Carmichael Crash Rescue 6x4

This Carmichael 6x4 Range Rover started life as a Crash Rescue Unit (a Tacar) bought by Luton Airport in 1972. It was fitted with a large sliding draw on which all the rescue equipment was set out (cutting tools etc.).

It was used we believe to be driven under the wing of an aircraft and then passengers would climb from the wing onto the roof of the unit and down a ladder fixed at the back to make a safe exit from the plane. It remained in service at Luton until about 1984, when an airport ruling stated that all 6-wheeled units should have all wheel drive. (Ed': For this reason [some] were converted to 6x6.)

It was sold off at auction to [...] who had it until 1992 when Paul Harwood, the boss of Herts Rescue, took it of his hands. There was not much left of the original interior but the main body was sound. Paul and his friend Joe (Joe90) Tilley set to work and kitted it out as a Rally Rescue Vehicle with tools aand assorted mix of spare car parts, cutting tools, live support (cans of refreshment) and other essential equipment. Then about 3 years ago Paul decided to convert it into the ambulance it is today. We have just finished refurbishing the interior (of the "Tart") with all wipe clean surfaces and will be out working (I use the term "working" loosely) at a small horse trial at Offley in Hertfordshire on Sunday 27th May '01. We also have a bog standard County ambulance from Devon & Cornwall and hope to get our hands on another one - Joe Hursey, Herts Rescue, UK [5/'01].

Go to the 6x6 fire tender and Carmichael pages