I have scavenged a photo for the archives of a July 1991 Army News article reporting the new LRPV handover/delivery to SASR WA.
The text says that work on a specialized vehicle began in 1982 as Tommy stated at the top.
quote-
Work started on the variant in 1982 when the regiment identified the need for a custom-built vehicle to meet the SASR unique requirements for mobility, reliability and endurance.
Major Jeff Kidner, 2IC SASR, said the new LRPV represented a quantum leap in SASR's vehicle mounted operational capabilities and so far the unit has had favorable reactions to the handling of the vehicle.
Starting with a standard six-wheel drive Australian built 110 Land-Rover, substantial modifications were added to meet the SASR project requirements.
"The transition from four-wheel drive to six-wheel drive means bigger loads can be carried over longer distances. Heavier construction and an extra rear axle will ensure we can go anywhere the four-wheel drives can go without damaging or overstressing the vehicle," Major Kidner explained.
Powered by a turbo-charged four cylinder direct injection engine which develops 90kw of power at 3,000 rpm, and incorporating power steering, soldiers have noted substantial increases in power, manouverability and comfort levels.
Maj Kidner said front and rear gun mounts had been included to accept a wide variety of weaponry and long range fuel tanks would allow the vehicle to be driven from Perth to Sydney with only one fuel stop.
Also added to the vehicle are a winch, high lift jack, running boards, roll bars and improved seating to provide more comfort and support for operators when travelling across rugged terrain.
"Placing less stress on the vehicle and men will mean substantial increases in reliability and a large saving in down time", Maj Kidner said.
photo caption:
Major Jeff Kidner, 2IC SASR, accepts delivery of the first of 10 new Long Range Patrol Vehicles from the General Manager of Land Rover Australia, Jim Seagroatt. An informal handover ceremony was held when the unit held a familiarization day at 10 Tpt Sqn's off-road training area...