Canadian producer
The Gurkha LAPV is manufactured by a company based in Ontario, Canada, called Terradyne Armored Vehicles and it’s one of four incredible trucks produced by the firm. The other three are the Rapid Patrol Vehicle (RPV), Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) and Civilian Limited Edition Vehicle (CIV). They all have the same technical specifications but, with the CIV, armour-plating isn’t standard.
The RPV, MPV and LAPV are generally intended for use in defence, law enforcement, border patrol, private security and homeland security missions. These apocalypse-surviving vehicles can transport SWAT (special weapons and tactics) units and urban law enforcement teams in the butchest of style. Some major customers around the world include the Toronto Police Service, Egyptian National Police, Jamaica Constabulary Force, Fuerza Civil (Mexican Police) and the Victoria Police.
The CIV – which, as its name implies, is designed for daily use by civilians – would be the obvious choice of purchase for mere mortals. But we have our hearts set on one very special Gurkha LAPV, which recently came up for auction at specialist automotive marketplace Collecting Cars. (As an aside, this is a fascinating company with many incredible tales to tell; for instance, it also recently sold George Harrison’s Mercedes-Benz 600.)
What makes this truck so cool?
This V8-powered armoured vehicle – perfect for tackling any doomsday scenario – truly is the mother of all trucks. Looking like it belongs on the set of a Mad Max movie, it boasts everything you need to tackle the apocalypse head-on, including a minimum B4 armour level rating, two fuel tanks, a heavyweight winch and a roof-mounted escape hatch.
Built on the chassis of a Ford Super Duty F450, the truck is powered by a 6.7-litre V8 diesel engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine develops 246 kW of power and 1017 Nm of torque. The fuel capacity of the vehicle is 151 litres. It weighs a whopping 8,845 kg, so don’t expect a staggering zero to 100 km/h time. Never mind, it does get to around 120 km/h. Eventually.
Extremely capable
But this is not a vehicle that is built for performance. Instead, it’s designed to go pretty much anywhere. And over anything. The Gurkha is a four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with locking hubs and a limited-slip differential (LSD). The front suspension boasts coil springs, shocks and a steering damper. The rear suspension integrates leaf springs with Timbron mounts. The wheels are fitted with four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes.
Practical but luxurious too
The thing we really like about the model that went on auction is the fact that, while it looks as tough as Chuck Norris, it’s somewhat posh, comfortable and well equipped inside. Despite its rugged exterior, the interior is smartly trimmed in leather and Alcantara, and equipped with a raft of comfort and convenience mod cons.
In fact, the Terradyne Gurkha that went on auction is in excellent condition throughout and it has a long list of optional equipment fitted including six passenger seats, a full LED exterior lighting kit, a centre console with backlit switches and map light, rear cargo tie-downs, front mud flaps, a six-ton jack, insulated walls, steel guards over the headlights and taillights, and a full-size spare wheel mounted at the rear.
Also equipped is a further armour upgrade, heated front seats, a heated windshield, an upgraded Alpine audio system, battery charge system with auto-eject, an exterior and interior intercom, custom 80-gallon secondary fuel tank with auto transfer flow pump and military window trim on all of the glass.
This example finished in Matte Granite Grey has been specified with Terradyne’s off-road package, which includes FOX shocks, a WARN 16.5ti winch with 16,500 lb pull capacity and 90 feet of wire rope, closed system winching components from Factor 55, front differential lock and an on-board high-output air compressor.
Fitted as standard equipment on all Gurkha Civilian Edition builds, the 20-inch wheels have internal bead locks to safely allow for lower tyre pressures to help increase traction. Other standard features include remote power door locks, a reverse camera and rear proximity sensors.
What a combo
According to Edward Lovett, founder of Collecting Cars, our dream truck represents an unusual blend of bulletproof armour and a luxuriously trimmed cabin. “It is another great representation of the variety of vehicles on Collecting Cars from around the world. Consigned by our team in Canada, this is a fun, capable and attention-grabbing 4x4 with bragging rights comparable to any hypercar on the market today,” he commented.
Unluckily for Lovett and his team, the Terradyne Gurkha LAPV wasn’t actually knocked down. We assume that this is because the reserve price wasn’t reached. Which, while bad news for the Collecting Cars team, makes us grin from ear to ear. Yes, we know it’s left-hand drive … meaning getting it into South Africa would be somewhat challenging. But maybe. Just maybe…. one day, this truck could be ours!
