Sold | 1952 Minerva Land Rover Blindé Air Commando 1 of just 30 Air Commandos produced

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£33,188

1952 Minerva Land Rover Blindé Air Commando 1 of just 30 Air Commandos produced

United Kingdom • 13 Mar 2024

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1952 Minerva Land Rover Blindé Air Commando is an exceedingly rare, fully armored military vehicle, 1 of only 30 ever produced, and the only known example in the UK. It features original radio equipment, replica machine guns, and has undergone recent mechanical improvements, making it a unique and historically significant piece.

Condition

7

While the vehicle is a rare and historically significant military vehicle, its originality, recent mechanical improvements, and inclusion of original/replica equipment enhance its appeal. The limited information about its current cosmetic condition makes precise rating difficult; assuming well-maintained condition considering collection storage and recent work.

/ 10

Transmission:

[Transmission]

Chassis No:

36632396

Odometer:

[Odometer Reading]

Reg Number:

WXG 256

RHD/LHD:

LHD

The Minerva company, based in Belgium, struck a deal with the Rover Company in 1951, allowing Minerva to build Land Rovers in 'knock down' form under license in their home country.

The vehicles were effectively UK-made Land Rover Series I's but with unique Belgian-made steel bodies.

The Belgian armed forces used the Minerva Land Rover extensively, with the military versions having specific modifications, such as pintle hooks for towing, blackout lighting, and provisions for fitting radios and other military equipment.

This played a crucial role in bolstering Belgium’s post-war military vehicle fleet.

The end of the collaboration (in 1956 after some 10,000 vehicles) was reportedly due to multiple factors, including Rover’s decision to set up their own operations and sales network in Belgium.

The Minerva Series I “Blindé” was a bulletproof/armoured version of the Minerva Series I that featured dual semi-circular bulletproof glass screens which protect the driver and front gunner, a ...