Previously owned by Martin Reade.
When bought by Tom Partridge (04/03) it had been off the road for a year, and required TLC to brakes etc. He intends to use the vehicle whilst completing restoration of a Morris Minor, and then transfer his attentions to the LR.
Close inspection of this vehicle shows a possible anomaly — it would appear to have been a soft-top from new, but there is no sign of the double holes on the lower body sides that would have held the station board. However, under the paintwork on the doors can be read 'HOME OFFICE FIRE SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE'. As the station was signwritten, would it perhaps have not been fitted with boards? [See also note on 576]
Tom has further written to say that, after contacting Brett Clayton (who had a Fire Service Series One featured in LRM Oct03), it would appear that SXF 100 to (possibly) 114 were all issued to the Home Office Fire Service Training Centres, which were at Morton-in-Marsh (now the Fire Service College), and Washington Hall, Lancs (now Lancashire Fire Brigade Training Centre). There was also an additional facility with the Army at Devices in Wiltshire.
According to the info given to Tom from DVLA, this is where the first civilian owner of 105 was located, so he reckons that his vehicle was stationed there. However, according to the info he's been given, all Fire Vehicles were sold through Central Vehicle Auctions in Ruddington, Notts until the mid 1980's, but he thinks 105 slipped the net. It was designated CC (which is Command Car), which means it may have been fitted with Radio, explaining the visible holes in the rear tub.