• Very rare ex-artic military example

• Sympathetic restoration

• Fun to drive

• Timeless appreciating classic

The Land Rover Half Ton, or more commonly known as the Lightweight or Airportable, originated in the 1960’s as a military-spec vehicle that could be easily transported around the world for the Royal Marines and British Army. Based on the 88” Series llA, it was devised by making body components smaller and easily detachable, and by removing non-essential items. It weighed 1,206kg - thus it could be easily lifted by helicopters or squeeze into an aeroplane.

The Series lll Lightweight came along in 1972. Minor changes included synchromesh on second gear rather than just on third and fourth and the fitment of an alternator instead of a dynamo. Also the headlights were moved to the wings. Most engines were 2.25L petrol engines and around 1980, in line with civilian models, had five main bearings instead of three.

Variants were made for specific requirements including anti-tank specification and the addition of ‘Artic’ heaters for the Royal Marines Artic Warfare role - In fact, the vehicle we have here, appears to have been delivered with this spec!. The Lightweight truly was a world class operator being used in over 20 countries, testimony indeed to Land Rover’s ability to build reliable, robust and adaptable vehicles.    

This authentic series lll ‘Truck utility 1/2 tonne 4x4’ (as the original dashboard plate states) is a very rare serving ex-artic NATO designated Lightweight. Little military history is currently known but there are tell-tale signs of it’s former life including gun attachments behind the seats and clips for the now deleted artic heater pipes.

The previous owner of this Land Rover looked after it for round seven years during which time he treated it to a sympathetic restoration. This is particularly evident underneath. It has all the hallmarks and providence of a very original Lightweight.

 

The V5 is present along with the current MOT which expires towards the end of October 2021. There are a couple of older MOT’s, and what appears to be the Military exit certification.

Also there is a folder with over 20 photographs documenting some of the previous restoration work and indeed images of other Land Rover’s the previous owner possessed!.

The rugged basic cab is a fun place to be and as we know heralds practical functionality over

comfort. The dashboard, dials and switch gear are original and show their age, but could easily be improved over time if you wish. The vendor tells us that all the electrical switches operate as they should.

The original (large!) steering wheel is still in place as are the original military seats - which do display some wear to the edges. The artic heater has long gone and would have been fitted between the seats, but a very original looking fire extinguisher is still in the passenger footwell. The rear space looks tidy and in good condition. 

During the recent sympathetic restoration, the previous owner wanted to retain some of the ‘battle scars’, dents and dings. The military satin green respray has some inconsistencies in colouration but overall looks very presentable. The windows, mirrors, lights, door handles, etc. are all up together.

Upon closer inspection, the ladder type chassis and underside has clearly had a lot of time spent on it - any signs of rust are minimal. The vendor tells us the body was removed to work on the chassis and suspension (there are detailed shots of this on the folder mentioned above). The under-seat dual fuel tanks appear fine and are topped up directly. They are selectable via a lever on the driver's seat box behind the drivers feet (see photo).  

The canvas top is in reasonable condition with a small hole on the top, and the rear plastic window has suffered at the hands of the elements and become opaque.

The original military specification bumpers are still in place along with a tow bar and electrics. The exhaust has some surface runs but looks solid otherwise. Lastly, the original painted steel wheels are shod with new looking Michelin LT205/80 R16 tyres.

The 2.25L four cylinder petrol engine is generally considered to be very reliable. 77bhp may seem modest but the torque is more substantial - 124Ib ft is delivered at 1,500rpm, and being relatively light, it moves quite briskly up to around 40mph with a claimed top speed of around 65mph.

This engine and ancillaries look as though they have been well cared for with routine maintenance, and according to the previous MOT’s hasn’t travelled many miles in recent years. It retains its original points distributor and single Zenith carburettor and has had a recent new water pump installed. The current mileage is showing 67,399.

This Lightweight eagerly fires up and after a bit of choke fettling, seems to run sweetly enough. The leaf springs seem good and the ride quality is what you would expect. The vendor tells us that the gears operate smoothly and the drum brakes appear to have relatively new copper brake lines and unions.

This is possibly one of the coolest of the legendary Land Rovers and will never go out of fashion. 

The under appreciated engineering and all consuming driving experience should keep you smiling and represents a serious investment opportunity to boot. It can be utilised for such a wide range of pursuits from military shows to off-road activities - or simply as a fun daily driver.