In the mid-1980s, the Australian Defence Force sent out tenders for vehicles to be produced for active service. Land Rover (Jaguar Rover Australia) won the contract to build both 4X4 and 6X6 propelled vehicles. They were manufactured and assembled in Moorebank in NSW.

The Land Rover 110, nicknamed the “Perentie”, served with the Australian Army in 21 peacekeeping missions around the world from 1990 until recently. Only 2,500 units were made in the 4x4 variant.

Areas of service included Rwanda, Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone and Somalia. Some vehicles also served in Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor.

The original army contract called for a variety of unusual features including being able to sustain being hung from a helicopter by one corner without causing the chassis to distort.

The Perentie chassis was hot-dipped galvanised to prevent rust, the standard small-capacity Land Rover engines were not deemed powerful enough and an Isuzu 3.9 litre 4BD1 power plant was chosen. This diesel engine reaches maximum torque at 1,800 rpm and is coupled to an ‘A’ Spec Land Rover LT95 4-speed gearbox - the only gearbox strong enough.

The Perentie is quite possibly the most capable Land Rover ever built and part of Australian military and manufacturing history that can legally be driven on the road.

 

THE CAR

Beautifully restored 4X4 Perentie 110 with full military camouflage and matching number 5 trailer.

Original 3.9 litre Isuzu diesel engine with 4 speed manual gearbox and original drive line.

Many accessories and special features including CB radio with original speaker and related ariels, trench shovel and pick mounted on the bonnet, air speed indicator, flexible map reading light, ammo and cargo boxes, bull bar.

There are also rubber mats in the cabin, re-upholstered front seats and rear troop seats,  key start conversion, all original badges, labels and instructions.

Starts first time, bags of torque, fun to drive, sits on 110kmph no problems on the freeway, good tyres and a blast to drive. Nothing to spend.

A fantastic piece of Australian military history.