1966 Land Rover Other

Additional Info:

12 year owned 1966 Land Rover Ambulance or 4x4 camper that is fitted with the standard 2.25 liter Gas Engine, with a four speed gearbox connected to a manually operated Hi/Lo transfer box with manual 2 or 4 wheel drive engagement. Recent work includes new rear main engine seal, new LOF high performance clutch and plate, new rear exhaust muffler and a full service was just completed. Engine runs very well, with good smooth gear changes. Note you need to double de-clutch when going into first and second gear, as these gearboxes from new only have synchromesh on third and fourth gears.

The Minnesota title is in my name, year, VIN etc on title match vehicle.

This is one of the Land Rover Series 109s, that were converted between 1964 and 1979 to Ambulances for the British Army. They were designed as a battlefield ambulance, to get injured soldiers quickly away from the Battlefield. The design allows for up to 4 stretchers and one nurse, or can be reconfigured as a personnel carrier to carry 9 in the rear compartment. Currently there are believed to be 10 of these ambulances in the USA, with only 3 known to be in the original military color and rear configuration.

This specific ambulance was ordered as Left Hand Drive (LHD), rather than the normal Right Hand Drive (RHD), as used in the UK. This one is fitted with a tropical roof for better heat protection in tropical climates and has an angled rear, to allow easy departure from landing craft.

This ambulance was ordered as LHD, as it was based from 1966 to 1976 in Germany as part of the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR). The BAOR were part of the international protection force, protecting the border with East Germany and Russia during the Cold War.

In 1976, the ambulance then moved to Antwrep, Belgium, before moving in 1978 to Scotland, where is stayed for 20 years, used by the British Army Medical Corp Reserves. It was finally sold from service in 1998 after 32 years in service. A copy of the UK military history card is included in the listing.

As this was a military ambulance, and could be left running for a time in military service, these vehicles are also fitted with an oil cooler.

The vehicle is fitted with dual fuel tanks, one located under the driver’s seat and one under the passenger seat. The original mechanical fuel pump, has been replaced with 2 electrical fuel pumps, one feeding each tank. The pumps are controlled by switch on instrument panel. Instructions on how to use will be included with vehicle. To fill each fuel tank, you need to remove the relevant seat, seat panel and fuel cap.

I was not comfortable with having only three fuses for the whole vehicle, so an additional modern fuse box has been added with standard plug in fuses has been added to feed various accessories. Wiring diagram included with vehicle.

The original Solex carburetor, has been replaced with a more modern Weber 32ICH, that offers better starting, better performance and better fuel economy.

The chassis was rust protected from new, with very thick underseal, and has been re-coated every 2 years in my ownership. Outriggers and rear cross member are in very good condition The drivers footwell has had a repair at one time, this is a common rust points on this era of Land Rover.

The external paint has many layers from when it was in the army, is faded and peeling in places. The rear right door bottom has some bondo, in it from a previous repair prior to my ownership repair. See photo included

The vehicle is started, by inserting the key into the ignition on the light panel, pulling the choke and pressing the start switch. Instructions on how to start the vehicle will be included with the vehicle. The vehicle comes with 2 sets of keys.

The front doors are locked by opening the window from outside and pushing the internal lock into place, then closing the window.

As this is a military vehicle, the light switch has normal side, main and full beam settings, but also has convoy light settings as well.

In the rear compartment, the lights are turned on by a toggle switch in the driving compartment, above the passenger seat. This vehicle is also fitted with red lights in the rear compartment, for better night vision. To turn from white to red interior lights in the rear compartment a small level is moved close to the rear doors

The rear compartment also has a dedicated heater, located under the central attendants seat. 4 Cold air blower vents with a booster switch are located on the bulkhead above front passenger seat ( See photo)

The front cab area has a heater between the seats, that has a control lever, to either direct air flow to either the cab floors or windshield. A " B" pull button on the dash panel, when pulled out activates a fan to increase air flow level.

On the same dash panel is an on/off switch for the rear reversing lamp.

There are 2 x 12 power volt sockets in cab and 2 in the rear compartment, that are operational when the ignition is on.

The speedometer was changed last year to a GPS speedometer, as needle failed and the need for a more accurate speed measurement. Current mileage is 42598 miles (Mileage when speedometer replaced), plus 189 Miles on new GPS Speedometer. Total mileage is therefore 42,684 Miles. Original speedometer included.

Mileage will increase as I still drive it.

The vehicle is by me used for military vehicle shows and as an overland camper.

In the last three years, this Land Rover has been driven by me from Minneapolis to New York State, via Ontario and Niagara Falls (2300 Miles), around Lake Superior (1600 Miles) and around the northern part of Lake Michigan via the SS Badger ferry crossing (1300 miles). Each night I slept comfortably camped in the back, the Land Rover used no oil or coolant on the trips.

Most weeks during the summer, you will also see it being driven around lake blacktop roads close to my home.

The driving experience is shall we say leisurely, with a top speed of 50-55 MPH, the ride though for a leaf sprung vehicle is very smooth, even across rough ground, to help protect the patients.

Included with the sale are the following:

• A copy of the Military Ambulance User Handbook, that goes through operation of the heater controls, rear lighting ( white and also red for improved night vision)
• Military wiring diagram for vehicle
• Updated wiring diagram.
• How to start procedure Guide
• How to switch between fuel tank Guide.
• Selection of spare parts and NATO stretcher specific to this ambulance

Vehicle weight and dimensions for shipping:

• Weight:4400 LBs
• Height: 84 inches
• Width including mirrors: 80 inches
• Length: 187 Inches

I am very happy to answer questions or provide additional photos on the vehicle upon request.

Deposit is non-refundable.