Based on the Series 2 and latterly Series 3 leaf-sprung Land Rovers, the ‘Lightweight’ was produced from 1968 to 1984.

It was commissioned specifically by the Royal Marines Corp, which needed to replace the unsuccessful Austin Champ – a model that had been developed for the purposes of air transport but wasn’t deemed tough enough for the job in hand.

The ½ Ton Air Portable, to give it its MOD nomenclature, was designed to be slung under a Westland Wessex helicopter, meaning that it needed to be both lighter and narrower than a standard Land Rover but would also retain its proven 4x4 system and running gear.
 
To reduce weight sufficiently for the helicopters to lift them in combat conditions, the tilt and sticks, the upper body, doors and windscreen were removed, to be refitted later. The most significant change, however, was a reduction in width by 4 inches (100 mm), by redesigning the standard Series IIA axles and fitting shorter half-shafts so it would fit on a standard pallet.
 
In reality, in full field livery, the Lightweight name was misleading as with full regalia the Air Portable was fractionally heavier than a standard 88-inch Series, but it was within MOD limits and became standard procurement for 16 years, the last example built in 1984, although it would be 1986 before all had entered service.

This example is a late one – a 1984-built ½ ton that remained in service until the early 2000s and was in Marine reserve stock until 2018, when it was first registered and sold for road use. It comes with an excerpt from the MOD ledger showing it was originally issued the MOD registration 42-KC-77 and originally used as a helicopter support vehicle on HMS Heron in September 1984.

Offered for sale in preserved order, it’s a collectable and fun vehicle for Land Rover enthusiasts and military vehicle fans alike.

 

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies. 

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.