looks like a defender

I'm trying to remember the name/make of a 1980s 4x4 that looks like a Defender, but with a sloping bonnet. I thought it was DMM, but google's comming up blank. Anyone any ideas?

Val. h said:

I'm trying to remember the name/make of a 1980s 4x4 that looks like a Defender, but with a sloping bonnet. I thought it was DMM, but google's comming up blank. Anyone any ideas?

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UMM
Ibex

Hicap phill said:

UMM
Ibex

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Ah! Yes. That's it. Thanks.

This looks like one too...
https://www.motortrend.com/news/202...-look-land-rover-defender-style-off-road-suv/

I drove an UMM Alter years ago in Sudan.. It was not really an experience i would recommend!

Val. h said:

I'm trying to remember the name/make of a 1980s 4x4 that looks like a Defender, but with a sloping bonnet. I thought it was DMM, but google's comming up blank. Anyone any ideas?

Click to expand...

UMM Alter. Leaf springs, PSA 2.5 diesel, galv chassis, U section, with the open bottom of the U facing downwards, so as not to trap dirt and mud.
Very strong, and good off road.

They are no longer made, but sometimes come up for sale second hand, parts are available, and there is an active owners club.

Downside, they are more or less similar levels of comfort to a Series Land Rover, so not for the faint hearted.

Santana PS 10, another Land rover offshoot.
.

Turboman said:

UMM Alter. Leaf springs, PSA 2.5 diesel, galv chassis, U section, with the open bottom of the U facing downwards, so as not to trap dirt and mud.
Very strong, and good off road.

They are no longer made, but sometimes come up for sale second hand, parts are available, and there is an active owners club.

Downside, they are more or less similar levels of comfort to a Series Land Rover, so not for the faint hearted.

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found pic of me and my UMM Alter taken in 1985 in Wad Medani Sudan

adrian hogg said:

found pic of me and my UMM Alter taken in 1985 in Wad Medani SudanView attachment 240976

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Do you have much of your backbone intact?

I worked on forestry work in the 80s with a few people that had them, I had a 109 at the time.
I always quite liked them, they seemed to be very tough, and good off road, and the PSA 2.5 was a well respected engine at that time.

It was as rough as an 88 om rusty springs. I recall driving it to a breakdown 400 miles away on dirt tracks. the heat from g/boxes melted the heel of my boot! Whilst the 2.5 pig engine was reliable it was just as underpowered as a land rover. When i could find petrol i preferred driving the company 109

adrian hogg said:

It was as rough as an 88 om rusty springs. I recall driving it to a breakdown 400 miles away on dirt tracks. the heat from g/boxes melted the heel of my boot! Whilst the 2.5 pig engine was reliable it was just as underpowered as a land rover. When i could find petrol i preferred driving the company 109

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I didn't get the impression they were built for comfort.

But my 109 had Heavy Duty springs, which were very unforgiving unless there was about half a ton of stuff in the back, so the UMM might have been an improvement for me!

Power never bothered me that much, as most of my time was spent on forestry tracks at less than walking pace. I only had to get to the jobs once, after that, I usually stayed on site in a touring caravan.

we regularly had to drive hundreds of miles hauling heavy Cat spares so was delighted when the old UMM was pensioned off and replaced with a Nissan Patrol

adrian hogg said:

we regularly had to drive hundreds of miles hauling heavy Cat spares so was delighted when the old UMM was pensioned off and replaced with a Nissan Patrol

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Worked with a few of those as well. I think they were quite a good vehicle 30 years ago, especially in a dry climate, they rusted in GB.
But the later ones are rubbish, although that applies to most modern vehicles, they have all got too complicated.