Land Rover AA

Land Rover AA

Rover chief engineer Maurice Wilks was inspired by his army-surplus Willys-Overland Jeep to create a workhorse vehicle for military and agricultural use - and for export abroad to kick-start both Rover's fortunes and the national economy after World War II.

Prototypes were up and running by late 1947, and production of the Series I began at Solihull in summer 1948. It had permanent four-wheel-drive with low-ratio gearing and a locking freewheel mechanism, and a 50bhp, 1.6-litre engine from the Rover P3 saloon. It was fitted with lightweight body panels made from surplus aircraft-grade aluminium - steel was in short supply post-war - and came with army-surplus green paint. The Land Rover price started from just £450.

Supply to the British forces started in 1949, the Land Rover replacing the Austin Champ and later, the rust-prone Austin Gipsy. Deliveries to organisations such as the Red Cross and recovery firms like the AA soon followed.

The AA was formed in 1905 famously meeting in the Trocadero Restaurant in London. Memberhip of the organisation grew rapidly and five years later they had patrols across the country. Intially the cycle scouts were employed at weekends to advise members of police traps ahead, but this soon changed as they began helping stranded motorists. In the late 1940's the introduction of two-way radio transformed the organisation as they were able to be contacted centrally to attend a members vehicle.

Registered PYU 15 and featuring the original AA logo style on the sides and on the front wings, the model carries a lot of decorative refinements. Note particularly the authentic Land Rover Series 1 88” grille with the silver and black Land Rover marque. The chrome work extends to the window surrounds, window bars, rear flanges and lower door surround. Inside, the seating is black with AA yellow dashboard, rounding off a great little model to add to your 1:76 scale roadside rescue fleet.