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Named model · one-off prototype, 1962

112-inch Buttercup breakdown truck

One-off 1962 forward-control military load-carrier prototype on a purpose-built 112-inch chassis, nicknamed 'Buttercup' for its yellow livery. Rejected by the military, it was converted into a recovery vehicle and spent decades as the works breakdown truck at Solihull and the Gaydon test track; it is now preserved at the British Motor Museum.

Special · Commercial
112-inch Buttercup breakdown truck — front three-quarter render

Factory colours

Codes on hover. Hex values are representative approximations of period paint unless a source states a measured value.

History

The Rover Company built this vehicle at Solihull in 1962 as a prototype military all-terrain transport with substantial cargo capacity, using a purpose-built chassis with a 112-inch wheelbase and a forward-control cab to maximise load space. Power came from a 5.8-litre, 105 bhp Perkins six-cylinder diesel, giving a 40 mph maximum road speed, around 15 mph off-road, and the ability to climb a 1-in-2 incline. The military ultimately declined to order it, leaving this prototype the sole example built.

After its rejection the truck was converted into a recovery vehicle, fitted with a crane and sling, and used as the works breakdown truck at the Solihull factory (registration AHP 495A, carrying 'ROVER ENG DEPT SOLIHULL' signwriting). It was then transferred to the Gaydon test track, where it spent two decades as a rescue vehicle — its bright yellow paint earning it the affectionate nickname 'Buttercup'.

The vehicle received a comprehensive restoration in 2007, with final touches in 2009, returning it to its original Rover Company livery. It is held in the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust collection (accession 2006-20-1) at the British Motor Museum's Collections Centre, Gaydon.

Imagery

'Buttercup' (AHP 495A) in restored Rover Engineering Department livery at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon
'Buttercup' (AHP 495A) in restored Rover Engineering Department livery at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon andreboeni (via Flickr) · CC BY 2.0 ↗
The 112-inch recovery wagon at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon (photographed 2009, before the final restoration touches)
The 112-inch recovery wagon at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon (photographed 2009, before the final restoration touches) Mark Brown, Hampton, New Brunswick, Canada · CC BY-SA 2.0 ↗

Registry record

Manufacturer
Rover Company (Solihull)
Manufactured
one-off prototype, 1962
Engine type
5.8 L Perkins six-cylinder diesel, 105 bhp
Production run
1 (sole example)
Current owner
British Motor Museum (BMIHT collection) ↗
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Status
preserved

Catalogue data

Record kind
Named model
Wheels
4

Base catalogue fields are exported from the Difflocked game. In-game physics values are arcade tuning, not certified historical measurements, and are deliberately not shown as specifications here.

Sources & citations

Researched sources

Catalogue references

Development reference notes

Drive it

This vehicle is playable in the Difflocked racing game.

RACE THE 112-INCH BUTTERCUP BREAKDOWN TRUCK ↗

Registry record updated 2026-09-09T20:00:55.851Z · status: researched