Do you admire modern military equipment and are tempted to expand your collection with a truly unique machine? An SAS special forces ‘land mobile weapons platform’ will soon be auctioned in the UK.
The British SAS (Special Air Service) is one of the most respected military special forces in the world. Special missions also require special weapons and equipment, and one of the unique machines for soldiers can now be yours. Soon to be sold by Bonhams auction house at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, it has a real fighting history behind it.
The Special Air Service was established during the Second World War in the summer of 1941, when the British were at war against the collaborating German and Italian forces in North Africa. At that time, they were looking for a way to cripple the enemy’s combat power and supply, and a group of outcasts who could not listen to their commanders’ orders turned out to be the perfect solution. The army rebels knew how to set fire to the Germans and Italians and make a real mess. They called themselves “Special Air Service”.
It was only in the post-World War II era that the SAS became an “official” special force, quickly building a reputation for bravery and ingenuity. It has continuously adapted to more modern styles of warfare, tactics and technology, and one of their machines has now appeared for sale. The elite unit awarded it in the early 1990s in the Persian Gulf, and it is officially called the Longline Light Strike Vehicle, or the Ground Mobile Weapon Platform (Ground Mobile Weapon Platform).
The basis of the construction is the technology of dune buggies, specially developed for overcoming sand dunes at high speeds. The main purpose is for the military buggy to help with quick attacks and escapes. That is also why it is not equipped with extremely heavy armour. The element of surprise is absolutely essential and over the years it has only been produced in three variants, in small numbers of a few pieces each.
The British Army used it in evolutions of the MkI with a four-cylinder Volkswagen gasoline engine and rear-wheel drive, the MkII with the same engine and all-wheel drive, and the MkIII with a more fuel-efficient diesel nineteen from the Volkswagen Transporter and all-wheel drive. The iconic turbodiesel proved to be a more ideal choice for soldiers, with all variants having a massive safety frame.
And they were also equipped with solid firepower, because the most important thing in clashes with the enemy is combat readiness. The “Ground Mobile Weapon Platform” could be armed with light and heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, or even the MILAN light infantry anti-tank guided missile system.
The unique military special, which will hopefully soon find a new owner, is one of the six MkII units produced. Only five of them have survived to this day. In Great Britain it is approved for use on public roads and the heart from older Volkswagens greatly simplifies service and overall maintenance. This too was one of the important development goals of military engineers.
And what is the value of an army buggy for a SAS special unit in today’s market? Auction house Bonhams estimates that he will find a new owner for around 830,000 crowns. However, the resulting sales amount can be lower or higher. Only the real interest of bidding military enthusiasts and collectors will show everything.
2023-07-04 15:56:04
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