The Land Rover FT6 conversion with forward control configuration was first introduced by Carmichaels in 1961 when its purpose was to provide a light four-wheel drive fire appliance with extended cab to accommodate five fire-fighters. Despite the modifications to fit it for the emergency services, the vehicle has retained the distinctive Land Rover radiator and headlights.
This model is as used by the Irish Civil Defence in response to the possibility of a post WWII nuclear threat following the development of the atomic bomb. The country’s national civil defence organisation had been founded originally in 1950, with headquarters in Roscrea, County Tipperary.
Oxford's Land Rover FT6, registered 9656 IP, comes in an attractive vivid yellow colour scheme with bright red Civil Defence graphics to the sides and above the windscreen. Note the Civil Defence Ireland (Cosaint Shibhialta na h Eireann) logo on the sides doors printed in yellow, green and black and featuring the Irish harp.