Lot details
Registration No: AKM217K
Chassis No: 35101048H
Mot Expiry: Sept 2011

That today's Defender is immediately recognisable as a direct descendent of the Land Rover launched at the 1948 Amsterdam motorshow, is huge testimony to Maurice Wilks' original design. The 'Landie' was designed for light agricultural use and to create the cashflow required to kickstart Rover's postwar passenger car production. Inspired by the WWII Jeep, its specification was influenced by the austere conditions of the time - it featured the extensive use of aluminium rather than steel and was finished in varying shades of military green. The irony of the Land Rover's longevity is that production was only intended to run for two-three years; to be axed as soon Rover's traditional fare of luxury saloons was available once more. Instead, it rapidly became the workhorse of the world.

The model steadily progressed from a single offering powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine to a complete family of long and short wheelbase derivatives with an ever increasing choice of engines. By the time of the Series IIA of 1969-1971, Land Rover production was at its all time peak - over 60,000 vehicles per annum. In addition to record sales, the model dominated many world markets, accounting for around 90% of the 4x4 sector in Australia, Africa and the Middle East. Versions were employed by the emergency services and the armed forces and turned into motor caravans by such entrepreneurial suppliers as Dormobile.

The cream, long wheelbase Land Rover offered is an example of the motor caravans converted by Dormobile. Built in 1971 it at one stage sported a V8 engine but, in recent times, the front bulkhead has been replaced by a later version (modified to take the original dash) and the V8 swapped for an earlier 2.25-litre diesel unit. The vehicle was also resprayed and the seat frames restored. The camper specification includes: lifting roof; two folding bunks; two folding seats; wardrobe; sink/hob; over-sink storage. The vendor describes the fittings as "showing signs of age but in good condition". He tells us the engine "smokes on start up but fires easily and runs well" and that the partially restored seats "would benefit from being recovered". 'AKM 217K' is MOT'd into September 2011.