1963 Centurion Mk 7 Bridge Layer – Rare Find

A Centurion Mk 7 Bridge Layer in this condition is a true rarity. Released from the Swiss Army in the 1970s and remarkably complete, it still includes a wide range of original pioneer tools. Only one is known to exist in full working order with bridge—will this become the second? Or serve as the perfect base for your own Centurion MBT project?

Location

Heythuysen, The Netherlands

Year of construction

1963

Country of origin

United Kingdom

Manufacturer

Royal Ordnance Factory

Type

Mk 7 Bridge Layer

Condition

Original condition/non-runner

Margin Goods

Yes margin goods; No VAT applicable

€ 30.000,-

Incl. commission

Details

Condition

Finding a Centurion Mk 7 Bridge Layer in this condition is exceptionally rare—especially one as complete and well-preserved as this. Released from the Swiss Army in the 1970s, this vehicle still features an impressive array of original pioneer tools and equipment, as shown in the photos.

The engine is currently non-running but turns freely, offering a solid starting point for restoration. Bridging units for this type (No.6 or No.9) occasionally appear on the market, presenting a unique chance to complete the vehicle.

To date, only one Centurion Bridge Layer is known to exist in full, operational condition with bridge. Could this become the second? Or perhaps the ideal foundation for your Centurion MBT Mark I build?

Whether your goal is a full restoration or a donor platform, this Centurion offers rare potential that’s increasingly hard to find.

Interested in getting it up and running? Our partner BAIV can bring this vehicle back to life at an additional cost. Contact Tracks & Trade to explore the possibilities.

Specifications

Technical details

Manufacturer: Royal Ordnance Factory
Model: FV4002 Centurion Mk 7 Bridgelayer
Manufacturing date: 1963
Serial number: C5MS85
Contract number: 4/KL/G/C189
Length: 25 ft (7.60 m)
Width: 11 ft 1 in (3.38 m)
Height (including bridge): 9 ft 10.5 in (3.01 m)
Weight: 96.000 lb (48.500 kg)
Max. speed: 22 mph (35 km/h)
Engine (drive): Rolls-Royce Meteor petrol engine; 650 hp (480 kW)
Engine (hydraulic bridge system): Rolls Royce B40 A petrol engine
Crew: 3
Road registration: No
Permits & licences: (Import/export) permits will be required

History

Among the most useful conversions of the Centurion tank was that of the bridge-layer.
As well as transporting and deploying various bridges it could also be used as a crane for other purposes as well. This conversion could be used with my No.6 or No.9 bridges.

The Centurion Bridge Layer was manufactured by the Royal Ordnance Factory.The vehicle carried a crew of 3 with the driver located in the same position as the Main Battle Tank. The other members of the crew were located towards the left and center of the vehicle within the superstructure which replaced the original turret.

A Rolls-Royce B series petrol engine powered the hydraulic system for the aluminum alloy No. 6 Tank Bridge launch and recovery equipment. The Number 6 was a single piece bridge mounted on the Centurion which used an ‘up and over’ method of launch deployment.

Not only was the Centurion fast but the No. 6 bridge was 52 ft long and its ramps were 4 feet 8 inches wide. The bridge could span a gap of 45 feet and carry a weight class of 80 tons. To enable the deployed bridge to be used by smaller vehicles a central roadway was installed by hand between the main bridge ramps.

The Centurion Bridge Layer was used to span gaps up to 45ft wide.