ATV ID requested

cmperry4 · #1 01-07-05, 10:14

A fellow Land Rover buff (British) has asked me if I can ID this vehicle, which he believes is ex-military. Looks like it might be in France, what with those Citroen 2CVs in the background.

Any enlightenment?

Hanno Spoelstra · #2 01-07-05, 11:38

Military, yes, French, yes, and related to the Citroën 2CV. This the Lohr FL500, a lightweight vehicle for airborne troops, built by a specialised company using 2CV drivetrain components.

Pic below shows one in Argentinean Army service (source: http://www.saorbats.com.ar/GaleriaSaorbats/EA04/)

HTH,
Hanno

cmperry4 · #3 02-07-05, 05:20

Thanks Hanno, I'll pass along the info - a new vehicle to me, though it did remind me a bit of the U.S. "Mule" ammo carrier.

Interesting to find the connection to the 2CVs

Hanno Spoelstra · #4 02-07-05, 15:51

Quote:

Originally posted by cmperry4
a new vehicle to me, though it did remind me a bit of the U.S. "Mule" ammo carrier.

Exactly, one could say it is the French version of the US Mule platform carrier. Permanent four wheel drive, empty weight 620 kg, maximum weight 1400 kg (!). The French Army ordered 218 in 1978.

Quote:

Originally posted by cmperry4
Interesting to find the connection to the 2CVs

While searching further, I found I should have said Citroën components:
Engine: Mehari (which is fitted turned 90 degrees, by the way)
Gearbox: Ami 8
Front and rear diffs: Ami Super
Steering: HY
Suspension arms and wheels: GS
Source: http://chevronssauvages.free.fr/2cv/lohr/fl500/lohr.htm

H.