Description
Landrover Minerva TT 80” built in 1952, I have restored this sympathetically using as many original and period parts as possible, the chassis has had minor repairs were needed but is in lovely condition. The body work was in a poor condition, panels have been repaired were required and a better rear tub fitted but leaving some wrinkles and dents showing its long military history.
Mechanically the brakes have been rebuilt, little bits like new radiator hoses etc, the wiring replaced where necessary but saving some original looms.
I have hunted down most missing bits, the only major thing missing is the air filter pre cleaner.
It runs and drives nicely with a very distinctive exhaust note, gets the most attention of any vehicle I’ve owned!I originally bought this for parts before realising how much history and how full of character it is, so decided it was well worthy of the repairs required!
During the prewar years Belgium’s Minerva built some of the world’s finest, and most expensive motorcars.
After WW2 the Belgian army were looking to replace worn out Willys jeeps so set a tender for 2500 4x4s which Minerva won in conjunction with landrover, who provided mechanical parts, chassis and bulkheads with Minerva producing the unique steel bodywork, later on also making their own chassis and bulkheads
After falling out with landrover the company was defunct by 1958
With just around 2500 built for military use, Minerva Land Rovers are much rarer than their British-built counterparts.
And given that the Belgians mostly used steel bodies makes the survival rate pretty low.
This particular Minerva shows signs of a long military career including use as an ambulance at some stage I believe, but this is all part of the charm.
