Motors and Me: Mark Guildea

Mark Guildea gets down and dirty in his 14-ton Rolls Royce-powered British FV 432 armoured personnel carrier.

What are you currently driving?

A tank - to be more accurate, a British FV 432 armoured personnel carrier.

The FV 432 was the most common variant of the 430 series. Introduced in the 60’s and staying in service till the end of the 80’s mostly in supporting role rather than front-line infantry service.

However 54 were updated and reintroduced into service in 2006 for the Afghan war.

Although I can’t get it taxed for our Irish roads, I am thoroughly enjoying roaring around the track here at the Irish Military War Museum.

Love at first sight, or just a means to get from A to B?

Being in love with all that is military from a young age, the second I saw it roll in the gate of the museum I was head over heals in love with it.

I knew there and then that one day I would drive it. Love at first sight is an understatement.

What’s under the bonnet?

There ain’t no bonnet in this bad boy!

However, standing beside me in the front of the vehicle is one huge Rolls Royce K60 Mk2, 2-stroke 6- cylinder multi-fuel engine generating 240hp at 3,750rpm, which pulls this 14 ton beast with a top speed of 55kph.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

I would have to say Sunday driver. I just love driving this thing.

When it comes to opening her up to check out her pipes - I might as well be looking down a hole. But I can top up the oil.

What was your first car?

A Vauxhall Astra, I called ‘The Rocket’. It looked terrible, it sounded terrible and it ran terrible.

The fuel bill was through the roof, I called that “Rocket Fuel”.

If I still had it, I would happily run over it in my tank.

What else do/did you own?

I’ve had a few over the years and I’ve named them all apart from the Suzuki Vitara I am driving now as I only have it a few weeks and it hasn’t earned one yet.

Vauxhall Astra – The Rocket

Rover 213 – The Bucket

Honda Integra – Jembo

Audi A4 (old shape) – The Gent

Land Rover Discovery – The Commander

Citrone Xara Picaso – Petunia

Dream drive in dream location?

Tearing across an outrageously awesome military training ground in the FV 432 at full speed inserting troops right into the heart of the action.

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

A long journey - apart from some good mechanics (just in case); I would have to say my brothers in arms at the museum, William, Neil, Colm, and Ian, because if you have to be with some people for a long time, you might as well spend it with people you can have a bit of fun with, and those guys really do look funny! Lol.

Passenger you’d least like?

Same as above - because they look too funny!

What’s on your playlist?

Everything from Dolly Parton to Pantera. Let it rock.