Series 2a

[Ltwtbarmy]

I don’t think the plate you have is original to when the vehicle came off the production line. You will note that just above the plate top rivets, there are another two rivets directly into the bulkhead. This might suggest that for whatever reason, the original bulkhead was retained after a possible rebuild, but replaced with the smaller plate you have now, and the extra holes blocked off with rivets for neatness’ sake. The reasons for the rebuild could be many, even possibly as suggested in the hmvf link, after a major rebuild, at factory or somewhere else. I am only going by what has been suggested by others. Going out on a limb here, based on the fact that all these plates seem to have turned up on ex navy vehicles, is it possible that the senior service used rebuilt landrovers, rather than get them new with specific contracts? I don’t know, and doesn’t seem anyone knows either! This last is purely my guesswork, which has known to be wrong before, so don’t take my word for it!

[Ltwtbarmy]

Btw, not sure if sickpup still looks at this forum, but if he doesn’t have this picture of his 03RN23 in better times......... http://www.na3t.org/road/photo/VS03128

[alfajet7]

Yes, you could be correct about the rebuild and RN using other vehicles, and I now beginning to think it was an MOD rebuild initially, with later civvy restorations. I am quite comfortable that it is RN due to the chain lift marks on the bonnet. It is certainly an early 2a though on account of the headlights being on the grill rather than around it and the chassis number. Early ones were often RN, usually marines. Anyway, its a great vehicle and all the more so by not having all the answers!

[sickpup]

Evening chaps
Thanks to Ltwtbarmy who messaged me about this and found a photo of my Ltwt in service, you are a star sir.

Alfajet7 I think we met last year in Kings Cross and had a chat, not seen you about since then.

Your Land Rover was from a contract of 9 vehicles on plates 26RN85-93 I think from 1969 and that's pretty much all I could find out. On the Data plate there should be a WV number or a 6 digit number but if you are the chap I met it wasn't there.

If your chassis No. is 236 01321A then it is likely to be a purely Royal Navy Lightweight not a Royal Marines one. I base this on 236 1326A-1363A which were on an Army contract but for the Royal Navy and in turn for the Royal Marines to play with. This was contract WV9753. I think yours may have been on contract WV7835 but more likely on WV9322 which is inline with the above but might still be wrong as few contract numbers are known.

I'm in two minds over the data plates. They are different to standard but this may just be because they were for the Navy who being the Navy do things differently. Then again the plates never seem to be filled in correctly so may well be for rebuilt vehicles and considering how few Land Rovers were issued to the Navy it wouldn't surprise me if they just rebuilt them after a few years and hid it in the accounting.

If this is the one I think it is it has a series 3 bulkhead and steering column so has been extensively rebuilt as well as various modifications. I also think it's had a new chassis as well. It was also fitted with a hardtop at some point.

[sickpup]

There is an advert here for 26RN88 https://www.milweb.net/webvert/a4172/96819

Owner believes it is a 1971 model and has dating letters to back it up. Could be a mis-type but could also be that the contract was spread over 2 years but is odd. Chassis numbers and registration marks were allocated and linked at the contract stage and a contract build could be over a few months or a few years which is why they never left the factory in chassis number order but as and when they had been planned in advance to be built and supplied.
It's also a 24v so being built out of chassis order with your 12v is likely.

[sickpup]

The wheels on yours in the advert have sticky out bits, I wonder if they are original and if they were for hubcaps?

[alfajet7]

@sickpup. That is indeed impressive knowledge! It was me you met at Kings Cross last year too. Glad to re-make your acquaintance. Yes, not been about as I am only there to do self martial arts training at The Place, which has been shut for COVID of late.

So looking at 26RN88, it would seem mine was indeed in that batch. yes, there are plenty of mods, but not sure by whom. The Fairey hubs do seem to be original too. Well put it this way, its the only reason anyone would stay on!

I suppose finding the B card is going to be nigh on impossible without joining the queue at Portsmouth museum?

[alfajet7]

I think I will go for a heritage certificate at British Motor Museum first, so I can get dates of manufacture or dispatch, the original colour and trim, extra equipment fitted and destination

[Ltwtbarmy]

Btw, not sure if sickpup still looks at this forum, but if he doesn’t have this picture of his 03RN23 in better times......... http://www.na3t.org/road/photo/VS03128

Picture of 03RN23 now shown with full permission of the website owner -

[alfajet7]

Very nice!