1952 Alvis Saracen

The FV306 Alvis Saracen shared many components with other vehicles like the Saladin, Stalwart, Salamander, etc. Its production began in 1952 and stayed on for about two decades. But even after that, it's said that the Alvis Saracen continued to be in service till the 90s. Listed here is an ex-military Alvis Saracen, quite possibly in its original, unrestored state, presenting a chance to own a historically relevant APC that was put to service not just in the British Army but also many others.

Measuring nearly 5 meters in length, the Saracen is a 6x6 APC. It has up to 16 mm (0.5 inches) of armor, enabling it to sustain rifle shots and keep its occupants protected. Depending on the kind of use and the version, the Saracen could be specced with a variety of guns. In addition to that, the body also had several firing hatches, smoke protectors, and even periscopes.

The Alvis Saracen had enough space to transport eight troops in addition to the driver and commander. The entry and exit for troops was from the rear whereas there was an escape/entry hatch for the driver at the front, too. The interior arrangement was such that the right behind the engine is where the driver would sit (space for just one here) whereas the troop compartment was just behind that.

The 6x6 APC had drive going to all six wheels, which ensured that getting the Saracen out of challenging conditions was possible. Powering it was a Rolls Royce-sourced inline-eight engine. On smooth terrain, the said engine could propel it to a top speed of nearly 45 mph while the off-road speed was limited to about 20 mph. It had independent torsion bars, which would've aided its ability to go off-road, whereas, with a range of 250 miles+, it could cover long distances without requiring refueling.

The Alvis Saracen was Britain's first APC during the cold war. Production began in 1952, and many examples were made specifically for the export markets. There's a wide variety of iterations that were spawned based on the Saracen, and as mentioned earlier, it found use across the globe. Odometer reading is unknown.

The Alvis Saracen is estimated to have a value between $4,000 and $8,000, which, considering how pivotal the APC has been, doesn't seem like a lot of money. For collectors and enthusiasts, this APC presents a chance to own a slice of history — one that can go almost anywhere.

PLEASE NOTE: The vehicles from this collection have been sitting for a number of years. Mechanical and running condition of each lot is unknown, and they are being sold 'as is'. This vehicle is being sold on Bill of Sale only.