1972 Land Rover 109" Pickup                               C...

Estimate

£5,000 - £6,000

1972 Land Rover 109" Pickup                              

Chassis Number: TBA
Registration Number: A871 VYH
Recorded Mileage: 37,000 miles

The British Army used series Land Rovers in large numbers (and continues to use the modern Defender versions). The British Army tested the 80-inch (2.03 m) series-I Land Rover almost as soon as it was launched in 1948. At that time, the Army was more interested in developing a specially designed military utility 4×4 (the Austin Champ). However, the Champ proved too complex, heavy and unreliable in battlefield conditions so the Army looked to the Land Rover. In the late 1940s the Ministry of Defence was keen on the standardisation of its vehicles and equipment.

By the late 1970s, the British Army had acquired around 9,000 series-III models, which were mainly a special "heavy duty" version of the 109-inch (2.77 m) soft top. These models had improved suspension components and a different chassis cross-member design. These were produced in 12-volt 'GS' models and 24-volt 'FFR' versions. All British military Land Rovers used the 2.25-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, except the forward control 101 which used the 3.5 litre Rover V8 engine . However, some overseas customers (such as The Netherlands) specified the 2.25-litre diesel unit instead.

This 1972 109-inch Land-Rover was first used by the British military in the early 1970s. There are signs on the bodywork of light yellow and sand-coloured paint, suggesting it may have been used overseas before returning to the UK and being painted in standard issue Khaki green. We understand the Land-Rover was decommissioned around 1983/4. Now in private hands, in current ownership the doors have been replaced, as has the full canvas tilt.

Although with obvious variations in colour and flaking of the paintwork, the Land-Rover is in remarkably solid condition and is said to run very well. A good old truck which can be used as is or restored as the new owner sees fit.