Perentie Variants

[G.man]

Hello,

Hope I put this in the right section, I was posting in the ISUZU section before because perenties are powered by an ISUZU.

Anyway, when looking to buy a 4x4 land rover perentie (Defender 110), i read they came in different variants, like Fitted for radio, Recon, Commando etc.

Does any of that matter/make a difference to anything significant or is a perentie a perentie, regardless of that stuff ?

Just wondering what I should be looking at getting.

[Landy Smurf]

The model of perentie does matter. They have different features. Different prices attached to them due to this and also due to the number of each model produced.

[87County]

There is a (hopefully) complete list of the variants here: The Registry of Ex Military Land Rovers. Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. (http://remlr.com)

I believe the rarest of the 4X4s include the SRVs, the survey version, the station wagon versions and the RFSVs. Price may be influenced by rarity.

Then there are the numerous 6X6 variants.

Unless you have a requirement for a 6X6 I would stick with a 4X4, the most common variants of which are the "Cargo" GS and then the FFR. A small proportion of each of these two variants have PTO winches (if you think you would ever use one).

I agree that getting BDs guide as described below is a good idea.

[cripesamighty]

One of the forum members "Barefoot Dave" (with help from others) made a fantastic "Perentie Buyers Guide" with all the info you want in it. Send him a PM and see if he is still selling them. It is a great resource and highly recommended if you are looking to buy one.

[G.man]

Thanks for that.

If I want something as close to a 'defender' (hard top, 4 doors etc)... is there a perentie like that or is that something I would have to do later?

[Mick_Marsh]

Thanks for that.

If I want something as close to a 'defender' (hard top, 4 doors etc)... is there a perentie like that or is that something I would have to do later?
Yep but they are very rare and I suspect already sold off.
You could consider one of the remediation Defenders which were 2002 and 2004 Td5 Defenders. They were auctioned off years ago but do pop up on the second hand market from time to time.

[cjc_td5]

There you go...

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/heidelberg/cars-vans-utes/1988-land-rover-perentie-ffr-sc-110-ex-military-defender/1196906585

C

[Gordie]

There you go...

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/heidelberg/cars-vans-utes/1988-land-rover-perentie-ffr-sc-110-ex-military-defender/1196906585

CAnd considering what some of these have made at auction, looking at this one having had a turbo and power steer put in, looks like a fair price.

[Gordie]

Just wondering what I should be looking at getting. I would say it depends how much military spec you want on it. The closest thing to a 'normal' 110 in the perentie soft-tops would be the GS Cargo, then the FFR is specced up a bit more for military and on it goes....

[Vern]

I would say it depends how much military spec you want on it. The closest thing to a 'normal' 110 in the perentie soft-tops would be the GS Cargo, then the FFR is specced up a bit more for military and on it goes....But they aren't 5 doors. So not that close to a 'normal' 110.

[Vern]

There you go...

1988 Land Rover Perentie FFR SC 110 Ex Military Defender | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Banyule Area - Heidelberg | 1196906585 (https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/heidelberg/cars-vans-utes/1988-land-rover-perentie-ffr-sc-110-ex-military-defender/1196906585)

CTo give you some perspective, i just purchased an isuzu county, that has everything this has, for $8k.
If you want a wagon, find a county

[Gordie]

But they aren't 5 doors. So not that close to a 'normal' 110.No not at all close, but the least military spec is what I was trying to say. And like you....I bought an isuzu county, found a very good one after deciding the perenties were going for a lot more than I was prepared to pay.

[Mick_Marsh]

No not at all close, but the least military spec is what I was trying to say. And like you....I bought an isuzu county, found a very good one after deciding the perenties were going for a lot more than I was prepared to pay.
Ah, look which part of the forum you are posting in. An Isuzu County just doesn't cut it if you are after a military vehicle. I mean, if a County will do, you might as well get a Camry. Under $2k!

[Gordie]

Ah, look which part of the forum you are posting in. An Isuzu County just doesn't cut it if you are after a military vehicle. I mean, if a County will do, you might as well get a Camry. Under $2k!Yes yes, we understand that people will pay thousands more for a green landie!! But actually, the OP has been posting elsewhere about what sort of Landie to get, so just trying to explain the differences and keep his options open[thumbsupbig] PS, I am not going to take the bait and make this a county v perentie debate....plenty of those elsewhere on here!! [wink11]

[G.man]

Hi,

I understand a County has an ISUZU powered engine just like a Perentie does (so in a way is an option) but at the same, I like the galvanised chassis which only the Perentie has, that is kinda why I am looking at a Perentie.

I can always add doors and a roof, but to galvanise a chassis by pulling entire car apart... yeah.

So when you say some variants are more spec'd up than others, in what way? - Engine stronger? Gearbox or differential? Or is all that the same and its more to do with, one has a winch on it the other doesn't etc ? (all of which can be bought anyway...)

[Gordie]

I would be more than happy to own a perentie, and my first ever vehicle was an ex army SII when I was 15, so I get it! Sounds like you have narrowed down what you are looking for, which is good.

Someone with more intimate knowledge of them will be along to explain any differences, but when I say specced, I meant the 'military' part of it. The FFR for instance has 24v and more batteries than the GS, and has no drop down tailgate. The running gear is the same.

[Gordie]

Hi,

I understand a County has an ISUZU powered engine just like a Perentie does Some do, some are v8 petrol.

[Gordie]

Oh and by the way, just so you are aware, if you plan to tow anything heavy, the perentie is only rated at 1200kg towing capacity.

[Vern]

Hi,

I understand a County has an ISUZU powered engine just like a Perentie does (so in a way is an option) but at the same, I like the galvanised chassis which only the Perentie has, that is kinda why I am looking at a Perentie.

I can always add doors and a roof, but to galvanise a chassis by pulling entire car apart... yeah.

So when you say some variants are more spec'd up than others, in what way? - Engine stronger? Gearbox or differential? Or is all that the same and its more to do with, one has a winch on it the other doesn't etc ? (all of which can be bought anyway...)No, not spec'd up in the driveline at all other than some (the much more expensive ones) had disc brake rear, some had a 4bd1t, and may be power steering, not sure on that. These are things that can be very easily added.
If you are planning on building one up to your specs, get the cheapest one you can find.

[G.man]

No, not spec'd up in the driveline at all other than some (the much more expensive ones) had disc brake rear, some had a 4bd1t, and may be power steering, not sure on that. These are things that can be very easily added.
If you are planning on building one up to your specs, get the cheapest one you can find.

I think that is getting more to what I was wondering, what advantage is there buying one type over another.

If Perentie A had more power, better engine, stronger chassis, etc (structurally different) then it would matter which sort I went for.

If the differences are in whether one has a winch or not, whether one has something else or not like disc brakes, one has a turbo one doesn't (same engine though) etc... well all that can be bought and added which then makes no difference as to which one you get in which case the cheaper one is better as I can then get the specific parts I want to add to it rather than it coming with parts already.

That is why I asked, which type had the hard top/4 doors, save me on doing that, the rest (batteries, winches, diff locks, etc) I can do in my own time.

[Mick_Marsh]

I think that is getting more to what I was wondering, what advantage is there buying one type over another.

If Perentie A had more power, better engine, stronger chassis, etc (structurally different) then it would matter which sort I went for.

If the differences are in whether one has a winch or not, whether one has something else or not like disc brakes, one has a turbo one doesn't (same engine though) etc... well all that can be bought and added which then makes no difference as to which one you get in which case the cheaper one is better as I can then get the specific parts I want to add to it rather than it coming with parts already.

That is why I asked, which type had the hard top/4 doors, save me on doing that, the rest (batteries, winches, diff locks, etc) I can do in my own time.
You need to buy either a "senior commander" or a "carryall". they are the 4x4s with four doors. They won't have turbos or power steering unless they were added aftermarket. I expect you will pay around the $20k mark because they are rare military variants. I think the senior commander had A/C. At least the one I looked at did.
A 4 door 6x6, the military crew cab, judging from a recent sale, up to $60k.
If you're not interested in military, go for a civvy. They are much cheaper and, chances are, much more worn out.

[weeds]

Yep but they are very rare and I suspect already sold off.
You could consider one of the remediation Defenders which were 2002 and 2004 Td5 Defenders. They were auctioned off years ago but do pop up on the second hand market from time to time.

My remediation is 2000....

[Vern]

You need to buy either a "senior commander" or a "carryall". they are the 4x4s with four doors. They won't have turbos or power steering unless they were added aftermarket. I expect you will pay around the $20k mark because they are rare military variants. I think the senior commander had A/C. At least the one I looked at did.
A 4 door 6x6, the military crew cab, judging from a recent sale, up to $60k.
If you're not interested in military, go for a civvy. They are much cheaper and, chances are, the army haven't worked on them.
Edited for you[emoji6]

[rar110]

To give you some perspective, i just purchased an isuzu county, that has everything this has, for $8k.
If you want a wagon, find a county

While $8k County is potentially better value than a Senior Commander, this Senior Commander gives you a 110 Isuzu that:
- has a turbo setup;
- gal chassis you can pick up with a Chinook (ok the lift bit you may not use)
- has more modern doors;
- is more collectible;
- has done less work;
- might have an RSV cast heavy duty front axle housing - which suits the Isuzu better, that JLR were charging the ADF about $5k a pop (housing alone);
- has better seats IMHO.

[Vern]

While $8k County is potentially better value than a Senior Commander, this Senior Commander gives you a 110 Isuzu that:
- has a turbo setup;
- gal chassis you can pick up with a Chinook (ok the lift bit you may not use)
- has more modern doors;
- is more collectible;
- has done less work;
- might have an RSV cast heavy duty front axle housing - which suits the Isuzu better, that JLR were charging the ADF about $5k a pop (housing alone);
- has better seats IMHO.And a $20k premium on top.

[weeds]

While $8k County is potentially better value than a Senior Commander, this Senior Commander gives you a 110 Isuzu that:
- has a turbo setup;
- gal chassis you can pick up with a Chinook (ok the lift bit you may not use)
- has more modern doors;
- is more collectible;
- has done less work;
- might have an RSV cast heavy duty front axle housing - which suits the Isuzu better, that JLR were charging the ADF about $5k a pop (housing alone);
- has better seats IMHO.

But it need a gearbox overhaul, Mays well through in a new clutch while there, oh and the rear main.....does this variant have power steering??

Than through in de-militating....well o would.

[rar110]

And a $20k premium on top.

Quite true. This SC could also soak up $5k, less if the buyer is handy.

The trick is to buy a looked after County for that sort of money and not have to pour $20k+ into it. Unfortunately I think we’ve both been there.

[Bearman]

While $8k County is potentially better value than a Senior Commander, this Senior Commander gives you a 110 Isuzu that:
- has a turbo setup;
- gal chassis you can pick up with a Chinook (ok the lift bit you may not use)
- has more modern doors;
- is more collectible;
- has done less work;
- might have an RSV cast heavy duty front axle housing - which suits the Isuzu better, that JLR were charging the ADF about $5k a pop (housing alone);
- has better seats IMHO.

Won't have the heavier front diff unless someone has modified it.

[G.man]

Thanks for the feedback and thoughts.

How important/relevant is the galvanised chassis?

I would like to overtime build the Land Rover up, so, add my own interior to it, add front and rear differential locks etc.

So whether one has a stronger diff over the other doesn't matter as I will be doing all that anyway.

The only reason I was looking at the Perentie is the fact it does have the galvanised chassis. So I was just wondering how relevant that is...

If a County will cost $10,000 say, with the ISUZU 3.9L while a Perentie costs 20,000-25,000, in both cases I would be doing front and rear diff locks, custom interior, 35" tires (preferably), enough lift for it to work and so on.

With the County I would be $10,000-$15,000 off cheaper, but no galvanised chassis. So I am looking at it from a long term 'do the four wheel drive up' perspective as what 'base' I am better of starting with, the Perentie or the County in this case, so long as both have the 3.9 ISUZU.

[Mick_Marsh]

How important/relevant is the galvanised chassis?

The only reason I was looking at the Perentie is the fact it does have the galvanised chassis. So I was just wondering how relevant that is..

The galvanising is sacrificial.

I would suggest, as you will be building it up, get a civvy 110, galvanise the chassis, then paint the chassis with something like POR15 to protect the galvanising.

[rar110]

The galvanising is sacrificial.

I would suggest, as you will be building it up, get a civvy 110, galvanise the chassis, then paint the chassis with something like POR15 to protect the galvanising.

The gal chassis is appealing, very well protected.

But the older 110s had a good chassis coating. You just had to keep an eye on some vulnerable spots where sand and mud would accumulate. The rear cross member is one of those. I bought a 110 to wreck that had done lots of beach work. The chassis top in places was rusted, and rear cross member shagged. But when I cut off the rear cross member the chassis rail inside was pretty good.

[123rover50]

The galvanising is sacrificial.

I would suggest, as you will be building it up, get a civvy 110, galvanise the chassis, then paint the chassis with something like POR15 to protect the galvanising.


I often wonder about galvanising an old chassis. How can it be cleaned and derusted enough on the inside for the galv to stick, even though they look OK on the outside , who knows what the inside is like. I prefer to soak spray inside and out with Ensis fluid. Some use used oil.

[rijidij]

How important/relevant is the galvanised chassis?


I have 5 County chassis among my vehicles and the amount of rust in each Varies greatly. One is basically scrap, one needs major repairs but is worth saving, one needs minor repairs and two are totally rust free in excellent condition.
So, the point I’m making is you don’t necessarily need a gal chassis, it comes down to how a vehicle has been treated over its life as to what condition it will be in, like with any used cars of a decent age.
Having said that, I am a big fan of galvanising and have done so with my current project Landy, but it certainly helps if you start with a good chassis.

[Bearman]

And considering what some of these have made at auction, looking at this one having had a turbo and power steer put in, looks like a fair price.

Not with a buggered gearbox. I would say around 18-20K for this one.

[Gordie]

Not with a buggered gearbox. I would say around 18-20K for this one.Ah didn't see that, yes you are right then.

[Dervish]

It's a shame they've run out of Perentie wrecks to sell, building a wagon from an incomplete Perentie was the way to go. Frankly I'm amazed no one else seems to have done it.

Edit: Except Brian and RAR110, of course; but I mean since the auctions.

145445

[Bearman]

It's a shame they've run out of Perentie wrecks to sell, building a wagon from an incomplete Perentie was the way to go. Frankly I'm amazed no one else seems to have done it.

Edit: Except Brian and RAR110, of course; but I mean since the auctions.

145445

About to do another one - should never have sold the first one. I have a mint 85 V8 county waiting to be transformed But first I need a Perentie chassis in Qld - don't suppose you know where there is one. I can get one easily in NSW but the road freight would be a killer!!!

[rar110]

About to do another one - should never have sold the first one. I have a mint 85 V8 county waiting to be transformed But first I need a Perentie chassis in Qld - don't suppose you know where there is one. I can get one easily in NSW but the road freight would be a killer!!!

That was probably the quietest Isuzu 110 I’ve been in. And very unique chassis.

I thought PoundSterling was wrecking a perentie.

[Vern]

That was probably the quietest Isuzu 110 I’ve been in. And very unique chassis.

I thought PoundSterling was wrecking a perentie.You should go in my LSE soft dash, its like a 300tdi disco. Can hear the tyres over the engine.

[Bearman]

That was probably the quietest Isuzu 110 I’ve been in. And very unique chassis.

I thought PoundSterling was wrecking a perentie.

It certainly was a good vehicle - still had the original county aircon as well145447145448

[tc_s1]

It certainly was a good vehicle - still had the original county aircon as well145447145448Brian, is that the donor from which my aircon unit came? Photos of your old unit look like everything you do, awesome.

[Bearman]

Brian, is that the donor from which my aircon unit came? Photos of your old unit look like everything you do, awesome.

Haha no mate the aircon is still in it. That was a spare I had. Thanks for the compliment.

[Cavemantoyboy]

It all depends on what you want and how much to spend. I have a FFR model Perentie. I use the 24volt in built system, (it comes with 2 alternators) with 4 12volt batteries running dual 24volts, to power my 120 litre inbuilt fridge/freezer, my winch, radio, and full width curved light bar, all 24 volt. I have replaced the army roof rack with an electric hard top double roof tent and installed a heavy duty tow bar. I have installed a 60 litre water tank in the back with side tap and electric pump and covered this with a raised floor and storage area. Storage bags are installed on either side of the inner walls near the top in the rear. I have installed a 2000 watt (not kva) inverter in the back with a raised 1000 watt microwave. Heating meals from the fridge freezer is not a problem. I believe the FFR models did not get the same heavy use as the cargo GS models and the extra battery power is fabulous if you use it properly. Using a MiG welder is also possible. The canvas roof keeps the car a lot cooler than a normal car.

However, it is a 2 door, no air conditioning and no power steering. It is loud to drive and has plenty of rattles. I live in the country and it is ideal. It is not good for city driving as it has a lousy turning circle and is not good for dragging off cars at the lights.

I absolutely love it and it is my daily driver. Park it amongst a group of modern 4x4 vehicles and people will gravitate to it first. The 4 door hardtop version Perentie is your best equivalent but you pay twice as much. A new gearbox will set you back up to $4000

Go for the Isuzu motor. cheers

[Keato]

It certainly was a good vehicle - still had the original county aircon as well145447145448

Got to agree with tc_s1, that is one of the best looking builds I have seen. I've been looking for a while for a good condition Isuzu County or a Perentie Senior Commander, but thinking that the soft top would be nice with the dogs. The photos of yours made my jaw drop - perfect. If you build another one and ever want to sell, call me first!

[rar110]

Got to agree with tc_s1, that is one of the best looking builds I have seen. I've been looking for a while for a good condition Isuzu County or a Perentie Senior Commander, but thinking that the soft top would be nice with the dogs. The photos of yours made my jaw drop - perfect. If you build another one and ever want to sell, call me first!

Brian sold this 110 a while ago.

I had the privilege of driving it, it drove very well. Brian is pretty good at looking after his vehicles.

The chassis rear is very unique, Perentie rear cross member on a standard Isuzu/110 chassis. It looks factory so may have been part of the Bushranger R&D.

[Keato]

Brian sold this 110 a while ago.

...

Understood. I was just trying to get to the front of the queue for when he decides to sell the next one - the one that says he is currently proposing to build.

All great artists need patrons to commission their work. [smilebigeye]

[Vern]

Understood. I was just trying to get to the front of the queue for when he decides to sell the next one - the one that says he is currently proposing to build.

All great artists need patrons to commission their work. [smilebigeye]He is building another one though.

[rar110]

Understood. I was just trying to get to the front of the queue for when he decides to sell the next one - the one that says he is currently proposing to build.

All great artists need patrons to commission their work. [smilebigeye]

Sorry, just re-read your post. [emoji106]