This is a story of coventry of the British Gulf tank to ultimate boys' toy - and is also up for grabs on eBay.
The 18-tonne former British military armoured personnel carrier (APC) - which last saw action in the first Gulf War - is a battle machine with a twist.
Where mortars and gun racks were once at the ready, now the plush red interior contains a wine cooler, music system and flat screen television.
Known as the 'Bulldog' by locals, the former personnel carrier is the pride and joy of businessman and former British Army APC driver, Paul Haynes, 51, from Leamington Spa.
Driving the personnel carrier through the streets of Warwick on a regular basis, Paul is used to turning heads.
But now he is calling time on his love affair with the steel beast, as he dedicating more and more time to raising money for Help For Heroes. Now the pimped tank is expected to fetch around £12,000 on eBay.
'My APC is like a modern day limousine - but on tracks,' said Paul.
'It's the largest vehicle you can legally take onto UK roads.
'One of the most exciting things you can do with this vehicle is drive it around the town.
'People stop and stare - they take photographs, wave and smile. After all it's not everyday you see an 18 tonne tank driving through your high street.
'It's used for hen nights, stag nights and prom functions.
'But I also use it to raise money for Help the Heroes - I think it's a wonderful charity and I put a lot of my time into it for the lads that need our help.'
The Bulldog has a six cylinder Rolls Royce engine capable of a top speed of 30 miles per hour and uses five gallons of diesel per mile.
The armoured beast would have transported ten soldiers and been home to two crew - a driver and a commanding officer.
Since it was manufactured in Coventry in 1966, the APC mainly saw service in Western Germany during the Cold War with the Soviet Union.
'I drove APCs for 25 years in the army and fell in love with them,' said Paul.
'The British are still using this vehicle in Afghanistan today.
'As well as a troop carrier it could have fired motors, been used as an ambulance or a radio vehicle. It was multi-functional and very adaptable to most situations.
'The roof is very large and mortars could have been safely fired from inside through this space.
'The MOD retired it after its tour in the Gulf and it went out into the civilian market.
'I purchased it three years ago and we've had great fun together.'
Despite Paul's love affair with his pimped APC - which he has upgraded with new brakes and steering box - he will be parting with her soon.
'It's become part of the local scenery in the area and people will miss it when it's gone,' said Paul.
'But the vehicle is high maintenance and sadly I'm running out of time.
'My work with Help For Heroes is taking up my time now and I want to focus on that.
'Anyone over the age of 18 with a car licence can sit for a class H tracked vehicle test.
'It only costs £65 and once you've got that you're away.
'Anyone who likes heavy machinery should buy this tank.
'It comes with a spare engine and all sorts of bits for the track along with radio and battery included.
'If you're interested go onto eBay and type in 'aft 432' and give me a call.'
0 comments:
Post a Comment