1978 Land Rover 101 Forward Control build

[telwyn]

Just acquired this 1978 Land Rover 101 Forward Control. It’s in terrific original condition. I’m still recovering from my 1980 Land Rover Lightweight and 1967 m416 restomods so it could be a while before I tackle this one but am considering a hard top on the back like a Forward Control Vampire ambulance for overland camping. We’ll see. As for now I’m just excited to own it.

 

[garrycol]

The Ambulance and Vampyre are different vehicles with different purposes and a completely different look. Ambo is an ambulance and the Vampyre is related to Electronic Warfare/communications.

Ambulance https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Land_Rover_101_Forward_Control_Ambulance_(1981)_-_28609089343.jpg




I do agree that the Vampyre is the best looking of the 101 series.

 

[Arjan]

That looks very nice !

Lot and lots of fun !

 

[telwyn]

The Ambulance and Vampyre are different vehicles with different purposes and a completely different look. Ambo is an ambulance and the Vampyre is related to Electronic Warfare/communications.

Ambulance https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Land_Rover_101_Forward_Control_Ambulance_(1981)_-_28609089343.jpg

View attachment 794840


I do agree that the Vampyre is the best looking of the 101 series.

Thanks - love both of those. We’ll see what I end up doing with mine.

 

[KiwiMtnClmbr]

Love the old self-recovery wind-on barrels on those front wheels!

 

[dragonbyu]

Love the old self-recovery wind-on barrels on those front wheels!

Those are the steps to get in

 

[KiwiMtnClmbr]

Those are the steps to get in

I agree they're used as steps.

I was thinking they're also wheel/hub winches:
https://www.landyonline.co.za/techtalk/winches.htm

 

[KiwiMtnClmbr]

And for inspiration:

 

[nickw]

I agree they're used as steps.

I'm also fairly certain they're wheel/hub winches:
https://www.landyonline.co.za/techtalk/winches.htm

That may be a workaround - but they are steps from all the literature I've read.

 

[garrycol]

They are not hub winches - too weak and do not stick out enough - they are steps to climb up into the cab.

My 101

 

[KiwiMtnClmbr]

Thanks guys; love learning here!

 

[PaintedWolf]

And for inspiration:

beautiful! I have a Forward Control 2 B in this colour.

 

[charlieaarons]

Looks like it needs a nice 4L 4cyl diesel transplant, maybe with a 5 or 6 spd ZF.
Don’t they come with the 3.5L petrol V8?

 

[telwyn]

Looks like it needs a nice 4L 4cyl diesel transplant, maybe with a 5 or 6 spd ZF.
Don’t they come with the 3.5L petrol V8?

Correct, it has a 3.5L petrol V8. I’ve been quite impressed by it. Goes 60-65 on the highway and good acceleration from a stop. I don’t think I’ll switch it out.