Information regarding this Australian Army Land-Rover Series 2A Topographical Survey variant is still being tracked down. What is known is that fittings and features vary on the Topo/survey variants left in existence. The following is therefore a general guide.

"The Topo/Survey had a full length tropical specification hardtop fitted (though some variants have been sighted with full canvas canopy). Two sliding windows are fitted in place of the outer rear passenger windows. Locks are fitted to all doors and the front doors feature canvas map pockets which are rivetted through the door skins/frames into steel sheet reinforcement brackets. An internal light (same part number as ambulance vehicles) is mounted in the rear of the cargo area controlled by a switch on the auxiliary panel to the left of the dash. This panel may also include an additional Amp gauge. A single piece swinging stationwagon type rear door is fitted. The tailgate lower hinge fittings are not present nor are the tailgate latch mechanisms. There are no canopy fittings or tac sign brackets. There are two rear bumperette/jerrycan brackets fitted to a standard military rear cross member. The rear brake and indicator lights are fitted horizontally in the standard brushguards and recessed into the back panels of the body in order to provide clearance for the jerrycans.

"The rear interior of the Land-Rover has a pair or even two pairs of two man folding troop seats in the usual Army configuration. A large tool stowage box, accessible from inside the rear cargo bay, is provided in the wheel arch cavity between the left rear wheel and the left fuel tank. There are also two small fabricated aluminium boxes which protrude into the load area to protect the loom etc of the aforementioned recessed rear lights. A large battery compartment is fitted directly behind the driver's side fuel tank and is accessible through a hinged door in the body side. Two large heavy duty vehicle batteries can be carried in a roll out cradle in this location. A master kill switch is wired directly into the battery circuit and can be accessed near the driver's left ankle on the front face of the seat box.

"The Land-Rover's exterior has some unusual fittings. The aluminium body's side panels are protected by threaded together pipe brush bars which bolt through the body sides and into captive nuts. These bars run right down the length of both sides of the vehicle. A stainless steel fine mesh chaff guard is fitted in place of the standard Land-Rover radiator grille. A heavy steel bash plate is fitted under the front end of the vehicle to protect the front axle and steering gear.

"It is believed that these Land-Rovers were expected to operate in unmapped terrain well off any formed roads carrying sensitive survey equipment and therefore required more comprehensive protection and brushguards in comparison to standard Army Land-Rovers.

"Happy Rovering",
Phillip H. (REMLR member 118)
Perth, Western Australia
See more: Phillip's Shed

Phillip's description of this variant tops off something that began during 2002 when some curious photos were received from owners and spotters in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, ie., it is a result of communications from one end of Australia to the other; the collation of info on this variant was a real group effort. I hope it will serve as an example for future use of the REMLR Message Board:

(1) EMAIL about two Series 2A ¾ ton Topographical Survey Land-Rovers from Phillip H. (REMLR member 118) in Western Australia -"I found another Topographical Survey Rover today in a workshop nearby, gathering dust.

• It was originally fitted with a canopy and a winch,
• with inlaid horizontal rear tail lights,
• with an interior light with a switch next to the fuel guage switch (on left of dash),
• with canvas map pockets riveted into the inside of the front doors (like mine has),
• with a set of threaded together rails fitted along the sides and protecting the front guards (the rails attach/bolt into captive nuts fitted into the outsides of the firewall and the body), and
• with jerrycan holders on the rear.

"It is the same as mine, except mine has a hardtop, so I am confident these fittings must all be the original Army fittings (my own Topo/Survey has these items fitted to it from the factory)."