When is a Defender not a Defender? When it’s a “Wolf.” Whilst retaining the external characteristics of a high-spec Defender the “Wolf” was a significantly uprated, even tougher version of the erstwhile farmers’ favourite. With around 8,000 procured by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) from 1994 onwards, their official military title (in SWB, 90-inch guise) was Truck Utility Light HS or “TUL.” The HS standing for “high specification.” The “wolf” nomenclature was a colloquial nickname that just stuck.
 
Those upgrades and high specifications included the easier to maintain 300 TDi engine, a reinforced rear axle and uprated suspension, an upgraded chassis internally sprayed with Dinitrol rust inhibiter, 24-volt electrics, internal roll cage and reinforced steering guard. A range of military specific fixtures and fittings were present depending on the configuration and intended use.
 
With close to 100 different configurations procured by the MoD it is not always easy to identify specific configurations. Our example appears to be a GS (general service) model for 2+4 passengers. It represents just the right blend of charming originality, light use and well cared for stewardship that best exemplifies these specialist military utility vehicles.
 

 
The Wolf certainly looks the part both externally and internally. The exterior condition suits the vehicle’s action orientated specification and military service perfectly. There are some crapes and scuffs in evidence and the nearside front wing lost a fight with a small tree during its current ownership. All part of the Land Rover charm. Despite this there is a pleasing lack of apparent corrosion or alloy reaction, underscoring the care taken of these vehicles during their military service.
 
Wolf specific fitments are numerous and include the tool lashings on the bonnet (including for “pick head,” “shovel,” and “helve”), the spare wheel mounting plate, the protected side air intakes, the wing mounted ATU wing box plates, convoy flag holders and original, NATO style tow hitch with 12 pin electrics. The wheels are the original uprated GKN style 61/2J x 16 x 20.6 items which are shod with a matching set of 2020 date stamped BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tyres.
 
The interior of the Wolf is an interesting mix of standard Land Rover Defender with some seemingly quirky military specification additions thrown in. The general cabin layout will certainly be familiar with rubber matting to the floor and hardwearing, Exmoor style fabric to the front seats. The condition is good with just one rip noted to the passenger seat base. Likewise, the instrumentation, steering wheel, gear lever and low ratio selector are standard fare.

Between the front seats, however, remains the standard issue MoD “small arms clip” and the cabin is dotted with a number of miliary “aide-memoir” stickers to help ensure military standard driving routines are followed. In the centre of the dash is a selector dial for the different configuration of convoy lighting. A standard issue, articulated map reading light is also present.
 
The rear cabin is equally original and well presented. Accessed via a side hinged rear door it is trimmed in a hard-wearing rubber mat to the floor and features twin folding, two-person benches with original inertial reel lap belts present. A pair of auxiliary battery trays are fitted, and this is a good place from which to appreciate the full-length internal roll cage from.

 
At the point of the Wolf’s introduction, standard defenders were using the Td5 engine. The MoD specified the 300TDi for the Wolf, however, as they considered it easier to maintain in the field due to the lack of the former’s more complicated electronics. This unit is a 2.5L turbo diesel originally rated at 111bhp and 195 Ib-ft of torque.

The unit in this example has been rebuilt as witnessed by the blue painted rocker covers and the “remanufactured for MOD” plaque. Since this rebuild the Land Rover is thought to have covered no more than 15,000 miles and has been treated to a new clutch and thrust bearing. Ally this to an advisory free MOT and we can deduce that this is a mechanically well sorted example indeed.
 
The engine bay presentation is good for the vehicle’s age and what can be seen of the bulkhead appears to be in a sound and solid condition. The seller notes that recent work has been completed on the dipstick to prevent oil bubbling from the housing. The underside appears very good, too. Various military markings and codes are evident as is the heavy-duty steering guard for ultimate off-road protection.
 

 
With the Land Rover Defender already providing the last word in rugged, off and on-road utility, the military-grade Wolf doubled down on this with a range of further upgrades. Hence considered as a highly desirable and eagerly sought-after model by connoisseurs and enthusiasts. This example presents very well and is awash with period and specification correct extras and equipment. A great Wolf ownership opportunity surely too good to miss.
 
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