Land Rover S2 110 Forward control

History

The Land Rover SII 110" did not have enough load capacity to satisfy some customers so a forward control (or cab-over-engine) was designed for this market. It used the normal Series IIA chassis, engine and running gear hidden under the truck bodywork, with a new sub-frame bolted to the front of the chassis to carry the cab. The cab itself contained some new panels but made considerable use of standard Series IIA panels. The radiator was moved forwards and the fan driven by its own mini propshaft complete with two universal joints.

Most forward controls came with a drop-side body fitted to the rear, supported by a sub-frame of U-channel girders and uprights bolted to the chassis. The engine is accessible via a cover which intrudes into the rear tray by a small amount. The load area is large enough to carry a Series I 80". Total production is thought to have been no more than 3193, making this a rare beast indeed.

First registered in October 1967, little is know about the history of this vehicle but a tax disc in the windscreen would suggest that it was last on the road in 2005. Powered by the same six-cylinder 3-litre petrol engine found in the contemporary Rover P5, it is said to start and run well but has not yet been driven any distance by the current vendor. The bodywork appears to be remarkably straight and original as these rugged old workhorses are normally very battered by the time they get to this age. With some relatively light restoration, it seems likely that it could be transformed into a very fine example.