Archive › Land Rover O.T.A.L. amphibious prototype (1968)
Land Rover O.T.A.L. amphibious prototype (1968)
Light utility vehicle · built by Land Rover
| Also known as | O.T.A.L., Australian Army amphibious Land Rover |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Land Rover |
| Built | 1968– |
| Type | Light utility vehicle |
| Status | Prototype |
| Use | Military |
| Propulsion | |
| Hull | Aluminium |
| Engine | 2.6-litre six-cylinder |
The O.T.A.L. was one of two amphibious prototypes that Land Rover built in 1968 as a private venture for the Australian Army. The surviving vehicle, chassis number 00001, is in the Dunsfold Collection.
Design
It has a 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine and a four-speed gearbox. The body is made of aluminium in three separate sealed units. Afloat, the water rises about halfway up the engine block inside the engine bay, and the collection was warned always to drive it into the water forwards, never in reverse, because water comes over the tailboard.
History
After trials the project was cancelled, and the vehicle went to Eastnor Castle, where it served for many years as an estate maintenance truck. The Dunsfold Collection planned a light restoration so it could be used on the road and, once extra flotation aids were made, swim again.
3 Related vehicles
Compare the Land Rover O.T.A.L. amphibious prototype (1968) with another vehicle.
Know more about the Land Rover O.T.A.L. amphibious prototype (1968), or spotted a mistake? Email a correction or suggestion.