LRPV 113-657

[Tommy]

Another ex SASR LRPV has been acquired and saved. A very early Mk1 (113-657). More info to come

[Tommy]

Firstly, a huge THANKYOU to REMLR member Mick Morrissey (Mick). What a champion he is . Mick made a trip out to Melton and inspected the vehicle for me and then made another trip this morning to supervise the loading onto the truck. I owe you a beer or two Mick

LRPV 113-657 is now on a truck and heading for Western Australia

 

 

This Land Rover was put up for ebay auction recently as part of Douglas Tankards collection disposal, Melton, Victoria.



This is an extraordinary find. Not only does 113-657 still exist, but it was the very first Land Rover to be trialed as a LRPV by the SASR. 113-657 pre dates the 'Prototype' Mk1 LRPV 178-199. It was fitted with such modifications as the passenger dash mounted machine gun and the pedestal swivel mount for the tub machine gun. These mods were tested and improved on for later inclusion on the Prototype. The Land Rover still has the bolt holes for these mods.

 

It would appear the suggestion that the chassis was replaced during it's service life may not be accurate. Both the nomenclature plate and chassis have the same chassis number - 25307310B. It would appear that the bodywork and chassis are all 113-657.



I have been researching all the information I have on the very early SASR Land Rovers and have very strong suspicions that the LRPV shown in the photo below is in fact 113-657. There are a number of characteristics that point to this being so. 113-657 was a suffix B vehicle so had the stainless steel spoked steering wheel. Only one LRPV had the spoked steering wheel...113-657. This then makes it easier to identify in photographs. I am currently chasing down tthe original of this photograph. What you see is a photocopy of the original.



From photos I have received from REMLR members of the Land Rover, it appears to be in remarkable condition. The footwells appear to be rust free as does the chassis. Some rust is evident in the drivers side bulkhead pillar but that seems to be it. Along with the doors and windows, I suspect that the tattered canvas canopy would have protected the vehicle from the sun and rain for quite some time. The canopy would have eventually succumbed to the ravages of wind and weather and torn apart. Thankfully it lasted long enough to keep the rust at bay.



113-657 should be back in Perth by next Saturday so more info and photos to come.

[FFRMAN]

Great Job Tommy and great job REMLR community.

[2short]

Amazing what's out there. History saved.

[AGAS 5]

Great find Tommy ! Will the resto be as per that pic ?

Well done Mick 

Cheers

[Mick_Marsh]

Bugger. Had I have known.
I've got a trailer here from the same collection that needs to go to WA.

[Tommy]

Bugger. Had I have known.
I've got a trailer here from the same collection that needs to go to WA.

You could have chucked it on board. The truck will still be in Melbourne so you should give the driver a call. Mick has his number.

[Tommy]

Great find Tommy ! Will the resto be as per that pic ?

Well done Mick 

Cheers

Hey Pete

It is looking like it will be. I'm almost convinced that the vehicle shown in the photo is 113-657.

Today I modified the swivel pedestal MG mount ready for installation on '657. The mount required a support strut welded under the seat and lengthening of the upright outer post sleeve.

[Mick_Marsh]

Bugger. Had I have known.
I've got a trailer here from the same collection that needs to go to WA.

You could have chucked it on board. The truck will still be in Melbourne so you should give the driver a call. Mick has his number.

When is he leaving?

[Tommy]

Bugger. Had I have known.
I've got a trailer here from the same collection that needs to go to WA.

You could have chucked it on board. The truck will still be in Melbourne so you should give the driver a call. Mick has his number.

When is he leaving?

He should still be there as he will be arriving in Perth this coming Saturday. Mick has his mobile number. He may have some space left on board as he is taking another truck flat bed trailer with him to Perth.

[Mick_Marsh]

Yeah but I'm not.
If he will be in Perth Saturday, I doubt I'll be able to get the trailer on the truck in time.

[Mick]

Sorry Mick,

You missed him. I doubt he had room anyway.

He will be back so I'll ask him to keep you in mind.

Mick

[Mick]

Hey Tommy,

Has your new pride and joy arrived at his new home yet?

Cheers,

Mick

[Tommy]

Hey Tommy,

Has your new pride and joy arrived at his new home yet?

Cheers,

Mick

Mick

It's sitting in the transport yard, Welshpool. Arrived Saturday. Picking up tomorrow.

[Mick]

Hi Tommy,

Bet you can't wait . . . . . . .

Have fun tomorrow.

Mick