1965 Vickers FV433 Abbot

Complete with its turret-mounted gun, the Vickers FV433 'Abbot' looks to be in unmodified condition; exactly how it'd have been when in service. While there's limited information about its history, according to the onboard plaque, it underwent CL1 repairs in '73, '78, and '89.

Said to be lightly armored, the FV433 weighed around 16 tons. With the engine and mechanical components located at the front, the hull had a sloping design. Similar to the FV432 APC, this also had a door at the rear. The quad headlamps were in the center of the body whereas the exhaust was positioned rear left.

The Abbot is made to accommodate a crew of four: three in the turret and one driver, seated on the front right corner of the hull. In addition to the 105mm main gun, the FV433 could also be equipped with a machine gun, smoke grenade dischargers, etc. It's said that the Abbot could fire up to 6-8 rounds of shell per minute, making it the preferred choice among self-propelling guns at the time.

Like the FV432 it's based on, the Vickers Abbot is also a tracked vehicle powered by a Rolls Royce K60 Multi-fuel engine. At around 240 hp, that propelled the Abbot to a top permissible speed of 29 mph and a range of 300 miles.

Development of a new SPG began in the late 1950s but it entered service only in 1964. There were 12 prototypes made before the K60-powered, Vickers-made example was chosen. It remained on active duty for about 30-odd years. And not just the British Army, the Abbot was in service elsewhere, too, like with the Indian Army. Odometer shows 1,732 miles.

The Abbot SPG was appreciated for its range, accuracy, and speed, when new. And owning one now, especially in good, original condition, isn't going to be common by any means. This example has an estimated value of $3,000 to $7,000.

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.