The History of the MVCG and MVT
Background
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Following the Second World War, thousands of military vehicles, no longer required by the Armed Forces, were put up for general sale.
The years of post-war austerity saw private ownership of ex-military vehicles increase, as they provided versatile, durable and cheap workhorses for farmers, builders and other trades; Jeeps became tractors, trucks recovery vehicles and some vehicles were just bought for their engines which were used to drive machinery. |
As years passed, these vehicles became used for pleasure by a growing number of enthusiasts; in the 1950s rallies, which exploited their off-roading capabilities, were organised and a hobby was born. During the 1960s, owners began attending events such as Classic Car Shows and Steam Fairs and groups of owners even ventured abroad to early commemorative events in France and Holland. Despite this, many hundreds of older ex-military vehicles fell into disrepair and were scrapped as they came to the end of their “normal” working lives.
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The MVCG
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In 1968, a group of enthusiasts led by Peter Gray, established the Military Vehicle Conservation Group (MVCG) to promote the preservation of our military motoring heritage. Peter, originally from the Channel Islands became known for importing WW2 vehicles, mainly Jeeps, from France.
MVCG members showed amazing foresight to save vehicles that would have otherwise been scrapped at a time when preservation was not seen as necessary. They pioneered the rescue of this important element of history |
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The MVCG pioneered the creation of a national network of members who ensured that vehicles were saved from their fate and began organising events both here and abroad, where they enjoyed showcasing their vehicles. In particular, they attended two steam/classic vehicle shows at Shottesbrooke and Winkfield . Their display team called 'Hell on Wheels' was in demand by show organisers as it increased their public attendance.
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A major change in 1973 took place when a tour of Normandy was announced for members for the following year, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of D-Day. Richard Beddall, Ken Lewis, and Steve Gascoigne (still current members) attended.
The Normandy Tour was a great success and it spawned further European Tours which continue to this day.
The Normandy Tour was a great success and it spawned further European Tours which continue to this day.
MVCG 1st Normandy Tour 1973 Southwick House, nr Portsmouth, the
D- Day Allied HQ whilst waiting for the ferry from Southampton to Le Harvre, l/r Anne (Ian's partner) Ian Trigg, Tony Ratcliffe, Hank Schumacher, Steve Gascoigne, Janet Marchant, Colin Bob Duthie, Ken Lewis. 
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1975 Breakout Tour Bill Millin D-Day veteran and piper in Normandy Town
3 more from the Breakout Tour.
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Breakout Tour 1975
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MCVG members went on to attend many events up and down the country.
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Early 1970's at Edge Hill Quarries Warwickshire, Steve Gascoigne driving his Jeep with Ken Lewis hanging on - clearly before today's code of conduct applied!
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Steve Gascoigne about to set off from Leamington Spa on inaugrual solo trip to Normandy. In the era this Jeep was his sole means of transport
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Vintage
MCVG merchandise |
Windscreen in one of its earliest guises.
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Vintage
MCVG merchandise |
The MVT
In 1987, the MVCG changed its name to “The Military Vehicle Trust” and became a registered charity, with the aim of
“promoting the recovery, restoration and preservation of all types of military vehicles, to encourage members by providing a communication network between other enthusiasts at home and overseas and support organised events for the demonstration and display of the members' restored vehicles”.
By then, our members had restored hundreds of vehicles and had helped form the hobby into what it is today.
“promoting the recovery, restoration and preservation of all types of military vehicles, to encourage members by providing a communication network between other enthusiasts at home and overseas and support organised events for the demonstration and display of the members' restored vehicles”.
By then, our members had restored hundreds of vehicles and had helped form the hobby into what it is today.
During the 1990s, WW2 and 1940s events became popular and even more people became interested in owning vehicles. Hollywood played a significant role in encouraging interest in American vehicles and consequently jeep ownership and prices soared. By the new Millennium, the hobby was very well established with possibly up to 20,000 ex-military vehicles in private ownership.
Today, spare parts, servicing and restoration services are widely available and the hobby has grown its own mini-industry. Post-war vehicles have become much more popular, often offering a cheaper option to WW2 vehicles and the
MVT have promoted interest in these later vehicles.
Our membership numbers have risen through the decades and now stand at an all-time high of well over 6,000, making us the largest organisation of ex-military vehicle owners and enthusiasts in the world.
Today, spare parts, servicing and restoration services are widely available and the hobby has grown its own mini-industry. Post-war vehicles have become much more popular, often offering a cheaper option to WW2 vehicles and the
MVT have promoted interest in these later vehicles.
Our membership numbers have risen through the decades and now stand at an all-time high of well over 6,000, making us the largest organisation of ex-military vehicle owners and enthusiasts in the world.
Members attending Peter Gray's funeral in Caen on 10th November 2015
Thanks to Steve Gascoigne and Simon Bromley for their information and to all those who have given photos.
