Built around the legendary attributes of the rugged Land Rover series, the 1 Tonne Forward Control vehicle was designed to meet a British Army requirement for an effective light gun tractor, one which was also capable of transporting 1 tonne of ammunition and other equipment in its load compartment. These vehicles were also required to be carried by air transport, and repositioning the Rover V8 engine to a position behind the cab removed the bonnet and gave these vehicles their distinctive flat front profile. These small, yet powerful 4x4 vehicles continued the legacy of the highly successful Land Rover in military service.