Lot Ended
Description
Original colour scheme; useful spares; a cracking example of this
sought after model
In the early 1960s both the Royal Marines and the
British Army required a vehicle that could be carried by air to replace the
Austin Champ. They had recently begun to use the Westland Wessex helicopter,
which could carry a 1,134 kg load slung beneath.
Even the smallest
Land Rover of the time (the Series IIA 88in) was too heavy, so work began to
create a suitable machine, thus the Land Rover Lightweight (half-ton) was born.
To reduce weight sufficiently for the helicopters to lift them, the roof and
sticks, the upper parts of the body, the doors and windscreen were removed, to
be refitted later. The most significant change, however, was a reduction in
width of 4 inches, by re-designing the standard Series IIA axles and
fitting shorter half-shafts, which meant the Lightweight would fit on
a standard pallet.
The Series IIA Lightweight was replaced by the Series
III Lightweight in 1972. The vehicle remained in essence the same bar a few
minor changes: there were some modifications to the chassis and a revised
gearbox with synchromesh on second through to fourth. In the electrical
department the Series III was fitted with an alternator in place of the dynamo,
the new indicator switch incorporated a headlamp flasher and horn and the
ignition switch was now fitted in a new steering column cowl instead of on the
dashboard. The Lightweight did retain the earlier Series IIA metal dashboard
even after the upgrade.
Dating from 1975, this Lightweight Series III was
used in service at Hilton Depot and RAF Lyneham, being demobbed for civilian use
in 1983 (hence the 'Y' plate). Since then it has benefited from new front
seats and a recent used but good condition canvas roof, plus an ignition system
overhaul in July 2017.
Starting promptly
and driving remarkably smoothly on site, this lovely Lightweight
presents in great condition. The underside appears to have been nicely kept and
painted black, the interior and bodywork all look very well and you
would scarcely believe this Land Rover is 50 years old!
Some useful
spares include two front leaf springs with U-bolts from Jones Springs and a set
of suspension bushes and sleeves plus some other bits and bobs. The
paperwork includes the MOD release form and auction certificate. The V5C
states the year of manufacture as 1976, although we can see it was already in
service in 1975, this being quite a common occurrence on ex-MOD vehicles of
the time.
Altogether a very genuine Lightweight, in its original RAF
colours, which is ready for work or play.
Contact:
[email protected]