Land Rover Series II Cuthbertson Classic: Spotted

The perfect way to battle the 'Beast from the East'

Some may be familiar with the Cuthbertson name, though many will not. Don't worry if you are in the latter group, it's quite niche knowledge, as evidenced by the fact that this is believed to be the only Cuthbertson Land Rover in the UK.

James A Cuthbertson was a visionary of his time, manufacturing rubber tracks during the Second World War and applying them to vehicles to build half-tracks, Land Rover conversions and the Water Buffalo - a tracked landing vehicle.

The Cuthbertson Land Rover was originally built for farmers who worked in uneven and hostile environments and this example was no different. This model was converted in 1958 when it was still new on a 109-inch chassis, this early Series II sported twist-type vents and a stalk-mounted horn. The track conversion meant fitting the Land Rover body to a subframe with the tracks attached. The wheels are replaced with wheel-sized sprockets to drive the tracks whilst a crankshaft-driven power steering system is needed to turn the vehicle. Inside it's as sparse as you would expect, with only the bare necessities making it perfect to be hosed down.

The models have even been used by the military for minesweeping operations as they were lighter than their heavily armourer counterparts, spreading their weight over a larger area, and making them less likely to trigger an explosion.

Numbers produced vary but it is estimated that only 20 conversions were done, with this particular example forming part of a Norwegian collection before being sold on to a German entrepreneur, who had it restored in 2000, before being sold at auction last year. Even though you may notice a number plate on this vehicle, it isn't legal to drive on-road - better to stick to muddy tracks and green lanes to show up even the most hardened off-roader.

So whether you want to put your off-road friends to shame, help the local villagers get to work during this cold snap or just fancy turning up to the family picnic in something that will blow every kid's mind, is there anything better?

SPECIFICATION - LAND ROVER SERIES II

Engine: 2,286cc, petrol 4cyl
Transmission: 4-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 68@4,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 116@2,500rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1958
Recorded mileage: 3,000 miles
Price new: N/A
Price now: £59,995