Marshall Special Purpose Vehicles, also called Marshall Military Engineering, has been the primary coachbuilder of military Field Ambulances for Land Rover throughout the company’s history.
However, according to most sources, the original body design of the Land Rover military ambulance, known as the Ambulance 2-stretcher, 4 x 4, Rover 7 (FV18044), was built by the Mickleover Transport Company in 1960-61. Marshall Engineering then completed and produced it on a 109-inch wheelbase with the standard Land Rover 2 1/4 litre engine.
Marshall coach-built ambulance bodies featured a double aluminium skin and insulation, along with a distinctive low, rounded roof and angled cut-off below the rear doors. This design required a height reduction compared to the Land Rover Series I to allow for transport by RAF aircraft. The original configuration allowed for two stretchers or eight seated casualties, plus medics and a crew of two. The Army version was longer and lower (15ft 10″) than the RAF.
Military specifications required 4WD tires and wheels, reinforced suspension, a larger engine fan, full ventilation with heating, and military-grade lighting. Later versions, starting from 1964, added two high-level fold-out rails for an additional pair of collapsed stretchers.
According to the Ex-Military Land Rover Association there were about 1000 made, however we have heard that that figure may be as high as 2,000 ambulances built.
This 1968 Westmeath-based Land Rover two-berth camper is perfect for summer weekend getaways and is for sale, offers starting at €12,000. Contact Kevin at [email protected] to inquire.
Land Rover camper conversion specifications:
Year: 1968
Engine: 2L London Black Cab
Fuel: Diesel
Interior: made from re-claimed timber
Accommodation: double bed
Fittings: fridge, two burner gas cooker, sink and water tank, wardrobe and extensive storage
Information sources:
Dragon Badger
Ex-Military Land Rover Association
Jointforces.com
Land Rover
Land Rover Katy
LROI – James Taylor
