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Unique ID: 1164 Added to Database: February 2010 Last Edited: 24 March 2012 Type (ID): FV4201 Chieftain (3570) Model (ID): Prototypes (3571) Location Category (ID): The Tank Museum - Reserve Collection (3016) Location (ID): Storage (3016) Serial Number: P6 pilot model. Registration: 99 SP 23: “99 SP 23” painted on nose and right rear mudflap. Name: Other Identification: Collection Reference: E2011.1645. Links: Museum Vehicle Record Earliest Chieftain Saved From Scrap References: Associated Tanks: Location History: (see map) 1: Leyland Motors, Farington, Lancashire, North West England, Britain (Chassis design parent) 2: Directorate of Tank Design, Chertsey, Surrey, South East England, Britain (1960 – ca2011) 3: The Tank Museum - Reserve Collection, Bovington, Dorset, South West England, Britain (Current location) 4: The Tank Museum - Tankfest Arena, Bovington, Dorset, South West England, Britain (Static display at Tankfest 2011) 5: The Tank Museum - Reserve Collection, Bovington, Dorset, South West England, Britain (Current location) Text in original Preserved British Tanks publication: [No entry] Text in Preserved British Tanks Update: [No entry] Text in original Preserved Tanks In Britain publication: It is believed that this tank is P6, one of the first six Chieftain prototypes to be built. P6 was delivered to the Fighting Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (FVRDE) at Chertsey, Surrey in January 1960. Although this tank never entered regular service with the British Army it remained at FVRDE Chertsey and was used for a variety of experiments. For example in about 1965 it was adapted at FVRDE to drive under water. This was done by sealing all the hatches, totally enclosing the gun and turret in a huge rubberized cover and erecting a waterproof tower on top of the turret. This tower was large enough for the commander to climb up and down inside so that, when the tank was moving under water the commander remained above the surface, at the top of the tower, and guided his driver via a microphone. The tower also provided fresh air for the crew and a means of escape if anything went wrong. FVRDE had their own deep water testing tank although more realistic trials could be conducted in The Fleet, a stretch of sea water inside the famous Chesil Beach in Dorset. (Source: Museum Vehicle Record). This Chieftain ended up on display on a concrete plinth outside the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) in the mid 1990’s. A Tank Museum news item of 4 May 2011 reported: “The Tank Museum has added what is believed to be the oldest Chieftain tank in existence to its collection of armoured vehicles. The FV4201 Chieftain prototype (99SP23), built in 1959, was rescued from a scrap yard where it would soon have been broken up and lost forever. But the vehicle was spotted and tracked to its destination by someone with close links to The Museum, who contacted staff to alert them to his discovery. The tank, which was last recorded as having been a gate guard at Chertsey, had been sold to merchants who were unaware of its significance. Tank Museum Curator David Willey said; ‘On this occasion we were fortunate that we got there on time – and that the scrap dealers were both understanding and willing to help us. Of course, we are also very grateful to have received such an important tip-off.’ With time running out for the aging machine, a ‘stay of execution’ was negotiated, a deal completed, and the vehicle was released to The Tank Museum soon after.” This Chieftain was on static display at Tankfest 2011.

Images - Photographs and NavPix (click to expand or browse)

June 2011 1: Front right view Taken: 25 June 2011 Contributor: Peeteekayy Photo ID: 6783 Added: 26 February 2012 Filename: 58853502... Views: 373 Select/Has Priority: 21/0
October 1995 2: Front left view, with permission © British Crown Co... Taken: October 1995 Contributor: Crown Copyright Photo ID: 2693 Added: 21 February 2010 Filename: Scan_Chi... Views: 350 Select/Has Priority: 21/0		3: Front right view, with permission © British Crown C... Taken: October 1995 Contributor: Crown Copyright Photo ID: 2694 Added: 21 February 2010 Filename: Scan_Chi... Views: 278 Select/Has Priority: 21/0		4: Rear left view, with permission © British Crown Cop... Taken: October 1995 Contributor: Crown Copyright Photo ID: 2695 Added: 21 February 2010 Filename: Scan_Chi... Views: 1655 Select/Has Priority: 21/0
5: Front view, with permission © British Crown Copyrig... Taken: October 1995 Contributor: Crown Copyright Photo ID: 2696 Added: 21 February 2010 Filename: Scan_Chi... Views: 291 Select/Has Priority: 21/0

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