The Daimler Dingo

Tank Museum photo No. 983/A/8

This immaculate vehicle represents what was arguably one of the finest AFV built in Britain during the Second World War.

Tank Museum photo No. 2917/A/6

The Dingo was a two-man Scout Car with an ingenious transmission that gave five-speeds in both directions using a pre-selector gearbox and fluid flywheel. It was fast, quiet and highly manoeuvrable.

Tank Museum photo No. 2917/A/2

Sitting next to the driver the other crew member could swivel his seat to attend to the No. 19 radio, or face forwards to operate a Bren gun as required.

Tank Museum photo No. 983/A/6

The Dingo was a rear engine layout but well armoured for its size with 30mm thick plate at the front. It also had a flat plate beneath the chassis to enable it to slide across uneven ground but it was always terribly vulnerable to mines.

One very odd feature was the use of solid rubber, instead of pneumatic tyres, which is why no spare wheel was carried. Despite this the independent suspension gave a very comfortable ride.

Tank Museum photo No. 3866/G/2

Our exhibit, which is in desert trim, carries the markings of 12th Lancers in 7th Armoured Division but it is identical to the type of car used by the Inns of Court on D-Day. It was restored to this very high standard by Mr Nigel Care and is on long loan to The Tank Museum.