While the 101 Forward Control Military Land Rover is well known amongst enthusiasts, it is somewhat less well known that the Australian Army conducted trials of the Series 2A FC and 2B FC Land Rovers on a number of occasions at the Army Design Establishment (ADE). It is also thought that both the RAAF and Navy had some examples of this type as well, with the Navy thought to have used one as a Fire Tender.

Two SIIA (4cyl petrol and 6cyl petrol) and one SIIB 6cyl were trialled and rejected by the Australian Army

The first example, A Series 2A FC, is thought to have been on trial in the 1962/63 Tropical Trials and appears in the 1962/63 Tropical Trials report, Volume 4 (which we do not have a full copy of at this stage).

Certainly Glen S photos from 6 Tropical Trials Unit's evaluations in 1964 show another example which differs in a number of details from it's predecessor despite wearing the same registration number. It is thought to be a different vehicle.

Below is some general history of the civilian Forward Control Models.

• 1963 Land Rover released it's first Forward control. based on the 109" chassis with extended spring hangers and a modified rear cross member. Similar chassis were also used for the 109" military variants in Australia.
• 1964 the Rover type rear differential is replaced with an ENV because of failures.
• 1965 the 6 cylinder model and ENV front diff introduced
• 1966 the series IIB model is introduced with a 4" wider track classified as a 110" wheelbase and has under slung rear axle assembly.
• 1972 101" military variant introduced with Range Rover based engine and transmission (Series IIB essentially finishes except for a SADF contract ending in 1978)
• 1978 production of the 101" ceases.
• About 3,000 SIIA Forward Controls and 3,000 SIIB forward controls were produced, only tens or maybe hundreds made their way to Australia.
• two SIIA (4cyl petrol and 6cyl petrol) one SIIB 6cyl were trialled and rejected by the Australian Army

If anybody has any further information or photos of or about these vehicles please contact REMLR at webmaster@remlr.com