Alvis Straussler AC3D Armoured Car (Dutch)

Description

The Alvis Straussler AC3D was a British-designed armoured car developed in the late 1930s through a collaboration between engineer Nicholas Straussler and Alvis Ltd. It was an evolution of earlier prototypes—the AC1 and AC2—featuring a robust 4×4 chassis, rear-mounted engine, and angular riveted armour. Powered by a 120 hp Alvis six-cylinder engine, the AC3D could reach speeds up to 73 km/h, making it highly mobile for reconnaissance and patrol duties.

A total of 27 units were produced, with 12 delivered to the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL), 12 to the Royal Air Force, 2 to Portugal, and 1 to Japan as a reference vehicle. The Dutch AC3Ds saw combat during the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies in 1942, where they were deployed in platoons for mobile defence and convoy protection. Despite their limited numbers, they performed reliably in tropical conditions.

Armament typically included a Vickers machine gun in the turret and a secondary hull-mounted gun. The AC3D’s design influenced later Hungarian vehicles, notably the 39M Csaba. Though overshadowed by larger armoured vehicles, the AC3D remains a notable example of interwar British engineering and export-oriented military design.

• Country/Army: Dutch
• Material: UV Cured resin
• Painted by: MarDav Miniatures and FroggyPaints
• Original Designer: Wargame3D
• All models are produced under license with the original designer.
• These models are designed for modellers and collectors. They are not toys and are not suitable for children.
• Model supplied unassembled and unpainted. Additional finishing may be required during assembly.
• Finished colour of the product may vary from images shown due to material availability and differences in batches.
• Photos show 28mm models unless noted otherwise.
• All dimensions are complete with weapons unless otherwise stated.
• Other scales and dimensions may be available upon request.
• Models supplied at scales smaller than 20mm may be an alternative design more suitable for small scale prints. These may be sourced from a different designer to the one noted above and the model may differ in details such as lacking camo netting, stowage, having a chunkier weapon barrel, tracks etc.