Support the restoration of our FV214 Conqueror to running order…
The Tank Museum has started work on the restoration of our Conqueror heavy tank. Our aim is to bring this beloved tank back to life and for the Conqueror to become part of our proud running collection for future events. When completed, it will be the only running example of the British built Conqueror in the world. We have once again partnered with Joe Hewes to oversee the works needed in making this goal a reality.
Having successfully completed the restoration of the FV4005, Mr Hewes has accepted the challenge to restore another Cold War monster to running condition. And The Tank Museum is turning to its supporters to help raise £50,000 needed to fund the work. The project to restore Britain’s last heavy tank is expected to be complete in time for TANKFEST 2028.
Updates will be announced on The Tank Museum’s website, donor mailing list and videos will be on Mr Hewes’ YouTube channel
The vehicle chosen for the project – Conqueror 40 BA 81 – returned to The Tank Museum from IWM Duxford in the late 1990s.
Having been built at Dalmuir near Glasgow, it entered service in March 1955 and was sent to serve with the British Army of the Rhine as a troop trial vehicle.
It’s thought it may have been the second production vehicle off the line – but its service life was short.
By 1966 the Conqueror was effectively obsolete, and it was sent back to the UK.
Fundraising Progress
In November it was sent to the Fighting Vehicles Research and Development Establishment at Chertsey. Before later being passed to the Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment at Christchurch in Dorset, where it was used as a tug. During this time, its original turret was removed.
In 1985 it was donated to The Tank Museum.
SUPPORT THE RESTORATION
£25
Donors will get their name on the tank when complete and on an online Roll of Honour supporter’s page, a digital certificate, email updates during the restoration, and a place in a draw for a ride in the Conqueror after the restoration is complete, at TANKFEST 2028.
Other Amounts
If you wish to donate a larger sum, please do so below or contact fundraising@tankmuseum.org for more details.
Donors will get their name on the tank when complete and on an online Roll of Honour supporter’s page, a digital certificate, email updates during the restoration, and a place in a draw for a ride in the Conqueror after the restoration is complete, at TANKFEST 2028.
Gift Aid It: If you are a UK Taxpayer, please Gift Aid your donation when prompted. It costs you nothing, but allows us to reclaim 25p for every £1 you donate.
FV214 Conqueror History
The FV 214 Conqueror was Britain’s response to the post-war emergence of Soviet heavy tanks like the IS-3, which outmatched the then-new Centurion in both firepower and armour. Originally developed from the A45 Infantry Support Tank and later the FV 200 series universal hull concept, the Conqueror was intended to act as a heavy support vehicle that could engage enemy heavy armour from a tactical bound behind the main force. It was armed with the formidable 120mm L1A1 rifled gun and featured thick armour, a powerful rangefinder, and an early Hunter-Killer fire control system – a highly innovative feature for its time.
Despite its impressive armament and technological advances, the Conqueror suffered from serious drawbacks. Its 64-ton weight placed a strain on its underpowered engine, and mechanical reliability was poor. The tank also featured an awkward spent-case ejection system and the commander was physically isolated from the rest of the crew. Only 185 Conquerors were produced and it never saw combat, serving exclusively with the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) between 1955 and 1966. The vehicle’s unique features, such as the commander’s Fire Control Turret, were ahead of their time but were negatively countered by mechanical issues.
In the end, the threat the Conqueror was designed to counter never fully materialised, as the Soviet Union did not deploy heavy tanks in the expected numbers. Meanwhile, the Centurion was successfully upgunned to a 105mm weapon, closing the gap in firepower. The Conqueror was eventually phased out and replaced by the Chieftain, which offered an increase in both firepower and armour, coupled with greater mobility but unfortunately still plagued with reliability issues when it entered service.
The FV 214 Conqueror stands as the last heavy tank used by the British Army and a symbol of Cold War-era tank development.
Follow the restoration
Updates will be announced on The Tank Museum’s website, donor mailing list and videos will be on Mr Hewes’ YouTube channel
What do I do if I want a different name on the tank/Roll of Honour?
You will be able to amend the name you have on the tank and webpage by contacting us here.
How can I check on the restoration progress?
If you wish to donate to the restoration, you will be added to our project newsletter mailing list. Significant updates will be announced on The Tank Museum’s website and videos will be on Mr Hewes’ YouTube channel
When will it be finished?
Whilst it’s always difficult to give a specific end date for large projects, our aim and hope is to finish the restoration by TANKFEST 2028.
I want to give this as a gift, will I receive something physical in the post?
No – we don’t send a physical donation confirmation. If you want something to accompany the donation that can be unwrapped, we recommend some merch from our online shop HERE.
The proceeds from this fundraising appeal will fund the FV214 Conqueror restoration project and costs associated with it.
Project costs include labour and the return transportation of the vehicle from The Tank Museum to Joe Hewes, and subsequent return journeys. All donations will be used in this way, unless there are no further costs to be met.
If the amount raised is in excess of total project costs, then these excess funds will be used to support other maintenance and conservation projects being undertaken on Museum vehicles in The Tank Museum Workshop.
Your name will be added to the online Roll of Honour within 30 days of donations being processed.
Donor names applied to the exterior of Conqueror will be in place for a minimum of 5 years after the project is complete.
