Lynx Scout Car from the Rear |
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The Lynx Scout Car was a Canadian version of the Daimler Dingo Scout Car, and was built in sizable numbers, with over 3,000 completed during the Second World War.
The Daimler Dingo Scout Car was one of the most successful British vehicles of the Second World War, and a rare example of a vehicle that was in production for the entire duration of the war. It was a small two man four wheel drive armoured vehicle, designed purely for the reconnaissance role, and performed very well when used in that role. Its small size and good speed meant it could find the enemy and then get out of trouble. Around 6,500 were produced in Britain during the war.
The Lynx Scout Car was very similar in design to the Daimler. It was also a four wheel drive two man scout car, with a rear mounted engine and an armoured crew compartment with faceted armour. It was built by the Ford Motor Company of Canada and was powered by a 95hp Ford V8 engine which gave it a top speed of 57mph. It was 1ft 8.5in longer than the British Dingo. It wasn’t quite a complex as the Dingo, and lacked its independent suspension and Daimler fluid flywheel based transmission. As a result the more powerful engine didn’t result in greatly improved performance.
The first Lynx was tested at the MEE in Britain by May 1943 where it got positive reports, but by October 1943 production was delayed while changes were made. Eventually over 3,000 of the Lynx Mk I and Mk II were built in Canada during the Second World War. The Lynx was normally used by Canadian units, but photographs also show it with other units. It served in Italy and in North-Western Europe, performing the same roles as the Daimler original.
Lynx Mk I
The Mk I had an armoured folding roof
Lynx Mk II
The Mk II had the roof removed, stronger springs and axles, and sand channels along the rear which added 7in to the length.
Lynx SP artillery carrier
The self-propelled artillery carrier version of the Lynx was armed with a 2-pounder anti-tank gun complete with its shield. The gun was carried at the front of the body, making it slightly longer.
Scout Car Mk III and Mk III*
A number of similar vehicles were built for Canada by Marmom-Herrington in the United States, as the Scout Car Mk III and Mk III*
Lynx Mk I
Production:
Hull Length: 12ft 1in
Hull Width: 6ft 1in
Height: 5ft 10in
Crew: 2
Weight:
Engine: 95hp Ford V8
Max Speed: 57mph
Max Range: 2000 miles
Armament: 30mm max
Armour:
Lynx Scout Car in the Air