[Dartskipper]

A survivor from the Cold War, this heavily modified Opel Senator was used by the British Commander in Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany (BRIXMIS). Purchased locally, it was worked on the workshops and emerged with four wheel drive, beefed up suspension, and half a tonne of armour. Extra fuel capacity was worked in, and blinds were fitted to the back and rear side windows so that the activities of the crew could be concealed. Extra spot lights and map reading lights were installed, and the rear number plate lights could be switched off. Infra red lights, and extra tactical lights that mimicked Soviet military vehicles were also fitted. The crew of three, (one specialist driver, an NCO and an officer who was equipped with a top of the range camera and many rolls of film) would tour East Germany for several days at a time observing Soviet military activity. It was fast and quiet, fairly inconspicuous to casual observation, with a decent cross country performance. It was in service during the 1980's and 90's.

For more extensive patrols, that would penetrate deep into Soviet territory, the vehicle of choice was a Mercedes G Wagen equipped in a similar manner.

The Senator can be seen at the RAF Museum Cold War Exhibition at Cosford.