For Sale at Auction: 1977 Land Rover 101 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Chassis No. 96400307

The Land Rover 101 Forward Control was a rugged but lightweight forward utility vehicle in use by the British Armed Forces in the 1970s. Although primarily created as a compact artillery gun tractor, the dynamic design of the Land Rover 101 expanded its use across a wide variety of roles such as radio command center, electronic warfare vehicle, ambulance, and even as a surface-to-air missile platform. Though retired from service by the late 1990s, the surplus stock of some 2,700 Land Rover 101s have since become a popular platform for enthusiasts to create their dream offroad vehicle.

Built in October 1976, this left-hand-drive 1977 Land Rover 101 Forward Control was originally dispatched to the Central Army Vehicle Depot in Ashchurch, England according to its British Heritage Trust Certificate. Its accompanying Certificate of Origin from the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) reveals that the truck officially entered service on 1 January 1977, and remained active until 27 November 1992 when it was purchased from MOD through the Disposal Sales Depot. First officially road registered in the U.K. in October 1997, prior research indicates that the Land Rover may have spent several years in a Polish collection before returning to the U.K. in July 2018.

The ex-military Land Rover has since been painstakingly transformed into an overland-style camper prepared for any terrain. It is armed with an arsenal of camping gear, headlined by an Alu-Cab 270-degree awning and Pop-Top sleeping system with Sauleda acrylic canvas tent, hinged raising bed platform, and memory foam mattress. Its exhaustive list of adventuring upgrades is further underscored by LED exterior lighting, generous exterior storage, a portable shower, and a detailed auxiliary power system that includes a Cotek 3.5 kW inverter and two roof-mounted 100W solar panels with Victron Energy super cycle 125ah batteries.

The original military-issue Bronze Green paint was replaced with Davos White and Bahamas Gold Raptor bedliner. Inside, the Land Rover features detailed living quarters complete with a rear kitchenette with propane stove, sink, and SnoMaster refrigerator. The cabin floors and ample storage compartments are made from teak, while the seats are trimmed in BOXMARK XTREME water-resistant brown leather and the headliner is made from British Millerain weather-resistant canvas. The interior is also furnished with Monitor Audio Climate 50 speakers married to dual Mission Cyrus 2 amplifiers with Bluetooth capability, a television mount, and even a backup camera. All-weather essentials include a Webasto gas heater, 60-liter stainless water tanks with electric pump, and Lifeline water filtration.

The Land Rover is reportedly powered by a replacement 3.5-liter Rover V8 featuring rebuilt dual Stromberg carburetors and a host of supporting modifications including an aluminum radiator and stainless steel exhaust. This is managed by a rebuilt LT95 four-speed manual transmission with dual-range transfer case and vacuum locking center differential. Additional equipment includes adjustable air ride suspension complete with Bilstein shocks, 16-inch steel wheels shod in Michelin XZL all-terrain tires, and Able Engineering disc brakes on all four corners.

Prior research indicates that much of the camper conversion was performed by Latitude Overland in Bristol, U.K., while the Land Rover's electrical overhaul was completed by R&L Auto Electrics in Plymouth. Acquired by the consignor in August 2022, the Land Rover was subsequently imported to the U.S. at the beginning of 2023 and shipped to Austin, Texas; entering a remarkable collection of rare automobiles.

This 1977 Land Rover 101 Forward Control is offered today with an extensive history file that includes its Certificate of Origin from the Ministry of Defence, multiple military inspection reports during its service period, and prior U.K. registration.

Outfitted with an extensive array of thoughtful upgrades inside and out, this example is equipped to venture far beyond the beaten path. Whether embarking on a challenging overlanding expedition or enjoying a memorable off-grid escape at a favorite campsite, it offers a unique but well-equipped platform for the adventures its next caretaker dreams to set out on.