tdk
Part of things
Posts: 958 
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Sept 15, 2015 8:25:48 GMT
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Not mine, a friends, but I'm a big fan and wrote this for MotorPunk about it;--------------------------------------------------- When friend of MotorPunk and all round fruitcake, Bjørn, invited me to see his latest purchase, I nearly declined. A masochistic approach to motoring means that his previous purchase was an old Freelander (scrapped) and the one prior to that was another old Freelander (scrapped). Now, I don’t mind smuggling Land Rover parts up to Norway now and then to help keep Bjørn on the road but I’m not swallowing another condom full of head gaskets for anyone. Fortunately his latest 4×4 is something far more acceptable. In fact, it’s bloody brilliant. It’s a Volvo Laplander and I got to drive it.   Launched in 1961 for the Swedish army, the Laplander is a simple 4×4 sitting on leaf springs and powered by an 82BHP B18 engine also found in the Volvo Amazon. The bodywork is welded 3mm steel and the whole shebang weighs c.1600Kg. This is the Pltgbil model (which, in Swedish, means Pltgbil), with the canvas top and windscreen folding down so it’ll fit in the back of a cargo plane. This example is mechanically excellent and cosmetically battered. Those white spots you see inside is daylight coming in through holes in the bodywork. Inside the cockpit is a metal cover over the engine which can be accessed on the hoof and a skinny, bus-flat steering wheel. It’s a cab forward design, with the brake pedal wedged against the steering column and brakes that will only rub a smidgen of speed off, when going slowly, uphill, and simultaneously clutching at passing scenery with your bare hands. The steering feels like you have prosthetic arms and are arm-wrestling a drunken bear. There are levers for diff control but I was too busy grappling with the grizzly steering to use ’em as I barged down the hill from Bjørn’s place and through the woods on a test drive, laughing like a lunatic.   There’s a technique needed when you’re on the move. The brakes are mainly for decorative purposes and the steering should be attempted a few hundred meters before you need it. It’s actually much quicker than you might think and, not stressing about collecting any stone chips, I twatted through the undergrowth, eventually emerging from the forest at speed at precisely the point a family had been enjoying a picnic. Across overgrown fields and a children’s playground to squeals of laughter (me, not them) I managed to rein in the Laplander just before we ended up in the Fjørd. Bjørn reckons these might float. I didn’t want to try.  This was honestly the most fun on wheels I’ve had in ages. It may seem like oikish behaviour but the Laplander is the acceptable face of four by fouring. It’s no-nonsense. There’s no pretence, no ‘lifestyle’ connotations, no silly image, no ‘one life live it’ rubbish and no head gasket worries. You can reliably crash through the scenery at random. Kids point and laugh and grown-ups smile, even when you drive through their picnic. Only Volvo could create something like the Laplander. Certain models came with an anti-tank gun fitted on the back. How socially acceptable is shooting Freelanders? Lots more pictures of this here ----> www.motorpunk.co.uk/features/driven-volvo-laplander-the-acceptable-face-of-four-by-fouring/ 
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Last Edit: Sept 15, 2015 10:26:16 GMT by tdk
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Sept 15, 2015 8:38:57 GMT
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I want one for Christmas! Lovely simple thing! Love your writing! Don't appreciate your subtle shots at a brand I love...  |
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1986 Mercedes 200 (W124) (Standard and daily)
1976 Peugeot 404 1800 Stickshift (Standard - awaiting complete resto, engine done)
1984 Ford Cortina (P100) LDV - Cab and chassis restored, interior and glass not fitted, brand new 3 liter engine (last 110kw Sierra XR6 engine fitted and married to 5 speed Toyota Gearbox), load body needed.
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tdk
Part of things
Posts: 958
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Sept 15, 2015 10:11:57 GMT
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I want one for Christmas! Lovely simple thing! Love your writing! Don't appreciate your subtle shots at a brand I love... Thanks. I'm not bothered about the LR brand one way or another, my subtle shots are more at the quality of early Freelanders (after having helped fix the 'orrible things in a Scandinavian winter). The Laplander is fantastic, thanks for your comment |
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Sept 15, 2015 11:00:04 GMT
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I love it, I've had an interest (some may say obsession) in large off-road vehicles for a long time now, and this looks just up my street! It looks fantastic, and would probably be small enough to fit on my drive! How big is it sizewise? I can't imagine it being bigger than a normal saloon if it's running a b18 engine and weighing in it 1600kg.... My Volvo 240 DL weighs in at 1260kg!
Hmm, the other problem I have is my licence restricts me to 3.5t, so all the vehicles I've been looking at - Pinzgouer, Volvo c303, Gaz66 Land Rover 101(these are expensive) zil 131, Praga v3s & green goddess fire engines are all over the limit,
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sonus
Europe
Posts: 1,391
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Sept 15, 2015 11:03:13 GMT
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They are as far as I know also called Volvo "Valp" which is Norwegian for Puppy. The Norwegian army got ridd of theirs when they upgraded to the Mercedes Gelendewagen. So there are quite a few on private hands here in Norway. They used to be cheap as chips , but seem to have increased in price since www.finn.no/finn/car/used/result?carmodelmake=0%2F818&sort=0&carmodelmake=1%2F818%2F2127Off topic; And it's big brother the Volvo TGB ain't bad either Or how about a beltwagon  |
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Last Edit: Sept 15, 2015 11:07:06 GMT by sonus
Current
1968 TVR VIXEN S1 V8 Prototype
2004 TVR T350C
2017 BMW 340i
Previous
BMW 325d E91LCI - sold
Alfa Romeo GTV - sold
Citroen AX GT - at the breakers
Ford Puma 1.7 - sold
Volvo V50 2.0d - sold
MGB GT - wrecked by fire
MG ZT 1.8T - sold
VW E-golf Electric - sold
Mini Countryman 1.6D -sold
Land Rover Discovery TD5 - sold
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düdo
Part of things
wide as house
Posts: 770
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Sept 15, 2015 13:28:51 GMT
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Around here the 'acceptable face of 4WDing' is a grandad in a VW Tourag going 'overland' from his house to LIDL. Said grandad could park this Volvo in the supermarket rather than outside. And probably won't be long before everyone has been sold on the idea that SUVs are old hat and tracked vehicles - like above - are essential for the run down to LIDL.
Landrovers can't be curse word - look at all the footballers that drive them!
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Sept 15, 2015 13:32:47 GMT
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Awesome, I want one for the school run! My brother has a Zil 131 which he lived in for a couple of years. I went to visit him in Morocco for a week and got to drive it - charging (I use the term loosely) across the desert in it while listening to Northern Soul is a favorite memory of mine. |
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Frankenhealey
Club Retro Rides Member
And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death
Posts: 3,878
Club RR Member Number: 15
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Sept 15, 2015 13:44:46 GMT
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Slow - check
Last century brakes - check
Ugly as sin - check
Extreme smiles per mile - check
= WANT
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Tales of the Volcano Lair hereFrankenBug - Vulcan Power hereThe Frankenhealey here |
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Sept 15, 2015 13:56:32 GMT
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Awesome, I want one for the school run! My brother has a Zil 131 which he lived in for a couple of years. I went to visit him in Morocco for a week and got to drive it - charging (I use the term loosely) across the desert in it while listening to Northern Soul is a favorite memory of mine. Sooooo jealous I'd love a zil 131 |
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PHUQ
Part of things
Posts: 861
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Sept 15, 2015 14:51:04 GMT
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Hmm, the other problem I have is my licence restricts me to 3.5t, so all the vehicles I've been looking at - Pinzgouer, Volvo c303, Gaz66 Land Rover 101(these are expensive) zil 131, Praga v3s & green goddess fire engines are all over the limit, You do know you can run an unladen pre- 1960 vehicle on a car license yes? GG's are fine (bit of ambiguity around whether carrying water is "loaded" or not), although RLs were built into the 60's so aren't all license exempt. Volvo is great, although I'm not sure what's acceptable about it- I'm fairly sure my neighbours wouldn't think so. I'd still go for a Land Rover 101 for preference, mainly because of the V8 (and the ability to remove even more of the bodywork for summertime picnic interrupting). |
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Frankenhealey
Club Retro Rides Member
And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider's name was Death
Posts: 3,878
Club RR Member Number: 15
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Sept 15, 2015 15:41:58 GMT
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Hmm, the other problem I have is my licence restricts me to 3.5t, so all the vehicles I've been looking at - Pinzgouer, Volvo c303, Gaz66 Land Rover 101(these are expensive) zil 131, Praga v3s & green goddess fire engines are all over the limit, You do know you can run an unladen pre- 1960 vehicle on a car license yes? GG's are fine (bit of ambiguity around whether carrying water is "loaded" or not), although RLs were built into the 60's so aren't all license exempt. Volvo is great, although I'm not sure what's acceptable about it- I'm fairly sure my neighbours wouldn't think so. I'd still go for a Land Rover 101 for preference, mainly because of the V8 (and the ability to remove even more of the bodywork for summertime picnic interrupting). I've said it before. Get a Green Goddess (or RL but you can get 6 of your mates in a Goddess cab) cut the back off and shorten the chassis so you've got a sort of british Unimog. It would need a bit of waterproofing but when Landie drivers were having to use scuba gear you'd just be getting your boots wet. Also my Red Goddess was 4.6 tonnes on the weighbridge including the sub-bed and the hydraulic bed so I reckon it would come in under 3.5 tonnes. If not, what about a Sugga or a Dodge Power Wagon? |
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Tales of the Volcano Lair hereFrankenBug - Vulcan Power hereThe Frankenhealey here |
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Sept 15, 2015 20:56:34 GMT
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You do know you can run an unladen pre- 1960 vehicle on a car license yes? GG's are fine (bit of ambiguity around whether carrying water is "loaded" or not), although RLs were built into the 60's so aren't all license exempt. Volvo is great, although I'm not sure what's acceptable about it- I'm fairly sure my neighbours wouldn't think so. I'd still go for a Land Rover 101 for preference, mainly because of the V8 (and the ability to remove even more of the bodywork for summertime picnic interrupting). I've said it before. Get a Green Goddess (or RL but you can get 6 of your mates in a Goddess cab) cut the back off and shorten the chassis so you've got a sort of british Unimog. It would need a bit of waterproofing but when Landie drivers were having to use scuba gear you'd just be getting your boots wet. Also my Red Goddess was 4.6 tonnes on the weighbridge including the sub-bed and the hydraulic bed so I reckon it would come in under 3.5 tonnes. If not, what about a Sugga or a Dodge Power Wagon? I read some where that green goddess tipped the scale at 8.2t which isn't bad if I'm exploiting the unladen rule, but when I read up on that it seemed abit ambiguous, as in if I had 6 mates on board would I be classed as laden, if I went to a show and took the Coventry climax pump with me would I be laden, if I want for a picnic with the family and had the hamper would I be laden? Do you know anyone who has used this loophole? That leaves the option of doing the 7.5t licence, which id love to do at some point, but then the GG would be out due to the weight (& probably the zil too!) Vilvo Suggas are awesome but again expensive, I did consider a cckw or diamond t they seem to be much more reasonable but I'd still have to do my licence, at the moment I'm drooling over the gaz 66 on eBay but I know deep down it would be more hassle than it's worth, |
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Sept 15, 2015 20:59:04 GMT
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woohoo, can I play? Mines a slightly later, civilian, C202. Ex Swedish forestry crew cab.....  More rotten though....  as you were....... |
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PHUQ
Part of things
Posts: 861
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Sept 16, 2015 7:05:31 GMT
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I've said it before. Get a Green Goddess (or RL but you can get 6 of your mates in a Goddess cab) cut the back off and shorten the chassis so you've got a sort of british Unimog. It would need a bit of waterproofing but when Landie drivers were having to use scuba gear you'd just be getting your boots wet. Also my Red Goddess was 4.6 tonnes on the weighbridge including the sub-bed and the hydraulic bed so I reckon it would come in under 3.5 tonnes. If not, what about a Sugga or a Dodge Power Wagon? I read some where that green goddess tipped the scale at 8.2t which isn't bad if I'm exploiting the unladen rule, but when I read up on that it seemed abit ambiguous, as in if I had 6 mates on board would I be classed as laden, if I went to a show and took the Coventry climax pump with me would I be laden, if I want for a picnic with the family and had the hamper would I be laden? Do you know anyone who has used this loophole? That leaves the option of doing the 7.5t licence, which id love to do at some point, but then the GG would be out due to the weight (& probably the zil too!) Vilvo Suggas are awesome but again expensive, I did consider a cckw or diamond t they seem to be much more reasonable but I'd still have to do my licence, at the moment I'm drooling over the gaz 66 on eBay but I know deep down it would be more hassle than it's worth, Yes, I know several people that "exploit" it. It's not a loophole as such, it's an proper exemption. I can't remember what the regs are regarding licensing for pre 1960 PSVs but if it has few enough seats for you to be able to drive it on your 3.5t license (8 or less as I recall- anything I play with only has a couple of seats so I've never looked into it) it's fine. There's also an exemption for "equipment required for the vehicle to perform it's intended function" or words to that effect which covers my friends who run vintage recovery vehicles in this manner to carry strops, shackles etc and in the case of a Goddess the fire equipment that is carried on the vehicle in the lockers provided for that purpose. However technically your picnic basket (more commonly with us tents etc for steam rallies) is outside of that remit and into dodgy ground. You'd have to be pretty damn unlucky though. I can't find the link to the definition of "laden" (as I recall a towed caravan or camper converted rear body again doesn't count as laden- so you could drive a 1959 horsebox on a 3.5T license if it was empty or if the rear body had been converted to a camper but not if it had a horse in!), but this www.nidirect.gov.uk/driving-larger-goods-vehicles-lgv-on-a-car-driving-licence covers the exemptions. That's the NI site because the new mainland one is practically unnavigable if you want to find anything useful on it, but it's the same list that I found on there before the site was "refreshed". Edit- finally found it on the main gov.uk site: www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf52-large-vehicles-you-can-drive-using-your-car-or-lorry-licenceAlthough I've still not got the "unladen" definition. Note the ages- 18 for 3.5t- 7.5t pre 1960, and 21 for over 7.5t. That covers busses as well- older than 30 years and fewer than 8 seats. When does a goods vehicle become a bus?! Any which way you should be fine with a Goddess. |
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Last Edit: Sept 16, 2015 7:19:02 GMT by PHUQ
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Sept 16, 2015 8:54:30 GMT
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I read some where that green goddess tipped the scale at 8.2t which isn't bad if I'm exploiting the unladen rule, but when I read up on that it seemed abit ambiguous, as in if I had 6 mates on board would I be classed as laden, if I went to a show and took the Coventry climax pump with me would I be laden, if I want for a picnic with the family and had the hamper would I be laden? Do you know anyone who has used this loophole? That leaves the option of doing the 7.5t licence, which id love to do at some point, but then the GG would be out due to the weight (& probably the zil too!) Vilvo Suggas are awesome but again expensive, I did consider a cckw or diamond t they seem to be much more reasonable but I'd still have to do my licence, at the moment I'm drooling over the gaz 66 on eBay but I know deep down it would be more hassle than it's worth, Yes, I know several people that "exploit" it. It's not a loophole as such, it's an proper exemption. I can't remember what the regs are regarding licensing for pre 1960 PSVs but if it has few enough seats for you to be able to drive it on your 3.5t license (8 or less as I recall- anything I play with only has a couple of seats so I've never looked into it) it's fine. There's also an exemption for "equipment required for the vehicle to perform it's intended function" or words to that effect which covers my friends who run vintage recovery vehicles in this manner to carry strops, shackles etc and in the case of a Goddess the fire equipment that is carried on the vehicle in the lockers provided for that purpose. However technically your picnic basket (more commonly with us tents etc for steam rallies) is outside of that remit and into dodgy ground. You'd have to be pretty damn unlucky though. I can't find the link to the definition of "laden" (as I recall a towed caravan or camper converted rear body again doesn't count as laden- so you could drive a 1959 horsebox on a 3.5T license if it was empty or if the rear body had been converted to a camper but not if it had a horse in!), but this www.nidirect.gov.uk/driving-larger-goods-vehicles-lgv-on-a-car-driving-licence covers the exemptions. That's the NI site because the new mainland one is practically unnavigable if you want to find anything useful on it, but it's the same list that I found on there before the site was "refreshed". Edit- finally found it on the main gov.uk site: www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf52-large-vehicles-you-can-drive-using-your-car-or-lorry-licenceAlthough I've still not got the "unladen" definition. Note the ages- 18 for 3.5t- 7.5t pre 1960, and 21 for over 7.5t. That covers busses as well- older than 30 years and fewer than 8 seats. When does a goods vehicle become a bus?! Any which way you should be fine with a Goddess. Thanks for that, it really helps, I appreciate you talking the time to find the links, I'll be keeping my eye out for a green goddess then! They seem to be really well priced at the moment (read cheap!) |
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Last Edit: Sept 16, 2015 8:55:04 GMT by fuldatramp
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tdk
Part of things
Posts: 958
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Sept 16, 2015 15:00:15 GMT
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Thanks for that, it really helps, I appreciate you talking the time to find the links, I'll be keeping my eye out for a green goddess then! They seem to be really well priced at the moment (read cheap!) Great when RRers spread the love |
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Sept 17, 2015 21:48:10 GMT
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1986 Mercedes 200 (W124) (Standard and daily)
1976 Peugeot 404 1800 Stickshift (Standard - awaiting complete resto, engine done)
1984 Ford Cortina (P100) LDV - Cab and chassis restored, interior and glass not fitted, brand new 3 liter engine (last 110kw Sierra XR6 engine fitted and married to 5 speed Toyota Gearbox), load body needed.
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tdk
Part of things
Posts: 958
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Sept 18, 2015 8:44:58 GMT
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I want that soooo bad. |
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