Business Details
10 Years
experience
Expert Military Vehicle Restoration & Maintenance in Kent
Established in 2016 by Gavin Barlow, Armoured Engineering is a family-run business specialising in the restoration, servicing, and maintenance of historic military vehicles. With over 18 years of combined experience from our lead engineers, who are serving REME Reservists, we combine modern military engineering skills with traditional techniques to preserve automotive history. Our workshop in Kent provides comprehensive services ranging from component rebuilds to full vehicle overhauls, supported by computer-aided design capabilities. We maintain full insurance coverage for both work performed and client vehicles on-site, ensuring complete peace of mind. Our commitment to transparency includes fortnightly photographic progress reports for all restoration projects.As registered firearms dealers certified by Kent Police, we handle and maintain live Section 1 firearms to the latest specifications. Our facility at Sycamore Farm features 24-hour security with infrared CCTV and fob-entry access. We proudly support the preservation of military heritage through meticulous restorations that maintain historical accuracy while ensuring operational safety. Our team's expertise spans iconic vehicles like the Sherman M4A4, Stuart M3A1, and Vickers Light Tank MkIV, with restoration hours documented for each project. We hold the Silver Award under the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating our commitment to reservist support. Our work has earned recognition including the MILWEB award for outstanding military vehicle restoration.
Services
Vehicle Restoration
Servicing
Gas Gun Systems
CAD Services
Event Support
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- Family-run business with REME Reservist engineers transferring military expertise
- Fortnightly photographic progress reports included as standard
- Full insurance coverage for both work performed and client vehicles
- Registered Firearms Dealers certified by Kent Police for weapon systems
- Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award holders supporting reservist training
What people say
Impressive bow-wave of progress
Passion for detail and perfection
Stunning restoration
Best military engineers
Professional attitude and attention to detail
Services
Vehicle Restoration
Full vehicle or component restoration with documented processes. We provide fortnightly photographic reports and maintain historical accuracy while ensuring mechanical reliability. Our team has completed over 18,000 restoration hours on iconic military vehicles.
Gas Gun Systems
Propane-powered gun simulators integrated into military vehicles. We install systems for 37mm M6, Browning M1919, and RARDEN weapons. Systems use original trigger mechanisms for authentic operation.
Servicing
Mechanical inspections and servicing for historic vehicles. Our REME-qualified engineers perform annual checks, brake pad replacements, and preventative maintenance. Mobile servicing available at client locations.
CAD Services
2D and 3D computer-aided design for vehicle components. We create technical drawings for machinists and digital records for preservation. Services include replica builds and cutting lists.
Event Support
On-site support at military vehicle events. Our REME experience enables field deployments with mobile workshop facilities. We carry specialist parts for M24 Chaffee, Stuart M3A1, and Sherman vehicles.
People
Gavin Barlow
Company Director / Mechanical Engineer
Former RR Motor Services mechanic with 18 years' REME Reservist experience. Specialises in Stuart M3A1 tanks, having restored 22 units. Founded the business in 2016 after 8 years at RR Motor Services.
Questions
What types of military vehicles do you work on?
We handle Sherman M4A4, Stuart M3A1, Vickers MkIV, Centaur III, M24 Chaffee, and other historic armoured vehicles. Our expertise covers both British and American designs from World War II.
Can you work on operational military vehicles?
Yes, we are registered firearms dealers certified by Kent Police. We maintain and de-activate Section 1 firearms systems including our proprietary gas gun simulators for live firing demonstrations.
Do you provide progress updates during restoration?
We provide fortnightly written and photographic updates as standard. Our clients receive detailed documentation of every restoration stage to maintain transparency throughout the process.
Are you insured for military vehicle work?
Yes, we have comprehensive insurance covering both our work and client vehicles on-site. Our premises also features 24-hour infrared CCTV and secure fob-entry access systems.
Do you attend military vehicle events?
We provide mobile workshop support at events. Our REME-trained team carries specialist parts for Sherman, Stuart, and M24 Chaffee vehicles in our 'Fast Movers' boxes for rapid repairs.
