Myth Buster
Land Rover FC 101
1 IT’S LAND ROVER’S FIRST FORWARD CONTROL OFFERING
The distinctive Land Rover 101 ‘Forward Control’, with its V8 engine tucked under the cab, was produced from 1972 to 1978. But it wasn’t Land Rover’s first attempt. Series IIA and IIB FC variants, more closely related to standard Landies, were produced between 1962 and 1974, albeit with four- and six-cylinder engines. Not a success.
2 THERE WERE CIVILIAN SALES
The earlier Series II Forward Controls were sold into Civvy Street, but the 101 FC wasn’t. It was solely reserved for military customers, with most going to the British Army. However, Australia also acquired some. It wasn’t just the army that used them – they also went into RAF service. It was only after decommissioning that they started escaping into private enthusiast hands. A bunch were also converted into futuristic taxis for the 1995 Sylvester Stallone film Judge Dredd, set in 2139, when Land Rover is supposed to be the only surviving vehicle manufacturer.
3 THEY WERE 4x4s
Normally, yes. But they also came with powered trailers, effectively making them 6x6s… at least until they jackknifed on tight downhill bends, as happened quite often. It was also an expensive idea, so eventually abandoned.
4 THEY WERE BUILT AS SOFT- AND HARD-TOPS
As originally constructed by Land Rover at Solihull, all 101 FCs were soft-tops, intended as General Service (GS) gun tractors. Those with solid roofs were converted later, by firms such as Marshall of Cambridge, for ambulance, radio communication and electronic warfare purposes.