Lot Ended
Description
Incredible history file from first deployment; complete show package
including Sankey trailer; fully equipped; rare Javelin radio; single berth plus
Command Tent Annex; prize winner
This petrol engine S3 left
Solihull in 1984, its first port of call being Searle Carawagon Ltd for
conversion into a highly mobile Tactical Command Post for use by Field
Commanders (1 and 2 star rank). Carawagon converted some 46 vehicles for
military use, just five of which were RHD, making this example something of a
Unicorn.
Offering office and accomodation, in both combat and
communication roles, they were easily concealed, carried a powerful Javelin
comms system, a comfortable office and a single bunk.
Delivered to 2
Brigade in late 1984 and 'Taken On Strength' on 23rd July 1985 it unusually
retains its Vehicle Record Book which details every single record of its mileage
and service record month by month.
It lived and worked around the York
area, living a relatively easy life until it was demobbed in July 1997 with
33,656 kms on the clock. It was sold by auction to a Dutch collector
who put it away in quality storage for 15 years, commencing a light renovation
during this period with a partial strip-down.
Our vendor
acquired it in 2013 and commenced a rebuild, slowly piecing together any missing
bits to complete the full spec of the vehicle. He even managed to obtain a Racal
Javelin Radio - albeit with the vital transmitter interface removed, so neither
he, nor the new owner, can have a direct, open communications channel with
10 Downing Street!
An ex-army veteran himself, he has had the contacts
and understanding to accurately piece it back together, inlcuding such details
as an original and correct electric heater, angle-poise lamp, correct power
sockets etc, all of which form a unique and impressive
display.
Unsurprisingly it has won a number of prizes and has been
magazine featured, including a multi-page article in LRO magazine which is
included.
The vendor has added a Sankey trailer of the exact type
that would have been used, which currently houses the Annex tent which is an
exact copy of the original which was made for him by army engineers. It also
carries a correct army table and poles for the front and rear cammo nets which
are also included in the sale.
Now showing some 48,000 kms, it was driven
to us for the sale and will provide its new owner with a rare, complete and
fascinating insight into the Cold War era. It has an MOT until May 2024 with no
advisories recorded.
Alongside the huge Vehicle Record Book comes a
correct Operating Information Manual for the Land Rover Series III; a file of
inspection report forms; a technical handbook and Vehicle Record Book for the
Sankey trailer; a full handbook for the Racal Javelin Transceiver (including the
missing Interface RC9020); a file of invoices and a 'Branch Folder' on
the TCP marked 'TOP SECRET'.......plus the magazines with various articles
on the car. It even comes with a factory brochure from Carawagon Ltd promoting
their Tactical Command Post to the army which must be incredibly
rare.
Buyers may have spotted Frank (the mannequin) in some of the photos
- please note Frank is not included in the sale!
Contact [email protected]