Armoured cars worth R1.8 million take over small South African town

Mossel Bay, a small harbour town in the Western Cape of South Africa, has made a significant purchase, acquiring two powerful armoured vehicles from Gauteng-based SVI Engineering. Specialising in military-grade vehicles and armour solutions, SVI Engineering modifies popular car models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Land Cruiser to provide exceptional protection.

The newly acquired vehicles, known as the Max 3, are of immense value, each initially priced at R1.8 million (excluding VAT) when they were launched in May 2021. While the exact amount paid by the Western Cape municipality has not been disclosed, these robust machines will now become part of the Mossel Bay authorities’ crime-fighting fleet, bolstering protection for law enforcement officers against various threats they encounter.

The Max 3 is constructed on a Toyota Land Cruiser 79’s chassis, but its hull is entirely new, crafted from ballistic materials to ensure the safety of occupants from projectile attacks and blast damage. Designed to provide security forces with the necessary equipment to combat violent crime, terrorism, violent demonstrations, and regional conflicts, the Max 3 offers multiple versions, including single cabs, double cabs, and a six-wheeler option with a third axle. For Mossel Bay authorities, they have chosen the eight-seater personnel carrier model known as the Troopy.

One of the advantages of the Max 3 being based on a commercial vehicle is that it does not require a special license to operate, and if needed, it can be serviced at a Toyota dealership.

Certified at a B6 armour grade, these vehicles are capable of withstanding fire from powerful assault rifles like the AK47 and offer protection against anti-personnel grenades. This level of protection is achieved through a steel structure fitted with armoured plates and ballistic glass, which adds a significant 2,000kg to the vehicle, necessitating the replacement of the standard suspension, wheels, and tyres.

Under the hood, the 4.5-litre, V8, turbo-diesel Toyota engine remains unchanged, providing an output of 151kW and 430Nm, which proves more than sufficient to propel this heavily armoured SUV, according to SVI Engineering.

With the addition of the Max 3 to their crime-fighting arsenal, Mossel Bay authorities are taking a proactive step towards enhancing safety and security in their town, ensuring the protection of law enforcement personnel and citizens alike.

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