AEC Matador MAT

AEC Matador MAT

AEC Matador 0853 M.A.T.

History

The concept of the Matador originated from a design by Charles Cleaver and was produced by Hardy Motors and FWD in the early 1930's. AEC (Associated Equipment Company) bought up Hardy in 1932 and the first production of the Matador appeared in 1937.

The Matador was originally designed as a Medium Artillery tractor (M.A.T.) and would be used to tow the 5.5" gun and often 3.7" guns and radar equipment . The first few vehicles were designated the 853 and were petrol fueled, but most had the 7581cc diesel engine and were designated the 0853 where "0" signified "oil engine". The first prototype MAT was delivered in January 1939 and the first full production model 0853 was delivered in November 1939.

The MAT version had a standard design body for carrying ammunition and the crew, which was also fitted to FWD SU COE tractors and a similar design to the Albion CX22S HAT. Other versions were designed with various bodies including generators, communications/radar equipment, a 25pdr portee and a 3/4 tracked version called the Matrac. A 6-wheeled version was also built and designated the 0854, typical body types included fuel tankers and various armoured bodies.