We’re delighted to announce our plans to restore King Tiger V2 to running condition.
We need YOUR help to raise over £1 million to fund this four-year project – help us bring KT V2 back to life!
It is a unique vehicle. Not only is it the oldest King Tiger tank, it’s also the only one to survive with the pre-production turret.
The restoration will be led by The Tank Museum’s workshop team, supported by a range of carefully selected partners from across Europe and guided by external experts when necessary.
Built in December 1943, as the second off the production line, this vehicle is known as “V2” – the V being short for “Versuchs” which translates as “trial”.
King Tiger V2 spent the remainder of the war as a test vehicle and never fired a shot in anger – but when it was recovered by the British was robustly tested and dismantled for evaluation.
Today, the vehicle is a shell. Some parts are in storage, but others are missing.
Vehicle Collections Manager, Chris van Schaardenburgh, said:
“This is a project we have been considering for some time. It’s something that has been frequently suggested – so we hope our supporters around the world will get behind us to make it happen.
“Our aim is to return King Tiger V2 to as close as possible to the condition it was in when the British Army took control of the vehicle. It’s going to be a fascinating and challenging project – and we’re looking forward to sharing every step online.”
