The Abbot was purchased from Jacksons of Doncaster and was in great shape.  It had a virtually new power pack and running gear. The gun was "live" and had to be de-activated.  All I needed to do was cosmetic work - paint and a good interior clean.

However, after a couple of months, the starter motor began to play up and it was decided to remove the power pack and replace the motor...  one hell of a job!!

I drove the Abbot on the road using "L" plates for the first year, until I passed my tracked vehicle test in 1994.

The interior was fitted out with reproduction 105mm shells and was very complete.   The electric turret worked perfectly as did the pressurisation system and intercom etc etc.

Several sets of rubber track pads (98 per side !) were consumed over the three years of my ownership.

We were featured on Central TV news, BRMB radio and Satellite....  all great fun.

The Abbot was parked on our drive at home for three months (very understanding Neighbours) until the tarmac surface was completely wrecked.

Eventually, having driven everywhere within 30 miles radius of home, I decided to sell it as I had no other means of moving it around (low loader etc).

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