South African Defence Force Buffel Mk1A Armoured Personnel Carrier (Road Legal, Rare UK Example) with Trailer

Lets Talk Militaria UK

Country of Origin: South Africa
Time Period: 1978-1990
Battle / War: South African Border War
Product Condition: Good
Product Dimensions (cm): 5.1mx2mx3m

The Buffel Mk1A was the world’s first mass-produced mine-protected Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), developed by the South African Defence Force (SADF) during the Border War to counter the growing threat of landmines and ambushes in South West Africa (Namibia) and Angola. Its innovative V-shaped hull provided unmatched protection from mine blasts and became the forerunner of today’s modern MRAP designs. This particular vehicle is an exceptionally rare 1985 Buffel Mk1A, one of only three examples known in Europe and just two vehicles fully road legal in the UK. It comes complete with V5 registration, MOT, and current UK road tax – making it not just a collector’s piece but a usable, road-compliant military vehicle. • Restoration: Fully restored in the UK from the chassis up in 2013, with less than 1,000 miles since rebuild. It has been serviced every six months since restoration. • Chassis & Powertrain: Built on the German Mercedes-Benz Unimog 416 / U1100L chassis, powered by the Atlantis Diesel ADE352 / Mercedes-Benz OM352 6-cylinder, 5.7L water-cooled diesel engine delivering 93.25kW at 2800rpm. • Drive & Suspension: Features selectable 2WD/4WD, Hi/Lo ranges, full differential lock, throttle control, and power steering. Braking assisted by a 30L air tank, which also supports gear range selection and tyre inflation. • Capacity & Protection: Crew of 1 driver + 10 seated infantry in the armoured rear compartment. Fully plated with 40mm armoured glass, fitted with 10 fixed firing ports and optional machine gun mounting. • Onboard Systems: Equipped with a 200L diesel tank (range approx. 625 miles), 100L fresh water tank, and four-point harnesses for all crew. • Spare Parts: As it is Unimog-based, spare parts are readily available across Europe. Vehicle comes with its own parts manual cross-referenced with Mercedes-Benz part numbers. • Events: Currently displayed with the South African Forces Living History Group UK, appearing at leading shows including the War & Peace Revival.

 

SPECIFICATIONS • Vehicle Type: Mine-Protected Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) • Crew: 1 driver + 10 crew • Armament: Optional mounted light machine gun + 10 fixed firing ports • Mass: 6.14 tonnes (combat loaded) • Length: 5.1 m • Width: 2.05 m • Height: 2.95 m • Ground Clearance: 420 mm • Engine: Atlantis Diesel ADE352 / Mercedes-Benz OM352, 6-cylinder, 5.7L water-cooled diesel • Output: 93.25 kW @ 2800 rpm • Power/Mass Ratio: 15.19 kW/t • Transmission: Synchronised, 8 forward / 4 reverse gears, in-motion selectable 4x2 / 4x4, equal front/rear distribution • Brakes (Mk1A): Drum brakes (Mk1B upgraded to discs) • Tyres: 12.5R20 at 3 bar pressure • Fuel Capacity: 200L diesel • Water Capacity: 100L potable • Performance: Max road speed 60 mph (96 km/h) • Range: Approx. 625 miles UK PRICE & AVAILABILITY Buffel APC only: £45,000 Trailer only: £5,000 APC + Trailer package: Discounted combined price available on negotiation. This represents an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire not only a combat-proven design and iconic SADF vehicle, but one of the very few road-legal Buffels in Europe – fully operational, UK registered, and ready for shows, collections, or private ownership.

 

UK PRICE & AVAILABILITY

  • Buffel APC only: £45,000

  • Trailer only: £5,000

  • APC + Trailer package: Discounted combined price available on negotiation.

This represents an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire not only a combat-proven design and iconic SADF vehicle, but one of the very few road-legal Buffels in Europe – fully operational, UK registered, and ready for shows, collections, or private ownership.

 

Contact us for more information and shipping!

£50,000.00
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