jerrycan sitting
Discovery 2, followed by Paul (aka The in my passenger footwell and hastily slung
Leader Of The Pack) and his teenage son a jacket over it. Mattilda still runs on its
Aidan in the Franken Rover – technically a original 2,286cc petrol engine so I’d already
Series III but so hybridised now it’s hard to used most of a tank just getting there! I
know how many motors have gone into its vowed next time to refill the tank from
construction – and eventually, Jamie in his the can before reaching this point. But the
‘04 plate Defender 110. jacket worked, and we all boarded together.
And so we set off, bound for Dover and The crossing was smooth and the on-board
the 7:40am ferry to Calais. The drive down breakfast was actually pretty good (if a
was uneventful, the roads were clear and tad expensive) and we arrived at Calais at
the Dartford crossing was free (apparently around 10:30am local time.
they only charge between 6am and 10pm, Once passport control had been cleared
bonus!) and as we approached Dover the our first stop was a local Auchan shopping
rain stopped and the sky cleared as daylight centre to stock up on snacks. I took the

92 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


WORDS AND PICTURES
KEITH SMITH

A Weekend
to Remember
Keith Smith and friends made a quick dash across
the Channel to visit some of the battlefields of World War Two

‘The following day


was not so much
about laning as it
was about culture’

Heading out of Calais

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 93


JOURNEYS

opportunity to investigate a mildly ominous views. It’s possible that the glorious weather
rattle suddenly coming from Mattilda’s that weekend helped (sunshine and 24ºC!).
gearbox which fortunately turned out to It wasn’t long before we began
be nothing more than a slightly low clutch encountering World War Two reminders.
fluid level in the reservoir and so was cured A fortified bunker in the middle of a field
by a top-up. served to remind us of this area’s violent past,
The basic plan was simple; follow and though peaceful and agricultural now,
(roughly) the route of the battlefields tour, we each privately wondered what the scene
which Paul had done previously and had was like 75 years ago. In truth it’s not hard
loaded into his mapping software. Generally to picture; the area is littered with such relics
speaking, unpaved roads in France are and, as we were soon to discover, some were
driveable unless marked as private, and more powerful reminders than others.
though none of the routes we encountered After a quick stop for coffee on a beautiful
were in any way challenging, they were hillside with a view of the English Channel,
great fun to drive and offered some great we soon came upon the Cap Gris-Nez,

Coffee stop

The Hourglass

Musee Todt

94 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


‘After the beach visit, we stopped by
the Dunkirk Museum, which chronicles
Operation Dynamo in excruciating detail’

Mattilda and friends

where a lighthouse today guides the 500


plus ships which pass this point every
day in the English Channel. It also bears
the scars of past conflicts in the form of
dug-in bunkers, many craters and bits of
destroyed masonry; this is the closest point
to mainland Britain – only 21 miles – and
so has been repeatedly battered and bombed
over the course of numerous conflicts.
During World War Two the Germans built
various fortifications here intended to repel
the anticipated allied invasion and one of

Stopping by one of many bun


kers

these, the Batterie Todt, was our next stop. there are a number of graves dedicated to
Originally intended to be called the Batterie British servicemen who fought alongside
Seigfried, it was renamed in honour of Fritz the Canadians to liberate this part of
Todt, a German engineer responsible for the France (the Canadians were instrumental in
‘Leopold’ - a really really big gun Atlantic Wall who died in a plane crash just winning back Dunkirk from the Nazis). If
days before the Batterie went online. you’ve never visited a war cemetery before
Among its vast array of artillery is a – as I hadn’t – it’s quite difficult to prepare
Krupp railway gun named ‘Leopold’ with yourself for the sheer gravity of the place.
a calibre of 15in, which, via the magic It’s one thing to see the lines of headstones,
of quick manual calculations, we figured not in itself so very different to any other
had sufficient range to hit Ashford or cemetery (except for the cleanliness), but
Canterbury from its position on the French what really got to me were the unnamed
coast. The batterie is now a museum which graves, the young ages of the deceased
still has holes in its walls from shelling (most were under 25), and the thought of
and gives a glimpse into life as a German so many young men being killed so far
soldier during the war – one of the more from home and their loved ones. I’m not
chilling aspects is the realisation that you’re usually one to dwell on such things but it’s
standing in a spot visited by Hitler himself! impossible not to be moved by the sheer
Moving on from there and via a few more tragedy of it all, and it is a testament to the
lovely dirt tracks, we found ourselves at honour bestowed upon the sacrifice of these
the Calais Canadian War cemetery. Though men that so many years later the graves
This thing would probably go anywhere off road
(obviously) predominantly Canadian, are so well tended that they look like the

www.classiclandrover.com JANUARY 2019 95


JOURNEYS

‘It’s impossible not to be moved


by the sheer tragedy of it all’

At the Cap Griz-Nez

An anonymous grave - very sobering

Mattilda in the Gallic sun

by their allies. Casualties amounted to


68,000 but even so the evacuation is
credited with initiating the ‘Dunkirk spirit’
of British citizens pulling together to
overcome adversity.
After the beach visit, we stopped by the
headstones were erected last week. Dunkirk Museum, which chronicles Operation
After that, it was time to head to our Dynamo in excruciating detail – as it is
accommodation for the night (via the same presented from a French perspective it makes
shopping centre for some cheap booze) for uncomfortable viewing as an Englishman.
which was an F1 hotel in Dunkirk. Dunkerque’s Cathedral Saint Eloi However that being said I would recommend
The following day was not so much about it for anyone visiting the area, it really is a
laning as it was about culture. After breakfast We arrived at Dover at pretty much the same fascinating perspective on the evacuation.
we headed down to Dunkirk beach. It’s time as daylight did Nearby is ‘The Hourglass’ (‘La Sablier’), a
a beautiful sandy beach which, for some recent monument to Operation Dynamo - a
inexplicable reason, had a display of artificial beautiful reminder of successes and failures
Christmas trees in the middle of it, and you in war and in life. This is symbolised by an
still can’t help but be moved by the history. hour glass-shaped monument where adversity
Dunkirk Beach was the focal point for turns into an opportunity.
Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of allied And that brought an end to our Gallic
forces from France which unfortunately led weekend – the ferry back was at 2pm
to friction between France and England, and so we headed back to the terminal.
ostensibly on account of the fact that we For the princely sum of £65 which
didn’t tell the French we were evacuating. included the return ferry trip as well as
By way of amends, Churchill also ordered our accommodation, I would recommend
the evacuation of more than 100,000 to anyone the idea of heading over to
French troops as well as British, but the Normandy for the weekend – I shall
French nonetheless felt somewhat betrayed certainly be returning! a
96 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com
HISTORIC SPECIALS ESSEN T IA L REA D I NG F R OM KE Y P U B L I S H I NG

ARMISTICE 1918 DEFENDER 1918:ANILLUSTRATED DUNKIRK


This 116-page special features a A 100-page special The story of the great evacuation is
graphic account of what really detailing the complete HISTORY told, day-by-day.
happened on the Western Front history of a British icon. This is the story of the
100 years ago in the last few Great War’s final year.
months of 1918.

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REMEMBERING ARMISTICE ROAD TO VICTORY ZEEBRUGGE 1918


This 156-page photographic tribute This 116-page special reveals Key Publishing presents this special
THE FALLEN looks at the war from the outbreak to how, after so many years of publication which commemorates the
Remembering the Fallen details trench warfare, the fighting on Zeebrugge raid.
the plans put in place to honour that fateful day in November when
the Western Front became mobile
the victims of The Great War. the guns fell silent. and more fluid.

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HISTORIC SPECIALS
ESSENTIAL reading from the teams behind your FAVOURITE magazines
FREE Aviation Specials App

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989/18
LOOKING BACK

1977: Ton-up Tester


Emrys Kirby examines a rare photograph of a 100in prototype

WORDS EMRYS KIRBY


PHOTOGRAPHS ROGER CRATHORNE ARCHIVE

I
n a recent CLR I wrote about David way in those early days. Records suggest likely that this is because it was kitted out
Maingot’s Swiss Army 100in trial that there were three soft tops and a truck as a military demonstrator and was sent
vehicle and gave a resume of the cab variant. out to Brittany to compete in French Army
development and ultimate demise of the It seems that while VVC 701S was the trials. It had a V8 engine and LT95 gearbox
100in model. One of the vehicles I referred second vehicle built (it carried chassis as fitted to the Range Rover and Stage I.
to was VVC 701S and it just happens that number LBGAV2AA000002 and engine Careful analysis of the photo shows us
I recently saw a rare photograph of it in number 28-LR-2), it was the first 100in it had a modified Salisbury axle, rear and
Roger Crathorne’s archives. prototype to be road-registered. It is very side-mounted fuel tanks and was fitted
VVC 701S was a semi-engineered 100in with modified Series III bodywork. The
prototype registered in September 1977. chassis was a re-engineered Range Rover
The Stage 2 (coil spring) project had been
signed off at Eastnor Castle in January
‘The Stage 2 (coil unit. The vehicle was fitted with a Stage
I-type front and grille, adorned with a
1977 and by the end of the year four spring) project had Land Rover badge taken from a cut-down
100in vehicles had been built. Series III grille.
At the time, product planning looked been signed off at Note the fact that it is LHD but has been
at building 100in and 110in models and it fitted with headlamp beam deflectors for
was actually the 100in model that led the Eastnor Castle in driving on European roads. Records suggest
January 1977’ it was scrapped in August 1983 but who
knows, perhaps it escaped this fate and is
a
out there still to be discovered?

98 JANUARY 2019 www.classiclandrover.com


the complete history of a
land rover icon From the team behind
Classic Land Rover magazine,
Defender is a new 100-page
special magazine detailing the
complete history of a British
icon that has become the
definitive cross-country 4x4.
It chronicles the numerous mechanical
upgrades, series of special edition
models and working vehicles as well
as especially modified expedition and
enthusiasts’ machines.

Features include:

Make Mine a Ninety


These early coilers have a special place
in the history of Land Rovers and need to

RE be preserved.

Islands Dream

DU
Paul Bracey’s Ninety was used in the
1986 Camel Trophy. It has seen more life
than most Land Rovers but is still going
strong.

CE Lights, Camera, Action


The Tomb Raider Defender was a short-
lived experiment but great PR for Land

D!
Rover.

Happy Anniversary
Changing times at Land Rover led to
the production of the 40th anniversary
Ninety, the first in a sequence of
anniversary models.

Means of Survival
It takes a special type of Defender to cope
with the inhospitable Icelandic winter.

AND MUCH MORE!

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1111/17

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