World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseThe Daimler Armored Cars were of a related development as the Daimler Scout Cars, with the only practical difference being that the Daimler Armored Cars were equipped with turrets originally made for the Tetrarch light tanks. Although production began in 1939, transmission problems kept them out of service until mid-1941. Their fully independent suspension and four-wheel drive provided them the versatility needed on the front lines. In North Africa, the UK 11th Hussars and the Derbyshire Yeomanry operated them with effectiveness in the desert terrain; units operating these vehicles in Southeast Asia and Europe also reported satisfaction with them. Between 1939 and 1945, 2,694 Daimler Armored Cars were built; they were used by the British until the 1960s, outlasting the planned replacement Coventry armored cars.

SPECIFICATIONS

Daimler Armored Car

Machinery	One Daimler 4.1-liter 6-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 95hp
Suspension	Coil spring, wheel 4x4
Armament	1x40mm QF 2-pdr gun, 1x7.92mm coaxial Besa machine gun, 1x7.7mm Bren machine gun
Armor	7-16mm
Crew	3
Length	4.00 m
Width	2.46 m
Height	2.26 m
Weight	7.0 t
Speed	80 km/h
Range	320 km

Photographs