LOOKING for a new vehicle? Need a reliable motor which will turn a few heads?

Well East Lancashire businessman Ian Procter has just the thing - an armoured car painted in full camouflage colours!

Mr Procter, who owns Radiation Auto Bodies, Burnley, has been using the "tank" for the last two years as an advertising gimmick, with much success.

Now he thinks it's time for a change and has had the vehicle on a lay-by on the A59 near Clitheroe with a "for sale" sign on.

For just £3,000 the new owner would be getting a five-ton, 42-year-old armoured car, which has seen quite a lot of action in various wars and trouble spots across the world. Mr Procter said: "It may only do five miles to the gallon but it is exempt from MOT and and road tax, it will do 50 mph, and there are no windows or mirrors for vandals to smash!

"It's a great fun vehicle - I have even been known to go to the pub with the lads in it.

"I actually bought it to advertise my motor business and it has certainly attracted a lot of customers.

"Now I want a change and I am looking for someone who wants a tank!

"It could be someone who wants to advertise a business like I have done, or a farmer, say, who could put it to use to tow or moves things, or even someone who likes the novelty value of owning an armoured car."

Mr Procter hopes that a passing motorist on the busy A59 will take a fancy to the vehicle but he is not worried about thieves or vandals. He added: "Unless someone comes along with an anti-tank missile, they will never shift it!

Anyone interested in buying it can contact Mr Procter on 01282 452900.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.