Description
1997 Land Rover Defender Wolf TUL HS Soft Top – Air-dropable
Chassis Number: SALLDBA67VA/ 136534 Engine Number: 25L02904A Documents: V5C, new MOT completed 18th of September with no advisories, 6 months tax. This 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 TUL FFR is one of 28 air-droppable (“Piggyback”) examples that were modified by Ricardo Special Vehicles of West Sussex, England. The low production number makes it rarer than the “Pink Panther” Land Rover, of which 70 were built and only a reported 20 exist today.
The body was modified to allow two truck air-droppables to be stacked on top of one another in a specially made Medium Stress Platform (MSP), for the purpose of elite airborne operations. These vehicles were used for reconnaissance of the 16th Air Assault Brigade, including the Pathfinder Platoon (see photo).
Ideal for collectors, museums, or enthusiasts seeking a unique piece of British military history. It is unknown how many currently survive.
She was registered as KC32AA in the military. I have been unable to ascertain where she was deployed but I know that one of her “sisters” KC35AA was sent to the no2 Parachute Regiment and served in Afghanistan and possibly Iraq. See attached photo in Kabul in 2002. KC32AA appears in James Taylor’s book “Land Rovers in British Military Service” (see attached photos). I acquired this vehicle in August 2021 from Brightwells. At that time, they had a number of air-droppables for sale, but this one was by far the best available. After being released from Brightwell’s in October 2021, she was sent to Jake Wright for various mechanical works and included the installation of a brand-new correct OEM hood from PA Blanchard’s. At the same time, the footwells which were showing some rust were completely refurbished. She was then civilian registered in October 2021, and a period R registration plate was assigned. No corrosion is visible on the chassis, and the car has covered just 93, 068 kms (~58, 000 miles) and is believed to be correct. She drives well and is quiet with no clunks or whines, as you would expect with such a low mileage truck.
This is a unique opportunity to acquire a low mileage Wolf which is exportable to the USA, that has a rare, historically interesting specification.
Specifications:
Model: Land Rover Defender Wolf (XD).
Build Date: 10th September 1997, in service date; 6th November 1997.
Variant: Airdroppable “Piggy Back” configuration.
Engine: 300Tdi diesel.
Transmission: 5-speed manual.
Drive: Permanent 4WD with locking differentials.
Suspension: Heavy-duty military spec.
Electrical: 24V NATO standard.
Mileage: 58, 000 • Condition: Excellent original condition.
Colour: Nato Green, recently washed and applied Owatrol oil. Interior: Gray Vinyl.
Thousands have been spent on this vehicle, and everything has been done to make her a reliable running and driving vehicle.
The only thing I would add is that at some point during her military she is missing some of the original kit such as the pioneer tool kit which can be easily obtainable on eBay or from Witham Specialist Vehicles. Also attached is a photo of the from the Merlin Archive, and the certificate from the British Transport Museum showing build date etc. If you wish to see the invoices relating to the work done, please let us know. I’d happily share them with you.
