Ref.: AFVC-35236
AEC Truck Early type The AEC Matador was an artillery tractor built by the Associated Equipment Company for British and Commonwealth forces during the Second World War. AEC had already built a 4 x 2 lorry, also known as the Matador (all AEC lorries received ’M’ names). The Matador was distinctive with its flat fronted cab with gently curved roof, wheels at the corners and a flat load carrying area covered by a canvas or tarpaulin tilt. The cab was made from ash and clad in steel. It was equipped with a winch (7-ton load in its case) like all artillery tractors. The O853 provided the basis for the ’Dorchester’ armoured command vehicle. AEC also produced a larger ’Marshall’ 6x6 vehicle (model O854) based on the 4x4 Matador which were generally, if not officially, also called Matador. The O854 also provided the basis for an armoured command vehicle, the O857. About 9,000 Matadors were built, some going to the Royal Air Force (RAF). In 1942/43 for the North African campaign some Matadors mounted the 6 pounder anti-tank gun to give the AEC Mk1 Gun Carrier "Deacon". The Canadian Army used the Matador during the Second World War. Post war the Matador was found in civilian use as a recovery truck
VOYA-PE35734