An interesting history which hopefully doesn’t draw too many parallels.

[Cheshire cat]

View: https://youtu.be/Zsvpgnb_3j8

 

[Baron von Teuchter]

Ahhh o saw that advertised elsewhere but I didn’t watch it, I will.

I must admit, I’ve never heard of it!

 

[OkGo]

Didn't the iveco see service in some of the MoD's around Europe?

 

[landmannnn]

Built by Santana in Spain and designed by Iveco, FIAT owned Iveco and bought Jeep in 2009 so lost interest in the Massif.

Also the Spanish government owned Santana and didn't want to carry on making the Massif.

Like a hundred other car brands in the 20th century, they disappeared through lack of money and motivation. Hopefully not the same with ours.

 

[Baron von Teuchter]

That was really interesting, thanks for sharing. Knew of the original Santana licence-built Defenders but not the original campagnolo or the Massif.

It’s a niche market for sure, I always wondered if somebody like JCB would try to make a utility vehicle if they could swing UK MOD/Utility orders.

Most utilities seem to use pickup trucks but farmers and other small businesses are deserting these (at least the double cabs) due to the changes in the tax situation. Expecting to see a lot more single and king cabs around.

 

[Cheshire cat]

If Ineos were to win the UK military contract now out for tender, that would be thier making, without doubt.

 

[Eric]

If Ineos were to win the UK military contract now out for tender, that would be thier making, without doubt.

Is the UK military contract that is out now for none " battlefield theatre" use. Otherwise how will they get round BMW supplying the engines

 

[Baron von Teuchter]

Apparently the German military use BMW GS motorbikes, presumably in support roles.

 

[NQ94]

Didn't the iveco see service in some of the MoD's around Europe?
[/QUOTE]
Iveco has a number of new and current military contracts through out Europe. Iveco also had rebranding of their small 4x4 trucks to Western Star to supply vehicles to the Canadian military during the 80s 90s. The current civilian Iveco Daily 4x4 is made by the Iveco Military division.

 

[NQ94]

Apparently the German military use BMW GS motorbikes, presumably in support roles.

Australia ADF uses BMW motorcycles as the primary on road military police motorcycle.

 

[landmannnn]

Is the UK military contract that is out now for none " battlefield theatre" use. Otherwise how will they get round BMW supplying the engines

From what I read the tender is for logistics and supply vehicles, as we know the role of soft skinned vehicles on the battlefield has been abandoned.

 

[Cheshire cat]

Is the UK military contract that is out now for none " battlefield theatre" use. Otherwise how will they get round BMW supplying the engines

British forces are finishing their Land Rover fleet and looking at alternatives.

 

[Tom D]

I knew these existed. When defender production ended I started researching what to get next, I looked these up and found that they had ceased production years ago and that was that. If they had made a coil sprung version they might have got somewhere. LR had abandoned leaf springs at the end of the 80's, who would want a 4x4 on cart springs in 2007? madness.

 

[Tazzieman]

Fun fact

View: https://youtu.be/WzDeTTW1G_A?si=b9Fz2e2XV2x7BIF7

 

[NQ94]

Fun fact

View: https://youtu.be/WzDeTTW1G_A?si=b9Fz2e2XV2x7BIF7

BMW drivers looking to improve their driving reputation are now fighting back.

 

[Cheshire cat]

I knew these existed. When defender production ended I started researching what to get next, I looked these up and found that they had ceased production years ago and that was that. If they had made a coil sprung version they might have got somewhere. LR had abandoned leaf springs at the end of the 80's, who would want a 4x4 on cart springs in 2007? madness.

I seem to remember the Dahatsu 4 Track of the late 80’s was leaf springs all round. Almost bought one but at the last minute chose the Shogun instead

 

[Eric]

I seem to remember the Dahatsu 4 Track of the late 80’s was leaf springs all round. Almost bought one but at the last minute chose the Shogun instead

I had a Diahatsu 4Track way back it was a robust, reliable, great tow vehicle. But the thing I remember most was it was a positive earth with all switches and fuses on the negative circuit

 

[CRH]

I seem to remember the Dahatsu 4 Track of the late 80’s was leaf springs all round. Almost bought one but at the last minute chose the Shogun instead

I was yong when they were out, a relative had one and it always fascinated me. I then fancied the idea of having the Sport track with removable top. How good it would have been i have no idea but being Japanese i assume reliable.

 

[landmannnn]

I knew these existed. When defender production ended I started researching what to get next, I looked these up and found that they had ceased production years ago and that was that. If they had made a coil sprung version they might have got somewhere. LR had abandoned leaf springs at the end of the 80's, who would want a 4x4 on cart springs in 2007? madness.

Leaf springs do have their advantages which is why they are still mostly used on the rear of pickups.
Easier to make them progressive, no need for suspension links and cheaper to produce.
Yes, they do have disadvantages.