Land Rover 101 Forward Control Classic Cars

Get Ahead With Land Rover 101 Forward Control Classic Cars

Whether it's on the highway or off-road, Land Rover has long been a prominent brand. Among the firm's most evocative models is the 101 Forward Control, originally a military vehicle, but now an attractive option as a classic for many four-wheel drive enthusiasts. Keep an eye on eBay to discover affordable, collectable Forward Controls to suit you.

This may seem obvious, but you could still be surprised by how much space a Forward Control will take up on your drive. This Land Rover really needs to be considered more of a light truck than a car, especially given its generous ride height. The vehicle's overall height is a particular point to note: A Land Rover 101 stands 2.18 metres above the ground and its turning radius is well over 7 metres, so photos on eBay which give you good points of reference are very useful. Check the manufacturer's site for details.

Even newer 101s are now four decades old, so it's important to pick carefully. Always take a good look at photos provided on eBay listings. In particular, check the following:

• Engine: Check that the standard, 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine has had regular oil changes. A few 101s have had diesel engines fitted, so check listings carefully.
• Service history: The 101 should be treated as a classic car and serviced by specialists, so check this has been done.
• Bodywork: These vehicles often had a tough life in British Army service, so make sure rust has been treated well.

While the petrol engine fitted to the 101 was the same unit throughout the car's lifetime, it was produced in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive versions. These don't differ significantly mechanically in other respects. The other option you're likely to find is the electrical system, which can run on either 12 volts or 24 volts. Since this will affect the equipment you can drive from the Forward Control, make sure you read everything in the eBay item description closely, and ask questions if you need clarification.

Although the basic 101 is the one you're likely to find listed on eBay, there are several other versions to look out for. Some models feature a capstan winch in the centre, giving the versatile option of winching from the front or rear. Hard-top ambulance conversions may also be found, while a highly collectable version is the 6x6 with a trailer; this was only made in limited numbers. A few 101s also exist that were designed for the 1995 Judge Dredd movie, featuring distinctive bright yellow bodywork.