Pink Panther Land Rover

[Flying10uk]

I took this picture of a preserved Land Rover at an event a year or 2 ago and I came across it on my computer this evening while looking for something else. These Land Rovers were painted pink because it was found to be a good colour for camouflage in the deserts of Oman where it was used in the 1960s/70s by the SAS regiment against insurgents trying to overthrow the government of Oman.

Information

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[Daan Kemp]

Discovered when 'they' found a vehicle in the desert, only by the shadow. Wind/sand had scoured the paint to the pink undercoat.

[bigduke6]

If you open up the stickies in this forum there is an article on the "Pinkies" in one of the recent Classic Military vehicle magazines which Doug (Badger) kindly uploads for us all. see link below

Not all of them were Pink......

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=59666

[Flying10uk]

It does confirm in the article that it was discovered in the Omani campaign by the SAS that by painting the vehicles pink it improved their camouflage.

[Peter Laidler]

Off at a tangent a bit, as I'm prone to do......... Why on earth do the owners of these vehicles, who are inevitably of the older and, er........, 'rounder or rotund and of the better fed persuasion.....' insist on sitting in and on these vehicles. Even worse, dressing up to suit the part although not here I hasten to add. Later, in the photos while the vehicles look absolutely brilliant, those, er.... older and rounder owners make the whole thing look a bit daft. Just my opinion of course! My brother has an absolutely superb 1945 Bedford QL GS lorry and it was he who pointed this out when I asked why he didn't put a battledress on to dress the part. He answered that while he could easily fit into a 1950's battledress (he's quite slim and trim.....) being 62 and dressed up just looks daft! Leave the dressing up part to those 20 and 30 year olds I say!

[Flying10uk]

I think that I photographed the Land Rover in post 1 as the owner was about to drive off home, hence he was sitting in his vehicle. Perhaps owners of historic military vehicles would like to explain why some like to dress in various types of military clothing,with varying degrees of success. Personally, I only really have a problem with individuals who arrive at events dressed up as ardent Nazis such as Waffen SS or Gestapo, for example, but I do tolerate re-inactors dressed as run of the mill WW2 German servicemen/women.

[bigduke6]

I think that I photographed the Land Rover in post 1 as the owner was about to drive off home, hence he was sitting in his vehicle. Perhaps owners of historic military vehicles would like to explain why some like to dress in various types of military clothing,with varying degrees of success. Personally, I only really have a problem with individuals who arrive at events dressed up as ardent Nazis such as Waffen SS or Gestapo, for example, but I do tolerate re-inactors dressed as run of the mill WW2 German servicemen/women.

Some owners do look the part, and others as Peter says look out of place.............. as for the SS etc we have been down that road before, personally I don't have a problem with them, yes its strange, men and women dressing as such, but you can't stick your head in the sand and ignore certain parts of history, it happened and we deal with it.

At last years W&P show the German Re enactors won hands down in the Living History part....... really professional and well thought out.

When I spoke to Tankhunter, last year I mentioned the Matchless and hoped to get down this year with it, but it won't happen, more and more problems with the Engine etc, not in any rush, but we did mention about dressing up........ I've a few bits to go with the Bike for display only (thats why have put a WTB advert for a Mk3 Sten to buy or trade etc most pics I've seen they have Mk111's) but don't see myself riding around in the full kit etc..... but would like to get some of the correct kit for the display.

[Peter Laidler]

Just a well presnted bike will do for me Geoff. Just like his well presented Bedford. Just a personal thing of course. Talking of well presented, look at SKD 220G on google.........

[bigduke6]

Just a well presnted bike will do for me Geoff. Just like his well presented Bedford. Just a personal thing of course. Talking of well presented, look at SKD 220G on google.........

Nice looking Mini.......a credit to the owner.

When I say bits of kit its just some of the basic bits a Dispatch rider would have, Helmet, Sten etc nothing overkill, I'd be watching everything like a hawk while enjoying some refreshing cider, which can be bought by the gallon at the W&P which is quite handy as the half a gallon mark would give a reminder that I'd need to start locking the bits away.

There is a Matchless WD G3L on ebay at present for £7750....... item number 252852993850. Very nice bike.

[Brit plumber]

I'm a Jeep and Royal Enfield WD/C CO and D owner and I wont be dressing up. If I drive the Jeep to work I'll be wearing my everyday uniform and that's it, I just think I'd look a *** in all the ww2 garb.