Daimler Dingo 23rd Armoured Brigade

Daimler Dingo 23rd Armoured Brigade

The Scout Car, known in service as the Dingo after the Australian wild dog, was a British light fast four-wheel drive reconnaissance vehicle. This small two-man armoured car was also used in a liaison role during WWII. It was well protected for its size with 30mm of armour at the front. The 2.5 litre 55 hp engine was located at the rear of the vehicle. Although the Dingo featured a flat plate beneath the chassis to slide across uneven ground, it was extremely vulnerable to mines. It carried no spare wheel but because it featured the use of almost solid rubber tyres instead of pneumatic, this was not necessary. A swivelling seat next to the driver allowed the other crew member to attend to the No. 19 wireless or Bren gun, as required. Introduced in 1940, the Dingo was first used by the British Expeditionary Force of the 1st Armoured Division and 4th Northumberland Fusiliers during the Battle of France. It served until 1968, during which it was used by British Commonwealth and associated foreign units during the war and other nations afterwards, being seen in some countries including Cyprus, Portugal and Sri Lanka well into the 1970s.

The new Oxford model is decorated in desert camouflage as used by the Allied Army in North Africa. Identified along the sides and front F 19632, with number 67 on the front and rear, the vehicle also features the Brigade formation badge on the front and rear mudguards. Note the replica fuel cans painted in metallic grey on the vehicle, ‘tied down’ with detailed brown fuel can straps. The chassis and wheel inserts are painted in sandy beige and even the exhaust pipes are given an authentic rusty brown finish.