It is always particularly noteworthy when one finds a classic Landy that has been in the same hands since new. Imagine our excitement when we were introduced to ‘VPB’. This sits very comfortably within our collection being every bit a workhorse. Having been fitted from new to carry the famed Harvey Frost 30cwt Recovery Crane, this 1968 LWB Series IIA has worked ceaselessly as a recovery truck in the hands of Hampshire family motor engineering company, Clacy & Sons from whom the vehicle joined us at LRHC. Although we have a similar vehicle in the course of restoration, the attraction of this vehicle is that, like it or hate it, ’VPB’ represents one of those rare opportunities where what you are looking at is unique, unquestionably wholly honest and genuine.
One’s eyes are soon drawn to the many adaptions that have been made to the vehicle by the Clacy family during its illustrious life. In addition to the more subtle changes, one can’t help but spot the spare pair of head lights in the front wings and the modern amber flashing light bar up top. Whilst such mod’s may not appeal to purists, in our eyes they speak to the history of the vehicle over the past 50 years during which it was valued for its practical role in the workplace, rather than as a sterile work of reference. The vehicle illustrates what it meant to be a working ‘Land Rover’ before enthusiasts and well-healed sentimentalists (like us) got involved and confused the iconic Land Rover image.
