Developed for use in Northern Ireland in 1992,
the lightly armoured Snatch Land Rover is a
protected vehicle based on the Defender 110
chassis. Intended for patrolling in low-threat
areas, they featured Camac Cav 100 composite
glass-fi bre armour produced by NP Aerospace
and provided some degree of protection against
small arms fi re and some types of improvised
explosive devices (IED).
The enclosed rear body area was used for
transporting troops or prisoners or even to carry
sensitive electronic equipment. Believed to
have been given the ‘Snatch’ nickname during
the Troubles when used by squads trained to
arrest suspected leaders of demonstrations,
six versions were eventually produced. This
included 994 Snatch-1s of which 278 were
upgraded for use in Iraq and named the
Snatch-1.5. Most of the originals were upgraded
to a second variant standard and include the
following:- Snatch-2 12v, LHD
- Snatch-2A 24v, RHD
- Snatch-2B 24v, RHD and
- Snatch Vixen
Most Snatch 1s were fi tted with the 3.5-litre
V8 petrol engine, which was replaced with
the 2.5-litre 300Tdi diesel power plant in later
variants. Mark’s 1993 Snatch-1.5 still retains
the original V8. The vehicles would go on to see
service in Iraq and Afghanistan and despite the
Vixen upgrades featuring an automatic gearbox,
reinforced chassis, a new suspension system
and extra protection, they became known
as ‘mobile coffi ns’ due to their poor level of
protection and were eventually withdrawn from
frontline service.
Many have since being sold off by the military
and have become sought-after by private
defence contractors, security companies and
collectors. Parts are relatively cheap and
THE LAND ROVER STORY
Written in a fast-paced
and entertaining style, The
Land Rover Story by Dave
Phillips tells the story of the
iconic brand from its humble
beginnings in 1948 to the
world-wide renown it
enjoys today.
Dave, a former editor of two
national Land Rover magazines,
provides unique insight into
the company’s successes and
failures in addition to touching
on the men behind the brand.
Importantly, this is not just a
book that sings the marque’s
praises but is also criticalwhere Dave has felt it due.
The Land Rover Story has been
divided into 19 chapters and
is illustrated with a mixture
of colour and black and white
images in the centre ‘photo
section’. There’s a handy, quick
reference timeline at the rear
which covers all the important
dates. Dave’s easy to read style
and his wealth of knowledge on
the subject make it a must have
for Land Rover fans. Published
in hardback, the book retails
for £25. ISBN 9781910505359.
For more information visit
http://www.evropublishing.com.THE LAND ROVER STORY
section’. There’s a handy, quickdates. Dave’s easy to read style
and his wealth of knowledge on
the subject make it a must havefor £25. ISBN 9781910505359.‘The places it has
served interest me
more than anything else’
ABOVE: The vehicle is a regular
at military shows
LEFT: A copy of the map found under a seat
and thought to relate to the rescue of two
SAS members
BELOW LEFT: Two members of the RAF
Regiment returning to Basra Air Station in
May 2006 providing top-cover in a Snatch
Land Rover. Both are wearing the short-
lived Kestrel Body Armour suits, nicknamed
‘Elvis Suits’ because of the high collar.
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
BOTTOM LEFT: The vehicle saw service in
Northern Ireland and IraqDeveloped for use in Northern Ireland in 1992,
the lightly armoured Snatch Land Rover is a
ABOVE:
at military shows
LEFT:
and thought to relate to the rescue of two
SAS members
BELOW LEFT:
Regiment returning to Basra Air Station in Regiment returning to Basra Air Station in
May 2006 providing top-cover in a Snatch
Land Rover. Both are wearing the short-
lived Kestrel Body Armour suits, nicknamed
‘Elvis Suits’ because of the high collar.
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
BOTTOM LEFT:
Northern Ireland and Iraq