Hi,
As Richard says, the first major problem is differentiating between a
civillian and an ex-military Landrover.
All ex-British Army military Landrovers have a different chassis to the
ones sold for the civilian market. The main difference can be seen at a
glance by merely walking round the back of the vehicle and looking at
the rear chassis member. British military contract vehicles did not
have a PTO hole in the rear chassis member on Series I, II and IIa
vehicles. As far as I am aware most series II and IIa were 24v
electrics at issue, and were fitted with oil coolers. This does not
apply to other army's. Many countries bought the cheaper civilian
Landrovers and adapted them for Military use.
The first forward-control Landrovers were manufactured for the civilian
market not the military. I believe the AA (Automobile Ass'n), were one
of the first, all their vehicles were fitted with front winches, and
almost all were sold on by 1970.
Unfortunately the first job of most dealers when selling ex military
Landrovers was to de-mil them and make them look in all respects a
civilian version, as the ex-mil ones were generally absolutely thrashed
and listed at a much lower value. This usually entailed the removal of
the bumper over-riders, arial and gun mounts, and converting to 12 volt
electrics. The oil coolers were not easily removed and often left in.
Through the 60's and 70's civilian Landrovers fetched a high price as a
used vehicle, and many ex-mil severely damaged vehicles were totally
rebuilt (including the fitting of new rear civilian type chassis
members), for export sales. There are several ex-mil dealers still
operating in the UK who got up to all these practicies back in those
days.
Even more confusion is caused by Landrover's standard factory civilian
paint colours. Two of which are the same as previous British military
spec's. 'Sand', and 'Landrover Green', are the same. Other standard
Landrover colours are not viz....Landrover Light Green, Deep Bronze
Green, Light Grey and Blue. Other colours were special to customers
specification.
For extra interest only....the first Landrover had a chain-drive
transmission. The Series I vehicles are without doubt the best for
off-road, and were the most sought after for conversion to garage tow-
vehicles (less overhangs). The most expensive Series I, is probably the
107 ambulance (based on the 'Safari'). The most expensive Series II,
IIa is probably the 88 or 109 full spec FFR.
My comments only apply to series I, II and IIa vehicles. And it is worth
noteing that there are some really good Military Landrover Clubs in the
Uk with many real experts amongst their members. 'The Medway Military
Landrover Club' is one.
regards
Colin Brookes
Invicta Military Vehicle Preservation Society (IMPS)
colb@xtra.co.nz
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