"A 4x4 is born"
100 inch Land Rover Special

The build is inspired by the late 1970’s special vehicles of which a limited run of only 25 were ever produced for the Swiss and French Army, and are quoted as being “the best Land Rovers ever made”. Mark’s aim is to take an old rust-bucket Range Rover rescued from the scrap heap and transform it into the ultimate bolder-crawling beauty!

The starting point is a 1985 four-door Range Rover that a mate of Mark’s had rotting in a garage. This he will totally strip back to the bones, and along with salvaged parts from other Land Rovers and Range Rovers, will combine to create a very special hybrid – as a 4x4 Is Born. The extreme 3.5 litre V8 powered, R380 gearboxed off-roader – custom built by Mark – will also boast some serious off-road kit, including OUTRAGEOUS hi-lift suspension system; a hand-made, one-off roll cage; a specially modified twin tank fuel system and air-operated diff-locks in both front and rear axles.

Mark talks about the project with such enthusiasm, that it makes you wonder how deep his love for the Land Rover runs. “My Dad worked on the Land Rover B40, which was a special Rolls Royce engined vehicle and first got me interested in 4x4s”, explains Mark, “and my first bank account was known in my family as my Land Rover Trust Fund”, he laughs, “although I have only recently managed to purchase one after 41 years – better late than never!”

The finished vehicle was exhibited at the Land Rover World Show at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire on 19-20 June 2004 and was voted Land Rover World Best in Show – a much coveted title.

The entire rebuild is featured on DVD and is available from Scorpion Racing.

Vehicle Specification:

Chassis: 100 inch wheelbase, 1985 4-door Range Rover chassis with modified body supports and custom-built rear cross-member. Galvanised and internally wax coated.

Suspension: Scorpion Racing Extreme Suspension Kit, including springs, turrets, dampers, radius arms, Polybushes and adjustable rose-jointed Panhard rod.

Axles: Reconditioned axle cases painted with Autocryl LV. Reconditioned differentials incorporating ARB air operated differential lockers in both front and rear axles.

Drive shafts: 24-spline half shafts and CV joints.

Brakes: Reconditioned original calipers with new discs and pads.

Engine: Rover 3.5 Litre V8 reconditioned with new piston rings and bearing shells and incorporating a performance camshaft, upgraded cam followers and adjustable valve timing gear set.
High performance, motorsport-derived, silicone rubber water hoses and fluoride lined silicone rubber oil breather pipes.
Mantec snorkel.

Exhaust: Janspeed stainless steel, straight-through, performance exhaust system with ceramic coated headers and Y-Pipe.

Fuel system: Modified Land Rover 90 fuel tank (to suit Series III filler) with inboard fuel pump.
Polished and reconditioned twin Stromberg carburettors.

Gearbox: Ashcroft reconditioned R380, 5-speed, manual gearbox and LT230 transfer box.

Propshafts: Extreme propshafts, front and rear.

Steering: RR power steering pump and hoses. Reconditioned steering box. Salvaged and reconditioned LR 110 steering column. deCarbon Steering damper. Danbars.

Body: Salvaged and restored LR90/110 front wings, bonnet, grill frame, bulkhead (wax coated), windscreen frame and seat box. Salvaged truck cab.
Radically modified LR 110 rear tub lined with Buffalo Board and 5-bar aluminium treadplate.
New LR Series III doors with custom made 5-bar aluminium treadplate inner skins.
Modified stainless steel grill and headlight surrounds.

Body Protection: Extreme tubular front winch bumper and custom-built rear bumpers. Custom built, galvanised rock sliders. Galvanised skid plates and diff protectors.

Paintwork: Unique Xerralic pigment-based Autowave “flip” paint (Blue/Green) produced specifically for this vehicle by Sikkens. Side strips, vents and windscreen brackets painted in Argentum Silver. Vehicle painted at the Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes Instruction Centre.

Roll Cage: 45mm steel tube frame, weld-sealed and powder-coated.

Electrical System: 2 x Exide Maxima batteries.
Intelligent split charging system.
Additional switch gear for spotlights etc.
Custom made wiring looms based on salvaged LR 110 diesel wiring loom.

Cab Interior: Salvaged and repaired LR 110 dash and instrument binnacle. Replacement and additional gauges / instruments.
MSA approved embroidered Monaco race seats.
Lockable cubby box.

Winch: Warn 9.5ti winch.
Tailgate: Modified sand ladders with custom-made 45mm powder-coated steel brace bar.

Wheels / Tyres: Modular steel rims (sealed with silicone) fitted with Cooper Discoverer STT 265/75 R16 tyres.

Lights: 2 x 55W Warn Floodlights and 2 x 80 EVO PIAA SMR 60/55W driving lamps on front bumper. 4 x 55W PIAA high power halogen spotlights on front roll cage hoop. 2 x work lights.

Alarm: Metasat GPA800 alarm system.

The entire rebuild is featured on DVD and is available from Scorpion Racing.