1959 DIAMLER FERRET MK 2/3 SCOUT CAR TANK

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1959 DAIMLER FERRET MK 2/3 SCOUT CAR TANK. A most incredible small armored scout car “tank.” Vehicle identification no. VYJ764 manufactured 11/19/1959, with service records acquired from the tank museum, Bovington, Dorset, England, indicating first date of service 1967 (see attached service and vehicle history card).

I acquired this vehicle for my wife as a present in advance of Mother’s Day, 2006, having been imported into the United States circa 1994 following having been decommissioned in approximately 1990 and sold to well known British contractor, A. F. Budge, believed to be a family member of a major mining company. The vehicle was imported as per existing title to an individual in Tampa, FL, subsequently transferred in 1995 to an individual residing in New Hampshire, then acquired by us in March, 2006.

You will find comprehensive information referencing Ferret Scout Cars below along with an in depth presentation of photographs of this specific vehicle.

We have maintained this vehicle as a registered vehicle in the state of Maine with its special Maine vanity plate “FERRET”. The vehicle has been insured and driven often to and from parades, exhibitions, and ceremonies as well as patrolling our neighborhood and town. The vehicle though of imposing design has been the most attention getting vehicle we have ever owned. Manufactured by Daimler, the vehicle starts with a turn of the switch, powered by its rebuilt B-60 Rolls Royce 6 Cyl 129 hp engine which appears to be and functions as if in excellent condition as with its progressive fluid coupling 5 speed pre-select transmission comfortable cruising speed at approximately 50-55MPH, while in forward or reverse. Though I have driven the vehicle without an additional commander or gunner, the vehicle is designed to accommodate the commander/gunner who sits on an adjustable height spring loaded seat perched behind and above the driver’s position within the 360 degree rotating turret complete with a replica 30 cal. Browning machine gun, ammo box, head rest for periscope prism gun sight and observation when turret hatches are in closed position.

The interior lower section is custom designed with a single driver’s seat and access to all controls including deactivated and replicated non-original 6 electrically fired smoke grenade launchers. Note: Fully decommissioned as per export and import requirements. Other cockpit details include driver’s prism periscope, numerous gauges, gear shift, quadrant, emergency brake, smoke screen canisters, and many details too numerous to mention. The vehicle steers comfortably and assertively rivaling my 2006 Suburban though with suspension that is noticeably more intense. The vehicle is geared extremely low which provides what is believed to be 1 MPH or less with incredible torque.

Hull and chassis details include four 900-16 Dunlap tires exhibiting over 95% of tread with some age cracks. The tires are known as Run-Flat of numerous ply to withstand direct fire without deflation, single side mounted spare tire. Numerous hatches including 2 forward and 2 rear hinged armor plated for viewing when open or through respective prism periscopes when closed, front main hinged 19” x 16” access panel (designed for emergency exit though not for me or possibly anyone over 225 pounds). The main hatch with interior secondary hatch 15” x 11” incorporating driver’s periscope. It is presumed that all hatches would be closed and secured during any potential combat requiring the crew to rely on periscope observation and navigation.

Note: The heavy armored steel plate used in the construction of this fine vehicle have numerous hatch marks resulting from what has reported to have been proof testing for tensile strength at the foundry.

Other details include numerous accessories including headlights, a NOS spotlight, directional lights, mirror, horn, 2 piece pick axe, shovel, fire extinguisher, stowage compartments for additional accessories included, ie., gas mask, etc.

Note: As seen in photographs below, we have had much fun with this most commanding member of our family though feel it is time to have another fortunate family adopt and enjoy the vehicle. We have learned that the first thing a new owner should contemplate is being sure to formally introduce the vehicle once registered, inspected, and insured to every branch of local and state agencies ranging from the local police chief, fire chief, to the local head of Homeland Security. You will immediately be asked to participate in every parade within your state and possibly beyond. Note: Photos below depict the late Ralph Sprague, WWII veteran, who was recognized by the local VFW to have the first honor of being Ferret commander in Waldoboro, Maine. Despite having to forklift Ralph into the turret, the Ferret and his participation instantly allowed the vehicle to become a welcomed icon in the community. The new owner will be encouraged to not attempt many daily activities with the Ferret including making bank deposits, visiting area schools unannounced, or parking in front of any federal or state buildings without prior confirmation and clearance. The vehicle is a legal street vehicle as is a WWII jeep. Its purpose as a peacekeeping scout car is well described below.

This specific vehicle includes its original 11” x 5 ½” builder’s plate attached to the inner cockpit with raised letters reading: CAR SCOUT 4 X 4 RECCE FV701H MK 2-3 MODEL A-2240 CONT. NO. KL/A/08 VEH. NO. VYJ764 CODE NO. 05CC41 (See plate photo for further rebuild information.) It is believed based upon the condition of the engine and drive train that it was most likely rebuilt prior to export to the U.S.A.

The Ferret is a most desirable armored vehicle due to its having rubber tires, an overall length of approximately 12’, width 6’, height 6’2”, and its road able speed. Though compact, the vehicle is easily shipped weighing 8000 pounds. Shipping options will be provided to the new owner (The vehicle will only be sold to a new buyer within the U.S.A.). The vehicle easily fits into a standard garage, though several owners have made the grave error or leaving the turret hatch open upon entering or exiting resulting in having to rebuild their garage.

The vehicle just driven on a 10 mile trip and winterized, will not require immediate transport and will be maintained in a secure heated collections building.

Condition: Very good throughout, with exception of a weeping brake cylinder requiring additional brake fluid in master cylinder after extended lengths of storage. Parts for Ferrets are easily obtainable from numerous sources within the U.S.A. and England. Included documentation, manuals, instruction video, equipment schedule, public relations articles from recent use, service records, and all owned accessories.

Provenance: 1967-1973 served in the B.A.O.R (British Army Occupation of the Rhine) with The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) and the B.A.O.R prior to de-commissioning ca. 1987

Please feel free to contact us at the email below or at 207 832 4570 for further questions, clarifications, methods and terms of payment, etc.

Please be patient for extensive, comprehensive photo gallery to follow. The follow excerpts have been taken from acknowledged historical and research sources.

“The Ferret was developed in 1949 as a result of the British Army's need to obtain a replacement model for its Second World War light armored vehicles. Due to the success of their Reconnaissance Scout Car, the "Dingo", Daimler was employed to design and manufacture the Ferret. The Ferret shared many similar design features with the Dingo, but featured a larger fighting compartment and an optional small machine gun turret. It was built from an all-welded monocoque steel body, making the drive extremely noisy as all the running gear was within the enclosed body with the crew. Four wheel drive was incorporated together with "Run Flat" tires. The turret, though not fitted to all models, carried a single machine gun. Six grenade launchers fitted to the hull (three on each side) could carry smoke grenades in British service. It is fast and small enough to be used in an urban environment but strong enough to negotiate rugged terrain off road. The Ferret is no longer in service in the British Army, although several Commonwealth countries still operate them to this day. Ferret Scout Car Crew: 2 Dimensions: Length 12'7" Width 6'3" Height 6'2" Weight 8000lbs Armament: 7.62 machine gun Speed: 50mph Engine: Rolls Royce B60 (gasoline) Trans: 5 speed pre-select Built by Daimler Co. the Ferret has been in service since 1951. Driver sits center front with the gunner or commander right behind him. "It’s like driving and armored go cart". Different variants available such as the Mk 2/3(Turret), the Mk1/2(fixed rectangular turret), the Mk1/1(no turret), other variants are harder to get. Turret takes a Browning or GPMG 30.cal machine gun. The Ferret like so many of the wheeled vehicles of the British Service comes with run-flat tires. Used in over 60 different countries, the "Field Mouse" was used by the commanders of tank crews to skirt around the battle field very quickly. Ferrets are popular also because they are easy to transport as they are so lightweight. Street legal. Also to note like the Saracen, Saladin and Fox, the 5 speed transmission has 5 speeds in forward and reverse. Seating arrangements vary from 2 crew to seating 4 with fold down seats on each side of the hull next to the gunner. The 2 crew model usually has ammo containers in place of the seats. In 1947 the British War Office issued a new specification for a new scout car to replace the World War II models. Because of their successful World War II "Dingo" design, the Daimler Company Ltd. designed the new replacement model. The result was the Ferret Reconnaissance Scout Car ( i.e.: Armored Car). The Ferret incorporated many design features of the Dingo, but had a roomier fighting compartment and a small machine gun turret. Ferret production ended in 1971 when 4,409 of all types had been produced. Over 40 countries employed this vehicle, attesting to its sound design. This Ferret was known to have been used during the Cyprus conflict. It is also known to have served with "C" Squadron of the 17/21 Lancers Cavalry ( i.e.: Armored ) Regiment, and with the B.A.O.R ( i.e.: British Army Occupation of the Rhine).”

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In response to immediate emails received: 1. There will be no buy it now 2. The reserve is well below expectation 3. The "High Voltage " sign does not go with the Ferret and was just used for parade use 4. I am not going through a divorce, Ann wants to sell her Scout Car so she can justify taking a trip 5. Yes ownership might lead to a divorce.

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