Daimler Ferret Scout Car MK2- 1968

In 1949, the British Army approached Daimler (the British car company, not Daimler-Benz AG of Germany) to replace its Dingo Scout Car, a previous Daimler product. The Ferret Scout Car, introduced in 1951, improved upon the Dingo’s design with an optional manually-rotating turret, housing a machine gun. The Ferret also featured increased interior space for the three-person crew, consisting of the commander, a driver, and a radio operator. The unibody construction gave the Ferret a very low profile, which was an added benefit in combat. However, with the engine and transmission mounted low in the hull, operating the Ferret with its hatches closed must have been rather noisy.

The Ferret seen here is a later Mk. 2/3 variant, classified as a light-armored reconnaissance vehicle. While earlier Mk. 2 Ferrets came equipped with a .30 caliber Browning machine gun sticking out of their turrets, later models switched to the more common 7.62mm machine gun. Mk. 2 Ferrets were also equipped with smoke grenade launchers to provide cover in combat, yet the vehicle seen here is missing them. In case of an NBC attack (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical), the Ferret could be buttoned up and driven via periscopes mounted in the hatch doors. It was propelled by a Rolls-Royce six-cylinder gas engine, good for 129 bhp, and connected by a fluid coupling to a pre-selector, five-speed gearbox, with all gears being available in reverse. The faded unit markings on the front show that this vehicle served under the Royal Anglian Regiment, one of the most storied infantry regiments of the British Army. Daimler manufactured the Ferret until 1971, but they were used by the British army through the first Gulf War of 1991. Many smaller countries around the world still use the venerable Ferret to this day.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Daimler Company, Ltd.
Country of Origin: Great Britain
Drivetrain Configuration: Rear-engine, four-wheel drive
Engine: Rolls-Royce, water-cooled, 4260cc, inline-six cylinder, 129bhp
Transmission: Fluid flywheel coupling with pre-selector gearbox
Top Speed: 45 mph
Years of Production: 1952 to 1971
Number Produced: 4,700 total Ferrets
Original Cost: unknown