04/05/2024
The Alvis Saracen, once a weathered relic of wartime service, has been restored and transformed into a state-of-the-art retromod marvel. From its origins as a vehicle built for active war zones, it has undergone a remarkable evolution, now in use to support the Tough Times Foundation - and potentially find a new home with a lucky winner. Yes YOU could be driving 8 of your mates home in the ultimate street toy!
Enter here: https://www.toughtimes.com.au/pages/win/?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=saracen_build_sfxgarage
The restoration journey began with the Saracen's arrival, bearing the scars of half a century's worth of military duty - its exterior rusted, and its interior laden with remnants of defunct communications gear and seats soaked with infantry sweat. Stripped down to its shell, every panel removed, the vehicle revealed decades-worth of dropped tools and parts, testament to a past life.
With ToolPro tools from Supercheap Auto in hand, the Saracen underwent a comprehensive service. A few more trips to SCA saw us fetch lubrication for all 14 gearboxes (yes, that's FOURTEEN gearboxes). MDSfab. stepped in to modify the exterior to bring the beast in line with Australian road standards so it can be driven without a police es**rt, while at the same time adding an additional armoured bull bar to the front that doubles as a cowl for the reverse flow cooling system.
Next she went off to Brisbane Blasting Services who stripped away layers of old NATO green paint during a month-long restoration process. After which, they gave the exterior a completely new look with a tri-colour urban assault camouflage.
Once transported back home, the transformation continued with a dual 24v/12v electrical system. The Solex carburettor was replaced with a Holley Sniper EFI conversion to keep the straight 8 Rolls Royce engine purring into a custom side-exit stainless exhaust. Custom LED headlights and tail lights, along with Lamborghini Aventador-style sequential indicators, bring a modern touch to the exterior.
But it's inside where the Saracen truly shines. Ensuring comfort alongside functionality, the interior received high-density engineering-grade EVA foam padding, and Rencool 24V DC air conditioning for occupant comfort. Retro-fitted with the latest technology, toys include a 24v thermal night vision system with active target identification and tracking for both land and air-based threats, laser range finding, 360-degree cameras, and infrared laser flood lamps. Entertainment is not spared, with dual 32-inch screens for multimedia enjoyment and twin 10-inch touch screens for visibility and navigation.
Have no doubt - this vehicle guarantees unrivalled protection for that 3PM school run in any condition.
Here's a little gallery showing the mammoth task we undertook while making this rig.
Every dollar of profit goes towards people who need it! Raising money to build wheelchair accessible vans with the Tough Times Foundation. So while you might end up with the ultimate street ride, some others are going to end up with a shiny new wheelchar van, it's a win win :)
Lottery permit: 10041/24
