Highlights

Very rare ex-military vehicle initially built for the Royal Marines
Extensive heavy-duty upgrades fitted for military use
Thought to be 1 of only 50 Remus examples with a removeable fibreglass roof
Recently serviced, and including a full mechanical history from the Army

The Appeal

The Land Rover Defender, arguably the best 4x4 built and certainly one of the most renowned. While very competent in its original format, understandably the Royal Marines needed something even more rugged and capable. Thus, the Wolf Winter Water was born, based on a L316 Land Rover Defender 90 but heavily re-worked from the ground up.

The 300TDI engine was chosen due to its reliability, simple electronics over successors which meant a better wade depth and the fact that Royal Marine mechanics were already familiar with its format. Designed to work at -50 degrees Celsius and wade to windscreen depth, the following upgrades show that Land Rover understood the assignment. Military spec tyres and steel rims were fitted as standard for strength and simplicity.

The steel chassis was also fully treated against corrosion, receiving Dinitrol injection within. The Remus variant was an even higher spec model for the Royal Marines, boasting Webasto rear oil heaters, engine oil heater, short throw gearbox, updated rear axle, infrared insulation, sound deadening and a raised top mount air intake with fuel breather. A ski rack was also fitted as well as an escape hatch, bonnet mounted tools and a roll cage. Furthermore, examples with the removable fibreglass roof are even rarer, with only 50 reportedly built. It's fair to say that the Wolf Winter Water took the already very capable Defender and converted it to be the best and meanest off roader possible. If it's good enough for the Royal Marines, then it will surely be good enough for you!

The History and Paperwork

MOT until 11/09/2024 with no advisories
Manufactured 08/06/1999 for the MOD
First registered in the UK (as a private vehicle) 01/04/2021
Selling as surplus to requirements
Current owner purchased the vehicle 01/10/2021 directly from L Jackson and Co who were the first private owner as per V5C
Purpose built for the MOD to function as -50 degrees Celsius and wade up to windscreen height
Reportedly restored by the military 02/09/2015 / 50,000km, thought to have had an engine rebuild and any damage / heavily worn areas repaired or replaced
Presented in Nato Green with the exception of the engine painted in Blue Duck Egg paint, most likely done during restoration
Last serviced 16/03/2022 and current owner advises the vehicle will be serviced again prior to sale
New exhaust centre box fitted 23/03/2023
Being a Remus example there are the following upgrades: R380 5 speed gearbox, transfer box with hi/lo ratio and centre diff lock, Exmoor front seats, anti-vibration acoustic matting, front and rear disc brakes, 24V electronics, power assisted steering, roll cage, heavy duty chassis and axles, side mounted full size spare wheel, NATO tow hitch and cold climate thermal insulation
Ski Rack also fitted to the roof, nearside rear rack has taken a slight knock but still functions as expected
Racking for radio equipment and rifle holders were removed prior to current ownership
Spare bonnet trim and top of snorkel air filter included with vehicle
Date In Service Certificate included with vehicle
Recently serviced, and including a full mechanical history from the Army
Overall, a very good condition example of a rare ex-military vehicle

The Interior

Exmoor front seats remain in excellent condition
Roll cage fitted as standard
Rear benches fitted by current owner

The interior of this Wolf Winter Water remains in very good to excellent condition overall. The front Exmoor seats are without any rips or tears and were possibly replaced during the restoration in 2015 due to their very good condition. The dashboard offers a map reading light and warning light cover for use when in convoy mode. Furthermore, the exterior lights are configurable for use during convoy when lights need to be kept to a minimum.

The current owner has had rear bench seats fitted which not only offers better comfort but also seatbelts, they are both in very good condition with heaters also present under the benches to help keep all occupants warm. The cold climate insulation is present, intact and in very good condition as is the roll cage. The steering wheel is showing some signs of wear and the dashboard fuse box is missing its cover but apart from these minor details all other interior features are reported to function as expected. Finally, the current owner has had a battery cut off switch fitted.

The Exterior

Nato Green paintwork remains in good to very good condition
4 matching Goodyear G90 off-road tyres all with fair tread
Matching Nato Green steel rims remain in good condition
Rare Remus example with removeable fibreglass roof and escape hatch

It's clear from the exterior that this Wolf Winter Water means business. The Nato Green paintwork has possibly been resprayed in 2015 during restoration and remains in good to very good condition overall, there are some small dents to both front wings and some chips and scratches present throughout but these are very minimal given the military nature of this vehicle. Bonnet mounted tools are included and remain in good condition as does the full-size side mounted spare wheel.

The fibreglass roof is removeable which also has an escape hatch, both of which were standard on the rarer Remus examples. A ski rack is also mounted to the roof which remains in good condition, the rear nearside mount has taken a slight knock but still functions as expected. Finally, this example also possesses the desirable Nato tow hitch mounted to the rear bumper.

The Mechanics

2.5L 300TDI engine mated to an R380 5-speed manual gearbox
Hi/lo ratio gearbox with centre differential lock
Heavy duty chassis and axles
24V electrics with front and rear disc brakes fitted

The MOD opted for the tried and tested 300TDI engines for their Wolf Winter Waters, this example was reportedly restored in 2015 and received an engine rebuild hence the Blue Duck Egg paint. The engine starts and runs well free from any knocks, bangs or smoke. The heavy-duty chassis was injected with Dinitrol to help combat corrosion prior to entering service and the axles were also uprated to handle more extreme terrain and loads.

24-volt electrics were standard for the Winter Wolf Waters, giving for better functionality in the field. Further upgrades include front and rear disc brakes and power assisted steering, both of which are very desirable for the driver. A raised top mount air intake with fuel breather and waterproofing of all switches and electronics mean this example has no problem when wading. For colder weather there is a Webasto oil heater fitted which is reported to function as expected. The last service was carried out October 2023 with a new exhaust centre section fitted 23/03/2023. The water pump has also been replaced during the current ownership.

Summary

This rare Wolf Winter Water, Remus variant is presented in very good condition overall. The already capable Defender was heavily modified and upgraded for the most rugged military use which can now be enjoyed by private owners.

The current owner has taken great care of this example which can be seen in its condition. Furthermore, a service was carried out this year with the current owner advising it will be serviced again prior to sale.

As ex-military examples go, this Remus variant is not only one of the rarer but more desirable given its condition. Now comes the time for this fine example of the ultimate off roader with a military history to find its new home!

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