Top 10 of Armoured Vehicles

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Top 10 of Armoured Vehicles

Posted on March 15, 2018 – Car Reviews

We have all dreamt of being rich, important and/or famous and live a glamorous life. But, as appealing as it sounds, it isn’t all a garden of roses. With fame, or at least recognition, often come a significant loss of private life and the need for protection. While on the move, celebrities, government officials, the secret service and the army have to use armoured vehicles, strong enough to withstand bullets and bombs but inconspicuous enough not to indicate in which car the VIP is.

So let’s look at what puts an armoured vehicle into the top 10.

 

Mercedes S600 Pullman State Limousine

The Pullman State Limousine manages the feat of being seriously big but not looking like a tank, although it can actually function like a tank. Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Elvis Presley, and political figures like Fidel Castro and Idi Amin chose it as their preferred armoured vehicle as it is bullet- and explosive-proof while still being comfortable.

 

Volkswagen Phaeton

What has made the Phaeton so popular is that its interior and exterior can be extensively customised to satisfy even the most exacting of customers. With its armour-plated exterior, it is seriously safe and it can protect its occupants from violent attacks. It has been used by Angela Merkel, many European officials and even the Pope.

 

Maserati Quattroporte

It has to be said that nobody does style quite the way the Italians do. Yes, an armoured vehicle must be bullet proof and able to withstand attacks, but it doesn’t mean that its appearance should be compromised in any way. It’s Maserati we are talking about after all! Thus, this version of the Quattroporte is indistinguishable from the standard model, making it the preferred vehicle of the Italian government.

 

Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Limousine

Rolls-Royce has always been synonymous with luxury and quality and this armoured model doesn’t disappoint. The exterior is made of Kevlar but little else is known about its specifications which the car manufacturer keeps close to their chests to ensure the car’s overall security. Queen Elizabeth II, one of the Shahs of Iran and a Sultan of Brunei chose this vehicle to transport them.

 

Range Rover

Range Rover have a reputation for making durable, tough vehicles, and the 5.0-litre V8 armoured version is no exception. Like all self-respecting high-security cars, its exterior is bullet resistant, but it has a few more tricks up its sleeve: it can operate even when its tyres are flat; the gas tank is self-sealing so that it can’t be targeted and the under floor and sides have blast grenade protection. This ensures its occupants are safe from explosives or high-calibre bullets. In addition, it can cope with almost any terrain, adding to its versatility and safety.

 

Audi A8 L Security

The designers of the Audi A8 L Security planned for many scenarios when they created this car. Fitted with the best armour plating, the B7, it can repel most bullets and explosions. The wind shield is even fitted with its own explosives to blow it out for a speedy escape. But they didn’t sacrifice comfort for safety. It still managed to be ranked as Number 1 in luxury cars by US News.

 

BMW 760Li High Security

According to BMW, the only vehicle safer than this one is President Obama’s car, which says something!

It does all the usual things you would expect from an armoured car, protecting its passengers from bullet and explosives. But it is also fitted with gas censors that will close all windows and vents in case of a gas attack and will pump clean air into the car. An intercom system makes it possible to communicate with the outside without exposing oneself by opening doors or rolling down windows. In countries where individuals are allowed to carry guns, BMW can even install an optional compartment to store two machine guns. All you need to be absolutely safe in this car is to hire Gerard Butler as your personal body guard!

 

Porsche Panamera 4.8 V8 Turbo

How much protection do your get for a cool NZ$615,000 these days?

The Panamera has a B4 armoured rating, which means that it can stop M16s and 9mm or .44 Magnums fired at point blank range, and the reinforced floor and roof protect its occupants from grenade and landmine explosions.

As you would expect, the fuel tank, radiator and battery are armoured, all glass elements are bullet proof and like the armoured Range Rover, it can still function with flat tires. All this with no loss of style or comfort.

 

Bentley Mulsanne

Created by the division that makes cars for Queen Elizabeth II, the Bentley Mulsanne is the epitome of style. It will, of course, protect its precious cargo from heavy gun fire, explosives and chemical assault. It is also a perfect getaway vehicle as it can reach 90 km/h from 0 in 5.1 seconds.

 

‘The Beast’

The official car of Barack Obama when he was president, ‘the Beast’ was manufactured by Cadillac.

Even if it wasn’t the vehicle of the most powerful office in the world, you would expect a formidable car with such a nickname, wouldn’t you, and you would be right. The vehicle that carries the ruler of the free world is like a bunker on wheels, and it is as well-equipped as one could possibly imagine.

The armour protecting the exterior of the vehicle is so thick that one door of the vehicle is as heavy as that of a Boeing 747. As for the interior, it is sealed to protect the president from gas attacks, and, should he be seriously wounded despite all of this, a supply of the president’s own blood is kept on the vehicle.

 

Not rich or famous? We’ll still be delighted to transport your non-armoured vehicle. We pride ourselves on making the process stress-free and transparent. Why don’t you give us a call on + 64 9 309 11 63 to find out more or request a free online quote?

 

 

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