Often referred to as the Land Rover One Tonne, because it was designed to haul one ton of ammunition for the L118 gun that it hauled around in the army, the Land Rover FC101 is a cool machine. The 101 in the name actually stands for the wheel base, and the FC stands for Forward Control, because the driver sits on top of, and in front of, the front wheels. The engine is therefore set back behind the driver and partially out the back of the cab. The FC101 was specifically built to be light, but heavy duty, and to be able to be transported by air easily. We just dig these types of rigs in general. The Jeep FC, Unimogs of all kinds, and the Land Rover FC101 all have that same look and feel and we dig it.
As we said, most of these were destined for service towing around a gun. But some were outfitted with hard top ambulance bodies, radio bodies, and in fact some became part of the Royal Air Force Rapier Missile Program. In the Rapier Missile program they not only hauled launchers and missiles, but also the guidance systems and more spare missiles. Pretty cool stuff, but unfortunately they are pretty rare to find. Being built for just 6 years, from 1972-1978 means that these are not nearly as prevalent and easy to come by as some other military vehicles. Still, we dig them, and given their rarity we think this one is a pretty good deal. Note that the seller lists this as a 1965, we believe this to be a typo as they were not built yet in 1965.
Here is the info from the seller:
1965 Land Rover FC101 Right Hand Drive.. Runs and drives needs work as it has been setting for several years, will deliver to LA Docks. Newer Top and has been in several movies and TV Show i.e. Sons of Anarchy and Mighty Joe Young.
Call Kenny (909) 278-1198
They’re slow, noisy, try their very best to turn your insides into a fine paste, leak, break down, drink like a soldier on rec leave, don’t stop, don’t turn and are basically unpleasant.
But damm they are bad ass. Fun fact, the original Judge Dredd movie used a couple of FC101 dressed as the taxis.