martinstow

I had a recovery version with a Perkins 540 v8 in it (2800 rpm) and a spicer overdrive gearbox. Flat out it would do 35mph but getting it flat out took about 5 minutes on a level road ! I once suspend towed an Explorer from Leyland, Lancashire to Stockport (fortunatly on a Sunday) on every incline we were down to about 5mph. We were really lucky not to be pulled up.

Guess the lack of wrecker gear makes a difference, plus this engine and turbo boost. The worst hill I've taken was in 3rd gear, but that's where most modern wagons struggle. Steep climbs it'll take in 5th. If anything it produces more torque than the petrol version, having seen other's hill climb footage.

What is it like to drive on the road with a diesel engine fitted? Everyone keeps telling me they are just too slow and not much fun on a long run. Really like the recovery version but was put off by all the Quicker to walk stories:cry: One guy even said his explorer was a greyhound compared to his 680 diesel leyland.

This Volvo engine takes everything in its stride at 35mph. It gives good turbo boost and all tappets are accurate, runs very clean when it's warm.

6x6, do you have any captions for the Martians in the previous post? The Recovery and crew cab gun tractor are obvious but I had always thought that the gun tractor for 8" howitzer was similar to the cargo but with a lower tilt and a crew access ladder plus door on the nearside. Look at USY 925 on the first page of this thread and you will clearly see the ladder and split in the canvas, yet it has a full height tilt. Compare with my old one OSU 809 which had the full height tilt but only two small dropsides at either side for access to the spare wheel which I am sure was a 10 ton GS cargo.

 

Am i right in thinking that the lwb cargo with spare mounted between the cab and body was a concept that did not make production?

Here's a photo of mine ..

LWB and long nose by the looks of it ! what engine is fitted ?

Yes it is long nose and LWB, Volvo engine 13,500 cc turbo diesel engine number 628222269

Here are a few more - I've posted some video footage on You Tube as well. The plate is 52BM13. I've a back copy issue 23 of Wheels &Tracks magazine with a 9 page feature on the Martian. It seems to say the LWB version is a rare beast.

I've seen no recent pictures of the LWB martian, this is mine, what do you think?

Hi,

Martin here, based in North East England. New to the forum, was recommended to join by AndyScammell. As you'll have guessed I've a Leyland Martian - will post more photos in LM gallery.