The record
In 1991 the US Army's 75th Ranger Regiment drew up a requirement for a light, helicopter-portable weapons platform to replace its M151 jeeps, inspired in part by the Land Rovers American troops had seen British forces operating in the Gulf War: narrower, smaller and lighter than a Humvee, and better suited to being slung under a helicopter or driven through tight streets. The result, adopted in 1992, was the Ranger Special Operations Vehicle (RSOV), based on the Land Rover Defender 110, of which 60 were initially purchased.
This vehicle, registration L893 NHP, is a 1993 trials demonstrator from that programme - one of three vehicles built around the US Rangers contract, though it was not itself accepted by the US Government. The Dunsfold Collection records it as believed built by Marshalls of Cambridge, though this is unconfirmed. Powered by the 2.5-litre 200Tdi turbo-diesel with a five-speed gearbox, it carries an open body with extensive military stowage and weapon mounts, and pioneered the roll-cage and gun-mount arrangement that became standard on subsequent Special Operations Vehicle variants.
After the American contract it was adapted for a Malaysian Army evaluation in 1996, which also proved unsuccessful - a Malaysian registration plate is still fitted at the rear - and the vehicle then sat in a storage compound for around eight years. On acquiring it, the Dunsfold Collection replaced the clutch and tyres, carried out a full service and renovated the paintwork, and it is now preserved as part of the collection.
