AEC Matador 1939 Welland Steam & Country Rally Military Off Road Course Drivers View

1939 AEC Matador O853 123 Military Off road Course at Welland steam & Country Rally 27-7-2024
Here we see my 85 year old AEC Matador tackle the Military off road course at Welland Show.
The AEC MAT (Medium Artillery Tractor) was widely regarded as one of the best wartime trucks of any county made for WW2. Known for its excellent off road and haulage capabilities. Originally intended as an Artillery Tractor intended to tow 3.7 inch Anti Aircraft guns, 4.5 and 5.5 inch Cannons.

This Matador is chassis No. 123. It is the 123rd Matador built, the 9th oldest surviving Matador and the oldest in original unrestored condition.

This vehicle was ordered by the WD under contract V3501 dated 24th August 1939. Information supplied by the Leyland Motors Museum suggest that the vehicle was built in late October or early November 1939. This vehicle was originally specified to be built with a diesel Engine, but during construction the WD ask if a batch could be converted to petrol engines and this vehicle was one of the batch select. This was due to the upcoming Norwegian Campaign and the fear of the WD that Diesel engines would be difficult to start in extremely cold conditions. It is not known if any Matadors ever made it to Norway. But it is known that the WDs fears that the AEC 7.7 Diesel engine would not start in the cold were completely unfounded, as the AEC 7.7 Diesel is legendary for starting instantly even in the coldest conditions.