Rapier?

[dew1911]

Been looking at some Defenders on the net, and I keep coming across ones called Rapier, what is special about the Rapier ones?

[Xtremeteam]

its a 130 wheelbase with a load carring rear body,specialy built for thre military as gun tractors
all V8s & fitted with a warn 8274 on the front

[dew1911]

Ahhh ok, so it's a good thing then?

[Litch]

Good if you want a V8 powered 130 with a (very) large soft-top but not so good if you were after a TDi powered 90!
Like everything, they have to be the vehicle for you otherwise you could be buying a white-elephant. They are a more civilised replacement for the 101 (for Raiper duties) and easier to live with but only if you want that chassis length and petrol engine.

[littlepow]

Rapier, usualy come as 3.5ltr V8 petrol. Defender front and cab, but rear load bed is wider than normal, about 8" either side. Whinch is fitted to front, also has twin fuel tanks. Soft top rear, but has no rear seating what so ever. The rear shocks have a higher rating to deal with the loads they use to pull and carry. Same spartan military interior and light switches.
Weren't in use for very long compared to most MOD landies. Will have offroaded with heavy loads.

The LR Rapier has been replaced by the 4 tonne truck, do to it's lack of towing ability and load carrying.

[Range Rover Blues]

The Rapier is a special bodied version of the 127/130 defender, the load bed is 8 feet x 4 feet and it is intended to tow the variuous element of the rapier missile system, generators, lanchers, radar units etc whilst carrying the missiles in the back.  the use of the 127 supercedes the rapier trailer made by GKN Sankey that I have, as trailers have fallen from favour with the MOD.

In some ways the Rapier Defender replaces the 101 in certain roles, as the 101 ofetn towed the Rapier system due to it's weight (Series and ealy N/A diesels being a bit overfaced).

As siad though, they are often underused and over serviced when demobbed so if you want a bargain V8 LR :D

Also look out for the 127 ambulance, same deal but an ideal camper conversion.

BTW the 3.5 V8 is restricted/detuned so will not have been thrashed too badly.