As I was searching for eight wheeled vehicles I also thought it was a Esarco, but apperently the ones building this one just bought the concept idea.
HUGO 8x8
The Esarco concept was also bought by UK based 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. This company built final prototypes and type approved the 8x8 in 1991.
HUGO 8x8
The vehicle was named HUGO (Heavy Use - Global Operation).
This machine pictured above was sold and used daily. Production was stopped after three prototypes and the one production unit were made. Attempts have been made to bring the vehicle back into production, but we have no evidence that this was successful. It may still be available for overseas licensed production, however.
The HUGO 8x8 differs considerably from the Stewart & Stevenson machine, the HUGO being more obviously Land Rover based, and having a crew-cab style. The company had established early on that the possible users would want to carry a crew. Army gun towing, re-supply, emergency aid relief etc. - all of these usually need to carry a useful load off road and also carry the operatives. As a result, they made the 8x8 a diesel engined vehicle for better fuel duration and fitted a Perkins four cylinder Phaser 110. They also fitted an automatic Chrysler A727 gearbox and a Land Rover LT250 transfer box driving four specially made wider and stronger axles.
The body was made as a rigid frame structure and all suspension was coil with double acting shock absorbers. The cabin was constructed on a rigid square steel frame providing roll over protection. It was a four-door four-seat cab. There is room between the rear seats for a fold-down bench seat for two more passengers, or for an access door to the load deck.
HUGO 8x8 specs:
length: 5370mm, width: 2200mm, height (cab): 2360mm
Load deck dimensions: 2200mm x 2770mm, top of load deck: 1170mm
Unladen: 3550kg, GVW; 5550kg, Gross Train Weight: 7550kg.
Track: 1826mm, clearance under diff 260mm
Ramp angle 90 degrees, approach/departure angle 45 degrees.
Wheels 15.5", tyres: Trelleborg 305x75x16.
A 6x6 variant was designed for the Portuguese paratroops, and a number of these were built. This model is also discontinued.
The 8x8 Hugo above is now owned by Alder and Allan Limited, who are bringing the machine back into use, having sourced and replaced several parts - a daunting task when there's no parts list to work from!
