Description
This is an exceptionally well put together vehicle.
The previous owner bought the car in 2009 and used it for a couple of years before a full strip down in Jan 2012 . The car was then meticulously repaired, and reassembled from the ground up onto a new galvanised chassis. It was completed in 2023 and back on road in 2024 (Tax and MOT exempt)
Some key notes regarding the rebuild are at the end of this description. The Vehicle comes along with digital pictures and records of all parts and work documented year by year, available for download by the Purchaser.
The car has been garage stored throughout and only used in the summer months post rebuild.
Key items from rebuild in no particular order:
- The care was stripped and repainted by hand during rebuild, with black hammerite used internally and matt Nato white externally.
- The new galvanised chassis was purchased around 2012 and has been professional embossed with the original chassis number(the original chassis number is on old original chassis leg and is available with vehicle as proof)
- Original standard wheels and Avon tyres . You will notice that in one of the photos I used some Land rover diamond hubs for testing (these are not included)
- The axles were stripped down and now have new seals and front axle has had new swivel hubs plus an overhaul completed by local LR independent (freewheel hubs fitted)
- New brake drums, all hydraulics inc master cylinder and brake lines
- New leaf springs and new shock absorbers
- New rear tub floor and supports
- Footwell repair panels, new vent panel skin
- All panels removed, repaired as needed and repainted, undersealed beneath wheel arches
- Engine head overhauled and has 'lead free' hardened valve seats fitted by engine rebuild company locally
- Military engine oil cooler reinstated
- New radiator and hoses
- A new Zenith carburetor along with an additional fuel filter. (just been refitted on 07-06-25, for authenticity to replace the Weber as shown in the photos)
- Gearbox stripped and checked with new syncro on 2nd gear
- Military FFR battery tray reinstated, The battery system is 12V.
- Battery isolator fitted
- New UJ joints on propshaft
- New fuel tank ( left side only)
- New Clutch
- New lower door panels and frames
- New Seats, Paddock Spares
- New Canvas hood, Exmoor Trim
- New Steering relay box
- New Fuel pump
- Axle breather pipes renewed
- Refurbished headlight bezels and new backings
- Various panel repairs made where needed or corroded but left with some dents and holes from its original character
- Half the wiring loom (rear) is new, the front section is repaired.
- Tyres are Avons, with a spare set of 4 more lightly used in good condition as back up. All tyres are good except for low tread on the spare that is mounted on the bonnet.
- Starts on the turn of the key and drives well
- Plus many more repaired and renewed items, full pictorial and receipt history available to view if/ when you purchase the vehicle
Some concessions that were given to upgrade the vehicle include.
3rd break light
Reversing light
Headlight override switch (for simplification)
Electronic distributor
This is an excellent vehicle which has been structurally rebuilt to a high standard. If I was going to keep the vehicle, I might consider returning it to the original Military Bronze Green and strip, fill and repaint all the body panels. It does however look excellent in Nato white which has been it's colour for well over 30 years.
NB: I have just managed to locate and purchase 2 brand new front leg side panels for the tub, both N/ S and O/ S (fits behind the door) are etch painted in black and ready to paint up and install. Please check the attached photos, O/ S panel picture is now posted.
NB: She has a total Mileage of 84, 759 miles. The speedometer failed (odometer was working fine) at 84, 706 miles in March 2025 so was changed with the new odometer which is now showing 53 miles. There is a lot to like about this vehicle.
She has a lot of well documented history and is very authentic. She never fails to turn heads and starts on the turn of a the key, perfect for visits to the local stately home or down for Sunday lunch at the pub, or if needed, wading through flood in the road, i personally would not take her off road simply because she is so clean underneath and I want to keep her that way, but that is the only reason not to do so as she has all new suspension. Just remember though that the lightweight has a top cruising speed of around 55MPH, so not a car you would want to drive down the motorway at speed. Structurally if you put the car on a ramp for inspection it look like a nearly new vehicle. Internally and externally it still keeps its authentic vintage feel and makes you feel like you are driving a small piece of history. It is nice to know with all the documentation (there are literally hundreds of clearly recorded renovation images) that you can see everything that has been done to her previously which makes it much easier for maintenance and adds an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
I also have a spare set of lightly used Avon tyres, which are great to have as a back up for later ( see photos).
Please see notes on Military History below ;
22/ 11/ 1972 – Central Vehicle Depot Ashchurch
06/ 12/ 1972 – ADPCON
08/ 01/ 1973 – 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers rear party – Alma Barracks, Catterick
06/ 08/ 1975 – 3rd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment – Saighton Camp, Chester
06/ 01/ 1976 – 1st Battalion The Green Howards – Saighton Camp, Chester
01/ 08/ 1976 – 1st Battalion Queen’s Lancashire Regiment – Saighton Camp, Chester
24/ 01/ 1978 - 3rd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment – Saighton Camp, Chester
26/ 04/ 1978 – 18/ 05/ 1978 – struck off census Ordnance Store & Disposal Depot Ruddington
