1963 Land Rover Series 2 Ambulance

After being on the hunt for a Series 2 Ambo on and off for about 5 years, I eventually picked one up in the middle of 2020. I managed to locate one on Facebook marketplace from Hervey Bay, which turned out to be the same one I missed out on a few years earlier in Toowoomba.

The story behind it, was originally it was planned to be a mobile clinic vehicle, with the army paint scheme being replaced with colours closer reflecting the aboriginal flag. However, I’ve not been able to research this further and seems to have ultimately never happened (presumably because a more modern vehicle would be vastly more practical nowadays).

This particular ambulance was in service from 1963 until 1993, quite a long working life, and was one of the last few left in service. As there was no Series 3 replacement ambulance, the Series 2s serviced right up until the Perentie 6x6 ambulances in the late 80s and early 90s.

I bought it “running” but barely, gearbox/transmission was fine, every thing else was incredibly rough. I started out with the resolving all rust issues. This included, a marginal amount of rear chassis work, one entire footwell replacement, along with one new door, and one just with a door bottom strut replacement, and a bottom strip for radiator panel. I swapped out some Rocky Mountain door tops I had from my SWB which I wasn’t using.

Following that, I soon realized all the electricals weren’t salvagable, and decided to buy a new loom. I ended up buying a generic 12 circuit loom, along with a new alternator (dual pulley, unusual for Series landrovers, this was factory).

Followed up by some new tyres, brake work, I started by building up the interior with a lean camper setup (the original itenrior was gutted). The goal being keeping it as original as possible at the front and outside, and a simple camper setup in the back. After a strip down and repaint of the exterior, I had it towed to a Land Rover specialist to finish off a few small bits and get it through roadworthy. It was mostly fine however, required a new carb (though this replica caused problems later), wheel bearings, fixing up a few other things, but otherwise got through roadworthy with no issues. I’ve subsequently been driving it to various events, shows, and cars and coffees ever since.

The Australian Army “Bloodbox,” also known as the Land-Rover ¾ Ton Field Ambulance, holds a significant place in the military history of Australia. This remarkable vehicle served as a lifeline on wheels, providing vital medical assistance to soldiers in the field during various conflicts and peacekeeping missions.

Designed to endure the harsh and challenging terrains of Australia and beyond, the Bloodbox was a versatile and robust workhorse. It was based on the iconic Land-Rover chassis, which was modified to accommodate medical equipment and personnel. The vehicle’s interior was ingeniously organized to carry stretchers, medical supplies, and a small treatment area for immediate care. Its compact size and off-road capabilities made it the perfect choice for rapid response and mobility in challenging environments.

The Bloodbox played a crucial role in the Australian Army’s medical services, providing first aid and evacuation support to injured soldiers during active operations. Whether in the deserts, jungles, or rugged mountainous regions, this field ambulance ensured that medical aid reached those in need swiftly and efficiently.

Beyond its utilitarian purpose, the Bloodbox holds a special place in the hearts of many military personnel. It became a symbol of hope and reassurance, representing the commitment to saving lives on the frontlines. Its presence brought comfort to soldiers, knowing that skilled medical professionals and life-saving equipment were readily available in even the most remote and treacherous locations.

Today, the Australian Army “Bloodbox” Land-Rover serves as a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who served and the ingenuity of military medical teams. Preserving and showcasing the history of these remarkable vehicles allows us to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our armed forces and the vital role played by these unique field ambulances.