Military Vehicle Trust Commemorative Showcase

The Daimler Scout Car or Dingo was designed by BSA in Small Heath, in 1938, for the British War Office, who wanted a light 2-man 4x4 scouting vehicle for reconnaissance work. It was used in all theatres of WW2 and despite production ending in 1945, continued in service with the British Army until the1960s and with foreign armies such as Cyprus and Portugal, well into the 1970s, making it the most successful armoured fighting vehicle ever produced.

Of the 6626 vehicles produced (mostly by Daimler in Coventry), only about 250 survive today.

It is powered by a 2520 cc, 6-cylinder in line overhead valve petrol engine producing 55 bhp (mounted in the rear) and with its five speed Wilson pre-selector gear box could travel at 55mph both backwards and forwards, in permanent 4 wheel drive. The MkI had  four-wheel  steering but as this made it difficult to drive, this function was discontinued. Its armour, especially at the front where it reached 1.18” thick, was a as good as any tank of its day and it had solid bullet proof tyres.  Its independent coil sprung suspension made for a smooth ride. The Dingo was equipped with a Bren Gun and a Wireless 19 set for radio communication.

This Dingo was built in March 1944 and is presented as a scouting vehicle used by Phantom GHQ Liaison Regiment as they developed their pioneering radio reconnaissance work.