Highlights

Ex-MOD Rover 8 FFR (Fitted for Radio) 88" specification, originally dating from 1964
Visually restored to military specification with numerous rare original parts and accessories
Gearbox and transfer box rebuild carried out in 2024
Significant recent mechanical work, including new brake cylinders, carburettor, ignition, and springs
Accompanied by a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate and a Land Rover Series 2 Club proof of manufacture inspection certificate.

The Appeal

The Land Rover was always bound for military service, as with any car inspired by the Jeep - but there's little with more provenance than the military-only specified wagons that found themselves in active service. The 88" Rover 8 FFR variant was purpose-built for radio communications, and surviving examples are increasingly hard to find.

This FFR is bound to attract attention. The B-card showing the military history is not available, however there is evidence of related vehicles operating in Aden in the Middle East circa 1965/6. It has been marked up as part of the Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry that fought during that conflict.

This handsome Land Rover was decommissioned in 1969 and sold at Ruddingtons Auction 1970. Originally it held the military registration (ERM) of ‘93EL00. It was registered with the DVLA in 2013 and has since been converted back to military specification by its current owner. The result is a vehicle laden with rare period accessories: original glass side lights with holders, military headlight rims, a toaster grille, restored front bumperettes, Larkspur VHF ATU equipment, whip antennas, windscreen air vents, and a NATO rear hitch, among many others. Military markings for the Aden deployment complete the visual presentation.

Mechanically, this Land Rover has benefited from considerable recent investment, including a rebuilt gearbox and transfer box, new braking components, and new springs. Well-documented and comprehensively equipped, this rare military Land Rover is now ready and waiting for its lucky new keeper.

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Key Information

Mileage: 66,786 miles on a five-figure odometer
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 2.25-litre four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual with low/high range transfer box
Paperwork: Heritage certificate, historical vehicle certificate, Land Rover Series II Club certificate, and military plates included

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The Detail

Replacement 2.25 military engine marked 1988; the vendor reports it runs 'fantastically'
Gearbox and transfer box rebuild carried out in 2024
New Weber carburettor fitted; original Zenith carburettor included
Electronic ignition fitted; original distributor included
New brake cylinders all round and new brake slave cylinder fitted; a set of new brake shoes is included but not yet fitted
Running on new parabolic springs; original leaf springs included
Converted from 24v to 12v with a new wiring loom
Dual military fuel tanks under front seats
Slight seepage of engine and gear/transfer box oil, noted by the vendor as normal for a vehicle of this age
Chassis is sealed and coated; described as clean underneath
Heated front windscreen
Removable Exmoor Trim FFR canvas top with a few bleached-out patches and a small patched hole
Fold-down windscreen, door tops, and hoop set included
A few vegetation scratches to the sides, a few small dents, and some touched-up scratches on the driver's door
Fuel gauge and full beam indicator work correctly; extra military amp meters and oil pressure gauge are fitted for display only
Oil and water temperature gauges on the main clock do not work
Original MOD fuel gauge clock included but not fitted
8 x original glass side lights and holders with new screw-in mounts
Original military headlight rims with new Lucas bowls and lenses
Original toaster grille and restored front raised bumperettes
Larkspur VHF ATU box with aerial mount and tuner (one fitted, one spare); Larkspur HF side mount x 1
Two 2/3 whip antennas with cases
Period spotlight that plugs into the dash; ATU, side mount, and spot light can be removed for off-road use
NATO rear hitch with mounting plates
Rear Pioneer tools and mounts fitted
Military markings including weight plate, chalk board, tyre pressures, and unit markings for Aden
Windscreen air vents and pipework
Reconditioned period Pyrene fire extinguisher and mount (empty, for display only)
Modern fire extinguisher also included
Front seat belts with galvanised supports; rear benches with four lap belts
Doors are Series III fitted with door stop converters for Series II
Bulkhead is a Series II version
Rear hoop modified to fold for garage access but functions correctly when locked up
Mirrors mounted on military door hinges rather than wings
Period ammo box in rear used for tools including wheel nut wrench, jack, and rescue rope
Dash hand throttle fitted but not connected; linkages included
Middle seat under-storage tray fitted where FFR battery box would have been
Rear number plate and convoy light fitted; rear number plate repositioned to correct location
Private registration plate included in the sale

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BEFORE YOU BUY

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