Esarco 8X8.

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The Esarco eight wheel drive (8WD) was developed in the early 1980's by Major Michael Somerton-Rayner. The first Esarco was based on standard Land Rover 110, (later called Defender) engine, transmission and axles. The front and rear axles steer - in opposite direction - which made for a tight turning circle, a concept seen on the AEC road train as far back as the 1930's.

Two full-time four wheel drive Land Rover transfer cases were used, mounted back to back with the first driving the second through their power take-offs by a dog-clutch and a short drive shaft. The first transfer case drove axles one and three and the second transfer case drove axles two and four. The axle differentials being offset, the prop-shafts could pass neatly over the intervening axles on their way to the appropriate differentials. All in all there were six differentials - four in the axles and two in the transfer cases.

Early Esarcos used the Land Rover 3.5L V8 engine. On the road, the second transfer case was disconnected and the vehicle became an 8x4. Offroad, the second tranfer case was connected to the first, making an 8x8. The Land Rover transfer cases contained a "centre diff'" for full-time four wheel drive and were equipped with diff' locks.

Land Rover coil-spring suspension was also adopted frpm the Land Rover 110. A ladder-frame chassis and a simple forward-control cab structure completed the picture.

At some stage the concept was taken up by Stewart and Stevenson of the USA, becoming the Esarco SS 300. Part-time 4WD transfer cases were adopted and pictures show free wheel hubs fitted to axles 1 and 4. Engine options became a 7.3L V8 diesel engine or a 6-cyl petrol engine.

Although intended as a "utility" 8x8, at least one Esarco was prepared for racing! In 1991 Jacob Westerfeld and Michael Amiralay prepared this Esarco (left) for the Paris to Capetown Rally, also aiming for the Paris Dakar Rally.

Today this eight wheel drive is produced as the SS300.

Back in the UK, the Esarco concept was bought by the MWG Group which refined the design but was put into administration. The 8x8 was purchased by the ex MD of MWG, Mike Hearn and a new company, H.U.G.O. All Terrain Vehicles Ltd. which built final prototypes and type approved the 8x8.

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Go to the Stewart and Stevenson, SS300, HUGO 8x8 or Land Rover pages

Thanks to Jacob Westerveld for information!

 

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