Comet A34 Mk1 Model A
Manufactured by Leyland Motors Ltd as Comet A34 Mk1 Model A Cruiser Tank.
This Comet was fully restored (Class A) by BAIV between 2015 and 2016. The tank is still in very good condition and is very original (uncut armor). It comes with many small original details (gauges, bolts and nuts, engine, gearbox etc.). It is in good running order and ready to take part in events or to take it for a spin around your property.
Movie: Comet A34 Mk 1A 'Celerity'
Location
Wichita, Kansas, USA
Year of construction
December 1944
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Manufacturer
Leyland Motors, Royal Ordnance Factories, Royal Arsenal and Vickers
Type
A34, Mk I, Model A
Condition
good condition / runner / Class A restored by BAIV BV in June 2017
Details
Conditions
This Comet was fully restored (Class A) by BAIV between 2015 and 2016 (over 6.000 hours). The tank is still in very good condition and is very original (uncut armor). It comes with many small original details (gauges, bolts and nuts, engine, gearbox etc.)
Class A restored by BAIV, full restoration documentation avaialble;
In nice running condition. Has been running and driving in March 2024;
Batteries are bad need to be replaced, but can be slave started;
Has some small coolant fluid leaks;
Left steering stick needs seal replacment;
Original gun, breech has been cut and a hole in the gun tube;
Can be sold in the USA without restrictions. In case of export an export license must be applied for.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- Leyland Motors, Royal Ordnance Factories, Royal Arsenal and Vickers
- Model
- A34, Mk I, Model A
- Manufacturing date
- December 1944
- Serial number
- T335335
- Length
- 25 ft (7,66 m)
- Width
- 10 ft (3,04 m)
- Height
- 8 ft (2,67 m)
- Weight
- 68.343 lb (34.200 kg)
- Max. speed (land)
- 32 mph (51 km/h)
- Operational range
- 124 mi (198 km)
- Main armament
- Ordnance QF 17 pdr. (76,2 mm)
- Secondary armament
- 2x 7,92 BESA machine guns. Not included.
- Engine
- Rolls-Royce Meteor Mk III V-12, gasoline, 600 hp
- Crew
- 5 (commander, gunner, loader/ operator, driver, hull gunner)
- Armor
- 0,55 – 4 in (14 – 102 mm)
- Production numbers
- 1186
History
The British Comet was essentially an upgraded Cromwell tank. In 1943, it was realized that a new British tank was needed that had a high-velocity gun that could take on and knock out the new Panther and Tiger tanks, but was also fast and had a low profile. The Churchill tank had good armor but was slow and had a weak gun. The Sherman tank was tall. The Cromwell tank was fast and low but its turret could not take a larger gun.
The A43 Centurion tank was under development but it would not be ready until 1945. The British Army needed a stop-gap tank that could quickly be introduced into production. The answer was to fit a new up-armored turret with a high-velocity 77 mm (3.03 in) gun onto late version modified Cromwell chassis. It was called the A.34 Cruiser Tank Comet Mark I Type A.
Design work started in May 1943. The Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company was the design parent of the British Cromwell Tank and the A.34 Cruiser Tank Comet. Other companies were involved in the construction of this AFV, the biggest being English Electric, Fowlers, Leyland and Metropolitan-Cammell.
The British tank designers had used the Christie suspension system on most of their cruiser tanks used in action during World War Two. The Comet tank was the last to use this system. It gave a fast and smooth ride compared to other tank suspension systems.
Production was dispersed around Britain because of the threat of German bombing. Orders for 3,000 Comet tanks were issued and they were to use chassis numbers in the range T334901 to T337900. The end of the war resulted in the early cancellation of part of this order. Only 1,186 were produced. Only 26 were recorded as lost in action during WW2. Not all Comet tanks used the same components. They were built at different factories around Britain with separate supply chains. Some underwent battlefield modifications.
The British A.34 Cruiser Tank Comet Mk.I Type A was used in North West Europe during 1945. After the war, Comet tanks were deployed to the Canal Zone in Egypt and amongst those which were keeping the peace in Palestine. By 1949 Comets were starting to be replaced by Centurion tanks. Comets remained in regular British Army Service in Berlin until 1957 and British Hong Kong until 1959.
Note to buyer
Shipping Information
After buying a classic military vehicle or other items such as cannons, planes, howitzers and tanks, there are several steps you would typically need to take:
Legalities
In principle, no special permit is required for unarmored wheeled and tracked vehicles. In many cases, an export procedure that is comparable to that for exporting classic cars and motorcycles is sufficient. Military collectables older than 75 years and with a value over Euro 50k are often considered National Heritage. In such cases an export permit must be requested from the National Ministry of Culture of the exporting country. Tanks, howitzers and self-propelled or towed cannons often require specific permits that are highly dependent on the country of shipment and the country of destination. In such a case first ensure that you apply for the necessary permits, licenses, and other paperwork required to own and operate such an item in your jurisdiction. This may involve registering the item with the appropriate authorities and complying with any regulations regarding its ownership and use. In such a case it is advisable to contact us in advance because we have many decades of experience in the import and export of Classic Military Heritage. Based on this experience, we can generally quickly provide feedback on what applies to you. This is especially relevant because regulations in this regard change every now and then and sometimes, we also have to deal with export-restrictions. In short: if you want to be sure, contact us in time to avoid difficulties in a later stage.
Storage
Find a suitable storage location for your collectable, preferably a secure and legal place where you can keep it when not in use. This could be a garage, warehouse, or even a specially designed storage facility or museum.
Transportation
After you have all paperwork in place next step will be the (oversees) transport to your desired location. This may involve hiring specialized transport and broker services due to permits, size and weight. Als in this case we can support you with organizing the transport or make sure you get in contact with some experts.
Maintenance and Restoration
Depending on the condition of your military collectable our partner BAIV can help you with maintenance and restoration work to ensure that it is safe and operational. This could involve relatively easy maintenance and repair, service till a Class-A restoration. In such a case please contact BAIV (link to BAIV website).
Training
If you intend to operate a vehicle then make sure you have manuals that describe how the operate vehicle. Nowadays there are numerous reprints available on the Internet that explain you in a playful way how to drive and operate your vehicle. This is often a team effort, which makes owning such a vehicle extra attractive. If required, you can also involve hiring a professional instructor or attending specialized training courses to learn how to drive and maintain it safely. In such a case, our partner BAIV can also support you.
Insurance
Consider obtaining insurance coverage for your vehicle to protect yourself against any potential accidents or liabilities that may arise from owning and operating it. Often there are specialized insurance companies offering these kinds of services. Local military vehicle clubs often also know their way around the specific options offered by insurance companies.
Enjoyment
Finally, once everything is in place, you can enjoy owning and, if permitted, operating your classic military vehicle, cannon or howitzer. Whether it's for display purposes or for participating in historical reenactments, owning such a great unit can be a unique and rewarding experience.
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