I have recently received further information on this vehicle which goes a little way to solving the mystery. It was the prototype of a private venture modification by a Salisbury engineering company using a T16 chassis removed from a museum. It was tested by the Rhodesian Army Rh Armoured Car Regiment, WO O'Reilly, Troop 4.1 in 1977 at a dam on a farm for its water fording capabilities but deemed not suitable as it was too slow (due to the weight of the armour?) and it's reliability was suspect. Due to these factors it was only suitable for airfield defence. It is unknown if it was actually operated by the Army in this role. The members of the Rhodesian Air Force Regiment who operated Eland 60 armoured cars in air field defence do not recall it being operated by the regular forces.
Paul Napier
|