Military lightweight

Buyer's guide to the military spec Land Rover you'll want

The Lightweight Land Rover was originally designed as an air-portable vehicle for the armed forces, based on the Series IIA and Series III Land Rovers of the time, and known militarily as the Half Ton. The IIA version can be recognised by its headlamps in the grille, and the Series III type by its wing-mounted headlamps. The running gear is similar to that of the Series vehicles, though not the body sections. UK versions have the same 2.25-litre petrol engine, though many have been retro-fitted with V8 Rover, Ford V6 units and Tdi engines. Compared to a regular Series II or III, Lightweight versions are even more spartan inside.

What to check

The chassis and bulkhead are subject to similar corrosion problems as standard Series Land Rovers. But the bulkhead is complex and difficult to repair, so inspect carefully. Check all the body panels because, if damaged or badly corroded, replacements can be difficult to get hold of. Check leaf springs for rust building up between leaves, and the usual Series swivel housings for leaks and surface corrosion. Axle assemblies and leaf spring rates differ slightly, but standard parts can be fitted. The Lightweight’s shorter axle shafts can be replaced with standard shafts and corresponding parts.

Reasons to buy

It’s different, it’s very military in its standard colours and it’s a practical and DIY-friendly Land Rover sharing many mechanical parts with the civilian Series Land Rovers. Replacement bulkheads are available.

Problems

If looking for an original military vehicle, discount any that have non-standard engines fitted. Some parts can be difficult to locate, including original-rate leaf springs and military tyre fitments.

Specifications

2.25-litre four-cylinder petrol, 77 bhp, 124 lb-ft torque; selectable 4WD.

Price guide

Poor: £600 – £1000Average: £1,000 – £1,5000Good: £1,500 – £3,500Excellent: £3,500 – £8,000

Recommended

Range Rover thefts prompt JLR to boost security on old and new cars
Range Rover action
News

Range Rover thefts prompt JLR to boost security on old and new cars

Range Rover owners will have extra protection against car thieves and the tech can be retrofitted to older models
22 Nov 2023
Best new cars coming in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of Audi, BMW, Citroen, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
20 Nov 2023
The scariest cars we've ever driven
Scariest cars we've ever driven - header image
Best cars & vans

The scariest cars we've ever driven

The Auto Express team have cast their minds back to the scariest cars they’ve had to endure
31 Oct 2023
‘JLR’s new CEO is just the man for the job’
Opinion - JLR CEO
Opinion

‘JLR’s new CEO is just the man for the job’

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler believes that JLR’s Adrian Mardell is the right CEO at the right time
16 Aug 2023

Most Popular

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023
New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023