UPDATE III: Robert’s RLT Husky
UPDATE II: Ray sent some pics of a Husky he built in 1992. (Also, if you are in the UK, I know of a Husky kit jeep for sale in Jersey)
Ray built this RLT Husky R.V. atop a Ford Escort MK2 chassis. It took Ray 2 years to build his rig. He combined the kit with original parts. As you can see, it is one of the more authentic looking Husky-jeeps built from the kit. Ray sold his RLT Husky in 1995.
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Originally posted August of 2013:
Sometimes called the Husky R.V. or the R.L.T. Husky, this Jeep Kit was sold out of the UK and used atop a Ford Taurus or Ford Escort Mark IV (and other cars?). It was available for an unknown period during the 1980s and 1990s.
“R.V. – Rugged and Versatile aptly describes these tough, reliable and inexpensive all-weather vehicles. The unique exterior MDF body combines great strength with structural rigidity and will not rust, crack, craze or splinter, yet is easy to repair.
The sturdy steel chassis, with substantial (de)fenders front & rear, is built for long life, stability and to cope with rugged conditions. Seating can vary from 2 fronts with a rear load space, which can be fitted with forward, rearward or inward facing rear seats, accessed via a ‘walk-thru’ from the front can be accommodated by simple modification to the cutting and assembly process, or the rear zip up rear hood window, with or without the optional opening tailgate
Fold-flat windscreen. Ford front engine/RWD ensures safe predictable handling, amazing traction and reliable mechanics. Nimble as an Escort, the HUSKY turns tighter than a London Taxi and yet provides a comfortable ride even over rough terrain. Safety options include a hefty Roll Bar, front Nudge Bar and chassis mounted Side Impact bars/steps”
Some pictures:
“The unique exterior MDF body…..”
Um…..MDF?….as in Medium Density Fiberboard?
If so, it’s hard to imagine that material surviving very long in an on-road environment….much less offroad!
Maury, I too was puzzled by the MDF reference. Apparently, there is some water resistant MDF in the UK. That said, the MDF body might explain why so few of these are left in the UK.
I built one, it swelled up and was ruined within a year, even though it was water-resistant pressure-treated exterior quality MDF, then coasted with PVA, etch primed & painted. Useless notion that it’d work I guess. Waste of build time and effort. Stupid idea.
i have one built in 1993 body still very solid just odd bit of cracking on bonnet hindge area
Mick: That’s great to hear. If you’d ever like to send some pics for me to share, I’d appreciate it. You can contact me at d @ deilers.com (remove spaces around the @).
John: I missed your comment at some point. I think your experience explains why not too many exist.
Hi.
I built an RLT Husky. Supplied by John Cowperthwait in 1992.
2 year build with Escort mk2 base.
Lots of original Willys Jeep parts were used during construction.
Sold in 95
Some photos available if required.
Regards
Ray Garrood
Member of Invicta Preservation Society, G503 group.
Hi Ray,
I’d like to share some pics with readers if you wouldn’t mind sending them to d@deilers.com.
Thanks,
– Dave
yes please send pictures of the jeep as i think its the same one i have here
Robert, I’ve updated this post with the two pics you send me of your RLT Husky.
Robert U’Ren
I would like a 1600cc or 2 litre rlt husky or similar kit jeep, 2wd is fine for me, ford escort or sierra please get in touch through my website willysjeepuk or call 01548521278 Totnes Devon
Hi, my name is Jim Newton. I bought the original prototype sand colour from the brochure, back in 1991. With canvass top and doors, short wheelbase. I had no problems with the wooden body. The designer changed the gearbox to a ford automatic transmission. I blew up the 1300 ford escort engine and replaced it with a 1600. Fantastic car. I eventually blew up the second engine and eventually scrapped the car after the mechanics broke the wooden grill, whilst trying to change the 3rd engine. I had the car for at least five years. The body even survived in Cornwall parked on the beach.
Hi James,
Thanks for the information! Sounds like you had a good time with that rig.
– Dave
I failed to build one of these a few years ago and sold it as an unfinished project. I’m building models of all the cars I’ve owned and wanted to include the rusty half-built rolling chassis… Does anyone have any images of the bare chassis of one? the only pic I have is not clear enough to work from.
Hi Dave
Been a while since our last contact.
Are you still running the articles on Metamet
As i have some updates for you.
Cheers
Ray Garrood
Hi Ray,
I haven’t run much on Metamet lately, but did list this Metamet jeep for sale a few months ago: http://www.ewillys.com/2022/08/12/1943-metamet-modified-flattie-uk-10995/
Feel free to email me directly at d@deilers.com.
Thanks,
– Dave