Thread: Len Beadell Land Rovers

There's pictures in some of his books and if you're every passing through Woomera look in at the museum, well worth a visit.

Hi there

I used to live in Woomera a few years ago - now work at Roxby but I didnt think there was alot of gear left related to Len - especailly his old vehicles.

I will have a have a look again - thanks

Many thanks

Wayne

I was there back in 2001 and the museum had a good static display dedicated to Len. It wasn't a lot but they also had a few pictures of the vehicles used at the time, including the LR's with the black and white squares painted on them. They also had a good collection of his books. But 5 years is a long time nowdays and things no doubt have changed.

The museum in Woomera was excellent. They had a DVD playing there of Len at work and I was mesmerized... I could have happily spent hours there.

At the time I was wondering if any of his old vehicles still existed as it would make for an interesting project for someone.

M

Travelled the Anne Beadell and the Connie Sue a couple of times before the fuel stop went in. Stood at ground zero Emu Clay pan and drove to the top of Observation Hill. Takes a good week to do the Anne Beadell and gives you plenty of time to reflect on what a mighty effort it was to cut the roads through all those years ago. The grader he used is in a cage and on display at Giles Weather station. A couple of his paintings can be seen on the walls inside. A very talented and capable bush man by all accounts’. I think his Bulldozer was recently discovered on a property down south of WA and is being restored. Can't remember seeing any of his Land Rovers at Woomera but a very good display none the less.
Cheers Tyrepower

I read the full series of his books from that period about 17 years ago.
I was inspired, a genuine quiet achiever, until then I had only looked at landrovers with a passing curiosity. Within 12 months I had my first a S3 109 Wagon. The rest, as they say is history.
Thanks Len and thank you lot for reminding me.

Harro.

Wayne a friend of mine operates a Land Rover mechanical workshop and he was recently approached by a bloke to do up a Series 1 which the owner believes was one of Len Beadell's. He purchased the vehicle from near Kings Canyon in 2001 where it had been previously used on a property for many years.

This vehicle originally departed from England on the vessel 'Oriani' on the 23 June 1949. It was imported for the Department of Supply by Grenville Motors and arrived in Sydney on 15 July 1949.

The reason it is thought to be one of Len's Series 1's is that it had a 'mulga grill' welded onto the front bumper which apparently Len did to break small branches before they went through the radiator. This grill was removed some time between 1990 and 2000. It also has modified seats for 'comfort' which was apparently also a modification undertaken by Len.

The vehicle maintains the original gearing and Fairy winch overdrive, but has (unfortunately) had a Holden motor and Massey Ferguson tractor clutch installed.

THe current owner drove it back from the 'Terriority' via Cape York (Old Telegraph Track) in 2003. He needs some work done to get it registered in Queensland. The body and frame are all pretty straight, but it needs a bit of mechanical work.

I had some photos but can't find where I put them. I could get some more if you were really interested.

Regards, Barry.

Hi there

Thanks for the info - if you know the guy - get him to get in touch with me as I have just picked up a set of balloon tyres on rims (5 off) from Woomera - been lead to believe they were for one of Lens vehicles.

Wouldnt mind seeing them go to some one whom is restoring a piece of Australian history of Len Beadell.

I have a lot of sentimental history with Wommera - I currently own two of there older series Fire Trucks - and recently picked up a 1951 80" (with front capstan) from the area. Its has front yellow guards and from what I have been told this had some thing to do with when they were working on the range.

Many thanks - looking forwards to the pictures.

Wayne