One-Thirty: Special build (1990)
This very rare 'media' Land Rover was built in 1990 to convey Reuters news reporters when on location in the war ravaged Balkans and Middle East. It is believed to be just one of its kind left in driving order.
To assist getting out of trouble, 'VUE' carries a punchy 3.5-litre V8 engine and 5 speed manual gearbox. It is fitted out internally with enhanced air conditioning, radio communications unit and special stowage for films and cameras. Passengers also benefited from 5 point safety harnesses.
But the defining feature of this vehicle is the fully bullet proof external shell. Doors, windows and body are all armoured. The window glass was replaced at a cost of £8,000 in recent years. (Best to be sure!)
And where is the only other like example of which are aware? Regrettably its sister vehicle did not fair as well as our model. In 2006, while working on location in the Gaza Strip, it took a direct missile hit by the over zealous IDF (Israel Defence Force). It is now stands in the main exhibit hall of the Imperial War Museum showing its battle scars, including the point of missile entry in the roof above the driving position. A picture of the sister vehicle is included in our gallery.
More InfoBefore the 1990 Gulf War, war correspondents were typically dependent upon the Military for access around the theatre of war or to and from the news hot-spots. And their content was carefully managed accordingly. However, with the advent of 24 hour cable news, the public were hungry for a ring-side seat to the action. They looked for up to the minute news to be delivered first hand by the journalist not through staged briefings by 'military media officers'.
It was not a big step therefore for the news teams to seek their own mobility around the war zone or trouble hot-spot. But as a consequence they needed their own protected cell in which they could gain the freedom and mobility that they sought. Like so many before, when faced with this challenge Reuters looked to a Land Rover to serve their need.
So this is a very specific Land Rover adaption of which we are very proud to be the custodian. We believe it is just one of three commissioned and the only one of which remains roadworthy. It is very much an example of an adaptation driven by the needs of the workplace. But what a workplace that was.
Naturally, unlike the War Museum's exhibit, we keep 'VUE' in full driving order ... one never knows when the neighbours might get hostile ... although carrying all that weight does not make this the most economic of drives.
Part of:
Defenders
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.
