Series IIA: Harrier back hoe and air drill (1970)
Everyone likes a Tonka Toy - well this is one of ours. Helpfully for our day job, the novelty has worn off. We no longer spend hours on end moving a hole up one side of a field and back down the other. You see, this treasure is fully operational which is a remarkable outcome from the extensive 3 year restoration undertaken by a tech'y Land Rover restorer from up country who specialises in Land Rover after-sales conversions, particularly those using compressed air.
This is the "Harrier - type RJC" developed in 1970/71 by a company called Air-Drive Limited. They sought to develop what was effectively a mini-digger, before such things were thought of. Backhoes were traditionally for JCB's only. But towards the end of the 60's a company called McConnell was producing the 'PA44', a small hydraulic arm that could be mounted on tractors, barges and the like. "Then why not on a Land Rover?" was the reasonable question asked by Air-Drive. By placing a full blown backhoe on the rear and a hydraulic concrete breaker on the front, they were targeting light road repair contractors or local authorities. The chassis is of course a Series IIA 109" but heavily strengthened. There are two deployable outriggers and more power takeoff levers than you can shake a stick at, to operate the various pumps that drive both pieces of equipment.
This is the actual development prototype that was 'signed off' by Land Rover as an approved after-sales adaption. It went on to feature in sales literature and act as a demonstrator. In the end the concept did not gain market traction so only 10 Harriers were built - and only this and one other (non-restored) unit are known to have survived. You are therefore in the company of a very rare beast indeed and one that we are very pleased to hold in our care.
This vehicle has received much acclaim. In 2018 it appeared at Goodwood's 70th Landy Anniversary Festival of Speed, won two 'Best of Class' awards at leading national shows and has featured in the magazines. But most importantly, WPP 101J's future is now secure for future generations who can share yet another unique cameo appearance in the epic Land Rover story,
More InfoDeveloped in late 1970 and early 1971 this Series IIa prototype was fitted with a McConnell PA44 Power Arm and, to the front, a French made Montabert hand held hydraulic concrete breaker. WPP 101J was Air-Drive's company demonstrator and features in their brochure for the model. Later model's had a cab fitted over the back operator seat. But there is no evidence that this prototype ever received that treatment.
It was also the vehicle that was tested by Rover for approved conversion status and many period photos of this vehicle exist in the Land Rover archives. Although this was a well conceived project, the Harrier simply couldn't carve out a market from beneath the all dominant JCB. Right idea but for whatever reason they couldn't build market interest. This is therefore a historically significant and rare vehicle. Less than 10 are believed to have been built and only one other (unrestored) example is known to exist.
As part of the conversion two hydraulic pumps were fitted to the gearbox including one under the transfer box using the rare bottom PTO attachment and an 8 blade fan with oil cooler. The chassis was much reinforced to cope with the extra loading. Two outriggers deploy at the rear to provide stability when the backhoe is in use.
Following its use as a demonstrator WPP 101J was sold to a small family run plant hire firm where it remained until 2000. Three owners later, it passed to ourselves. The third of these interim stewards was Rob Maude, whose workshop is in Rutland. He undertook a full restoration in 2016. The bodywork was brought back to display standard and he undertook a full rebuild to the powertrain and all working components, including a replacement wiring loom, brakes and hydraulic lines and pumps,
The quality of Rob Maude's work is exemplary as was the diligence of his research. So much so that, since meeting him, we have turned to him to assist us on other project work. His research lead him to the original technical drawings of the power arm from which odd required components could be manufactured. He also went to great lengths to faithfully reproduce the body colour and sign writing to match how the vehicle looked when photographed for sale literature back in 1970.
But its not just us that recognise a job well done; WPP 101J was invited to take part in the 70th Landy Anniversary Drive at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2018. It turns heads wherever it goes. At the Dunsfold's 2017 show it was awarded 'Best in Show' Land Rover adaption and again, in 2018, it earned "Best Restoration" at the 2018 Series 2 Club National. Around the time of its re-birth, the vehicle featured in a number of enthusiast magazines and was given a full feature article by LRO magazine (August 2017). So we are very privileged to be looking after this wonderful exhibit for the interest and enjoyment of enthusiasts for years to come.
Neither we nor Rob Maude have been able to track down anyone with first hand experience of the now defunct Air-drive Limited. If you can help us learn more about the Air-drive story, we would love to hear form you. ([email protected] )
Part of:
Series II/IIA
Working Rovers
The Collection
Vehicle Owner: Land Rover Heritage Collection
Want to help take a look at our get involved pages.
Know something about this vehicle contact us.
