Fighting Land Rover

During World War 2, Willys Jeeps and Chevrolet trucks were used very successfully by the British Army both as a part of the regular forces and for use in long range special operations missions. The British Government realised, very slowly, that it needed its own vehicle to meet these needs. The project became known as 'FV1800' and saw its first prototype running in 1945. Government regulations and repeated modifications extended development over many years, and the vehicle did not enter production until the early 1950s. By that time, Nuffield had merged with Austin and the resulting vehicle became known as the Austin Champ. The development contract committed the British Armed Forces to a large order. In parallel to this order, the British Army purchased a trial batch of Series I Land Rovers in 1949. The earliest Land Rovers were found to complement the Austin Champ very well. The Land Rover was cheaper, lighter, consumed less fuel; and was ideal for behind-the-lines transport duties. However, the Champ was better suited as a front line combat vehicle.

Over time the Land Rover was modified, and became better suited to the British Army's needs. The initial contract order of Champs was never expanded and production ceased after only five years. In contrast, Britain's armed forces continued to buy Land Rovers. The British Army had also introduced armoured personnel carriers, reducing the need of a front-line light 4x4.The Land Rover became an ideal platform for development by the military.