A Beaverette armoured car has been acquired by the Bovington Tank Museum

Described as an ‘eccentric’ vehicle, the Second World War Beaverette armoured car was an emergency measure vehicle created to defend Britain in 1940 should the Germans invade.

The Bovington museum, which has had its eye on the vehicle for some time so it can be featured in its upcoming Second World War exhibition, was delighted when it came up for sale. Staff saw the advert on the day it was posted and approached the vendor.

The vehicle had been part of Cyril Groombridge’s collection. Mr Groombridge was a collector of military vehicles and had a large and varied collection, some of which appeared at shows.

The Beaverette was one of the few remaining vehicles that his family had to dispose of after his death and the museum says it is grateful that the purchase price was reduced especially.

The vehicle will be kept in the Vehicle Conservation Centre before being restored by apprentices. The aim is to include it in the new Second World War exhibition – the first phase will open in spring 2020.