Lot details
Registration No: YVB152H
Chassis No: 35500002A
Mot Expiry: April 2013

The right-hand drive Range Rover registration number 'YVB 152H' was assembled as a pre-production prototype at Rover's Solihull plant on December 12th 1969, and originally finished in the popular colour of Lincoln Green. Three days before Christmas it was despatched to Land Rover's own engineering department and became one of the vehicles to star in the company's promotional film 'A Car For All Reasons'. It was then selected for conversion to a prototype rapid-response airport fire tender. Land Rover's own engineers penned the re-design of the chassis, that included a sufficient extension to incorporate a third, un-driven, axle - the related engineering work was then outsourced. Once altered, the frame was passed to Carmichael Ltd of Worcester, who fashioned a hand-built aluminium body to Land Rover's satisfaction.

Carmichael then purchased the tender in April 1971 and it spent several years serving as their demonstrator before being sold to Marshall Airport, Cambridge in 1974. However, according to a subsequent feature in Land Rover Enthusiast magazine, it probably took a wee while for them to take delivery, as the driver is rumoured to have rolled the Range Rover somewhere between Worcester and the airport. The tender was duly recovered, repaired and fitted with a new body - this time made of glassfibre as per the production versions. Once in service, it remained at the airport until 2003, and it was from Marshall that the vendor acquired this fascinating Range Rover in December that year.

'YVB 152H' has apparently been the subject of an extensive refurbishment and is currently considered by the vendor to have "good" V8 engine, four-wheel drive transmission and electrical equipment, and "satisfactory" bodywork, paintwork and interior trim. The odometer is currently registering an unwarranted 76,889 miles and the vehicle is being sold with MOT valid into April of next year. Surely a splendid addition for any collection.