Offered here is a very fine example of a desirable World War II British Universal Carrier, more popularly known as a Bren Gun Carrier. This example was built by Ford Motor Company of Canada in October 1944. Ford Motor Company of Canada manufactured approximately 29,000, with a small fraction of that surviving today. Based on a design by Vickers-Armstrongs dating to 1934, Universal Bren Gun Carriers were first introduced in 1940 for the war effort and were manufactured until as late as 1960 by a few other companies in which it saw continued use in later conflicts. From the sands of North Africa to the jungles and plains, these saw widespread use by British and Allied forces in all theaters of World War II where they were well received. They served as a versatile system, filling various roles including transporting equipment and personnel, support weapons, use as a machine gun platform, anti-tank weapon platform, and mortar platform. This Mk II variant supports a four man crew consisting of a driver and gunner in the front, and two riflemen in the rear, with a hatch on the front allowing use with a .303 caliber Bren machine gun or a .55 caliber Boys bolt action anti-tank rifle, a machine gun mounting point up high, and holders inside for small arms and a PIAT anti-tank weapon. Power is supplied by a 239 cubic inch (3.9 liter) Ford flathead V8 gasoline engine producing 85 hp, allowing 30 mph top speed with an operational range of approximately 150 miles. A towing attachment is located on the rear, allowing capability to haul the Ordnance QF 6-pounder anti-tank gun. Provenance: The Allan Cors Collection

Very fine overall as an older restoration, retains 99% green/brown painted finish. The attractive interior is also very fine and appears mostly complete minus some small accessories. The metal tracks are fine with some light surface corrosion. Mechanically runs fine. An attractive example of a desirable World War II Universal Bren Gun Carrier, out of the respected collection of Allan Cors, that would make a fine addition to any military collection! This military vehicle will be off-site for preview. Please contact RIAC to schedule your slot for our special open house day in Virginia, May 8th, 2024.