Offered for sale from a private collection is this rare WWII tank.
The Matilda A12 was the tank recognised with stemming the German advance at Arras and by doing so, gained valuable time for the evacuation of the British Army at Dunkirk. This Matilda was restored in Australia from 2014 – 2017.
The amount and level of work completed is clear from the pre-restoration photographs. The hull was shot blasted, primed and painted. Both engines were fully overhauled as were the gearbox, cooling system, cross drive unit and steering clutches.
A complete rewire of the electrical system was undertaken and new exhaust systems were fabricated. The 2lb gun is deactivated to Australian regulations.
The tank was driven onto a low loader and transported to Brisbane Port where she was driven onto a transport pallet and loaded for the UK. The tank arrived in the UK in April 2017 where work was to continue on the running gear and further detailed restoration continued.
Unfortunately the tank suffered engine head gasket failure due to water ingress into the exhaust manifold whilst awaiting transfer to another ship in Singapore.
This was discovered during start-up of the tank after its arrival in the UK.
Investigations were completed and the Leyland engines were removed for head gasket renewal.
New handmade head gaskets were purchased as were new head bolts. The tracks, suspension levers and bogie assemblies were also removed for inspection, servicing and replacement where components were beyond repair.
WWII Tank
Sadly the owner of the vehicle collection passed away in January 2018 and work on the Matilda ceased.
The present condition of the Matilda Tank is the engines, gearbox and cooling system components are removed. One engine has been fitted with a new head gaskets and head bolts.
The suspension and running gear have been refitted to allow the tank to be moved but the suspension rubber seals have not been fitted. New parts were purchased and will come with the tank.
This is an opportunity to obtain a very rare piece of British WWII armour. Only a handful of Matilda A12 Infantry Tanks are in a running condition and this vehicle will take very little expense and time to return to its former condition.
The tank is complete apart from headlamps, headlamp frames, side lamps, rear lamps, exterior turret basket frame, smoke dischargers and some internal turret parts.
Further information, pictures of the restoration and videos of the tank running and driving can be provided. The vehicle can be viewed, strictly by prior appointment in Lymington, Hampshire. And for info contact Rusty Relics
Offers in the region of £170.000.00 ($211,000)
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