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Initial studies for project Perentie commenced in 1981. Tenders for a truck, utility, lightweight, MC2 with a payload of 0.7 to 1.0 tonne, and a truck, cargo, light, MC2 with a payload of 1.5 to 2.0 tonnes were called in June 1982. Seven companies submitted tenders and three were selected to provide test vehicles for trials.
Jaguar Rover Australia (JRA) was selected to supply 2500 4x4's (1-tonne) and 400 6x6's (2-tonne).
The Perentie 4x4 and 6x6 are Australian-designed and built derivatives of the Land Rover 110. They come in a variety of body styles - soft-top, van, ambulance, long-range patrol vehicle and so on. Many vehicles are fitted with a P.T.O. winch. Power comes from an Isuzu 3.9L 4-cyl diesel, which is turbo-charged on the 6x6. Isuzu diesels were factory fitted to many Australian Land Rovers in the 1980s and early 1990s.
The 4x4 is a modified 110. The chassis is galvanised and extended slightly so that the spare-wheel can be carried under the rear body. This is the vehicle that Les Hiddins used in the Bush-Tucker Man T.V. series.
Deliveries of the 4x4 began in August 1987.
The 6x6 is designed to carry two tons or more across country and has its own unique chassis. Front suspension is by coil springs, as per the 110. Rear suspension is by leaf springs with a clever cross-over rocker for load-sharing.
Deliveries of the 6x6 began in
March 1989. ©
