PREP'D TO "COOK ON THE WILD SIDE"

This vehicle will not win a fashion a parade. It is ungainly, has an unfortunately high centre of gravity and modest power unit which collectively sincerely limit its on and off-road performance. But it comes into its own when those intriguing body panels are extended to expose a fully kitted out cooking station, including a two-ring gas hob, water fed sink, fridge, oven and even an ice-cream maker. All that one needs, in fact, for an al fresco culinary and dining experience. It even carries a metal frame on the bonnet designed to take a forward facing camera for filming on the move. The final surprise is offered by what appears to be the upturned boat mounted in the roof. This is, in fact, kitted with a mattress and bedding and (at least for the camera) represented Hugh’s sleeping bunk.

This original adaption was planted on a regular 109” Series II driven by a 2.25 Ltr power unit. It was pretty rough and ready and built ‘for purpose’, as illustrated by a rudimentary perspex panel sited above the front seats, which was required to aid filming the driver in natural light. Having faded from its celebrity role, this Landy seems to have slipped into obscurity. However, it was rediscovered just a few years ago looking rather sad for itself. Classic Land Rover specialists John Brown 4x4 were asked to undertake a restoration that recaptures its unique TV celebrity role from the past. For once there was no shortage of film footage to ensure that the restoration was wholly genuine.

So please was Hugh to be reacquainted with his former co-star that he offered mark the occasion by leaving his autograph on the dash. A happy conclusion to this story is that now this gastro-wagon is located at LRHC’s Somerset base, it is garaged just a short distance from Fearnley-Wittingstall’s, Axminster located, ‘River Cottage HQ’ from where he continues to promote the use of natural and environmentally sound ingredients in his unique style of cookery. Hugh clearly retains a soft spot for this important TV prop from his debut TV appearance as he has added his signature to the dash endorsing the credentials of the restoration.