Just look at this thing. If you thought a Humvee had a presence you haven’t seen this Bowler military truck. Actually, this is known as the Bowler Rapid Intervention Vehicle. Its official designation is the Bowler CSP RIV. The name is as imposing as the actual truck. Bowler makes some of the finest off-road SUVs around. They’re built on a Land Rover chassis in their facility in the UK. 

The Bowler CSP RIV was built with collaboration from the UK Ministry of Defense

This was a prototype built with collaboration from the UK Ministry of Defense. It was first shown at the 2017 Defense and Security Equipment trade show. The RIV is based on a modular design that allows it to be changed up for different customer needs. Think of a range of uses between military applications to emergency services. It’s called Cross Sector Platform or CSP. This was one of the requirements of the proposal given to Bowler.  

Power is from a Land Rover 300 brake horsepower V6 engine with 516 lb-ft of torque. This is mated to a ZF 8HP transmission with 4-wheel-drive capabilities in both low and high range. With seating for four people, it features a long-travel independent suspension for the big off-road ruts and rocks. The payload is listed at 4,409 pounds.

The big question mark is can the CSP even be registered?

This RIV is practically new with only 170 miles on the ticker, thanks to its concept nature. The big question mark is can this even be registered? Better find out before bidding as you don’t want to end up with one big doorstop. Auctioneers RM Sothebys says, “Although the vehicle is not road legal, it runs and drives very well and with its engine and powertrain being sourced from Land Rover, spares and service items are available globally. It is the result of significant research and development, completely unique and would make a wonderful addition to any existing collection of military vehicles, or indeed as an extremely capable way of navigating one’s private estate.” Of course, it would.

It is offered at no reserve. Estimates peg the gavel price at around $100,000. With the price of a new Hummer EV that seems cheap for an imposing one-off SUV like the Bowler CSP RIV. The auction ends on February 26, 2021.