Airfix Plastic Model Kit

Alvis Saracen Mk.5 (1/35)

Airfix Alvis Saracen Mk.5 depicts one of the most recognisable British armoured vehicles of the post war period. Produced at an impressive 1/35 scale, this plastic model kit offers a substantial and detailed representation of the British Army’s wheeled armoured personnel carrier.

The kit captures the distinctive shape and proportions of the Saracen, with ample opportunity for detailing throughout the hull and exterior features. An instruction sheet, paint layout guide and decal sheet are included to support an accurate and engaging build.

• 1/35 scale plastic model kit
• Alvis Saracen Mk.5 armoured personnel carrier
• Large scale with extensive detail potential
• Includes instruction sheet and paint layout guide
• Decal sheet included

History

The Alvis Company of Coventry was well known during the 1930s for producing high quality prestige cars, a reputation that carried over when the company began developing armoured vehicles for the British Army after the Second World War. When work began on a new armoured personnel carrier in the late 1940s, expectations were high.

Originally, priority had been given to the Saladin armoured car, but the growing emergency in Malaya led to an urgent shift in focus. As a result, the FV603 Saracen armoured personnel carrier was fast tracked into production to meet immediate operational needs.

Operated by a crew of two, the Saracen could carry up to ten troops in its rear compartment, arranged with the commander and wireless operator seated behind the driver and eight soldiers facing each other along the sides of the armoured hull. With strong cross country performance and a commanding presence, the Saracen became closely associated with patrol and internal security duties in towns and cities around the world, rather than front line armoured combat.