Land Rover V8 3.9 engine rebuilt to 4.2 specification in 2017/2018
Resprayed and body reconditioned in 2019 with chassis underside restored and protected
In current ownership for approximately 10 years
Featured in magazines and on television
The Appeal
The Hotchkiss M201 is the French-built variant of the iconic Willys GP (Jeep), produced under license for the French military. These rugged machines have long been favourites among enthusiasts for their simplicity, character, and potential for modification. Known affectionately as 'Wicked Willy', this particular example has been comprehensively transformed from its military origins into a V8-powered machine with serious off-road capability.
Decommissioned by the French military in 1980 and arriving in the UK in 1995, this Jeep has been in the hands of its current owner since 2016, who is largely responsible for the extensive work carried out. Bought in 2005 by two friends, the Jeep moved into the other friend's name in 2016, who carried out the restoration before selling it to the vendor in 2023.
At its heart sits a Land Rover V8 rebuilt to 4.2 specification, paired with a four-speed gearbox with overdrive and a transfer case offering selectable two or four-wheel drive. The body was resprayed in Gloss Olive Drab and reconditioned in 2019, with the original chassis restored and protected underneath, where the original gun turret mount can still be seen. 'Wicked Willy' is a well-known and characterful machine.IMG_0743-Edit.jpg802.2 KB
Key Information
Mileage: 1,854 miles (modern speedometer fitted, history to prove and document previous speedometer changes noted by the vendor)
Country of registration: United Kingdom (in the UK since 1995; originally a French military vehicle)
Technical inspection status: exempt from MOT and road tax
Technical specs: Land Rover 3.9 V8 rebuilt to 4.2, four-speed manual with overdrive and low range, selectable two or four-wheel drive
Former French military vehicle, decommissioned in 1980
Engine rebuilt in 2017/2018 with new pistons, rings, tappets, timing chain, rebuilt head, mild camshaft, Rover 4.6 valves, high flow guides, new bearings throughout, and crankshaft damper
Stainless steel exhaust fabricated by Ashley Motorsport
Dana 44 front and rear axles with 4.88 ratio
Spicer 18 transfer case with Tera low conversion for selectable 2WD/4WD
Saginaw power steering box with Borgeson steering column
Front and rear disc brake conversion using Suzuki components
Four-inch lift kit from Llama 4x4 with Rough Country leaf springs, heavy-duty shock absorbers, and poly bushes
Resprayed in Gloss Olive Drab and reconditioned in 2019
Chassis underside restored and protected in 2019, with original gun turret mount still visible
Stainless steel fuel tank fitted
Tiger Besttop soft-top with detachable doors
33X12.50R15LT Mickey Thompson tyres on 15-inch split wheels
GPS speedometer, electric wipers with washer jets, interior heater, and USB port
Push-to-start ignition
Moto-Lita steering wheel with bucket seats and seat belts
Tow hitch with electrics
Side steps and side mirrors fitted
Lucas 14CUX Ecu
Hydraulic Steering Damper
RoverGauge 8.4 diagnostic software and lead
Battery terminal quick connect
USB Stick with over 350 photos from the restoration process and other PDF manuals/documents
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