2008 Land Rover Defender 110 'Taipan'

For decades, the British Army and Special Air Service (SAS) have relied on Land Rovers for reconnaissance and special operations, valuing their rugged durability, adaptability and off-road performance. The Defender 110 SOV (Special Operations Vehicle) FSV (Flexible Strike Vehicle) features WMIK (Weapons Mount Installation Kit) and represents the pinnacle of this lineage, developed specifically as a reconnaissance and fire support vehicle. Designed to be armed in a variety of configurations, the WMIK benefitted from a host of military-specific enhancements including a full roll cage, dedicated weapons mounts, spare wheel carrier, heavy duty undertrays, and additional armour protection.

This example is a 2008 Land Rover Defender 110 FSV, prepared by the Special Operations Vehicle department and configured to the demanding standards required for front-line reconnaissance and assault operations. Both the Royal Marines Brigade Patrol Troop and the Parachute Regiment’s Pathfinder Platoon operated WMIKs extensively in Afghanistan, making this a model steeped in modern British military history. While there is no documentation to confirm this vehicle’s exact service record, paperwork on file suggests this Flexible Strike Vehicle was manufactured for the Paraguayan Army.

It remains in full military-specification and is fitted with a copy GPMG machine gun and a replica .50 calibre machine gun on its mounts, maintaining its authentic battlefield appearance. Additional specialist equipment includes a KAM uprated rear axle, a front bumper-mounted Superwinch, and the distinctive 'TAIPAN' insignia.

Powered by Land Rover’s 2.4 TDCi engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, this Defender 110 is offered in highly original condition. It runs and drives well, and is UK-registered with a current V5C registration document, allowing it to be enjoyed both as a collector’s piece and as a rare operational vehicle. Having been on museum display in recent years some recommissioning will be required prior to active use.