What is the difference between an AEC 854 and 0854

[LarryH57]

The AEC Matador 4x4 was called 0853  and the other 6x6 versions were AEC 854 and 0854 (and not to be called Matador!)

But what is the difference between an AEC 854 and 0854?

[Sean N]

It's really O853 / O854, O for Oil - i.e. diesel engine, which in those days were also known as oil engines, particularly by AEC - in fact the tradition stuck right through to the '70s with the Militant Mk3

Edited August 31, 2021 by Sean N
Add a thought

[LarryH57]

Thanks - I get it now its an O and not a zero

[LarryH57]

One final thought - is there any way to spot the difference in photos? Any distinguishing features between an O854 and an 854?

[john1950]

Chassis without the O were petrol powered. I think.   

[Noel7]

854s as built had a fairly large autovac tank under the nearside windscreen and a radiator which projected further forward from the cab.

There were 853 Matadors as well.

[NickAbbott]

This is a picture of my 853 Matador - notice the autovac tank on the bulkhead - this is the same as would be fitted to an 854 - these were removed when they were converted to diesel later in life.  Mine seems to be the only 853 that has survived without being converted.  In addition to the petrol engine and autovac tanks, the 853 and 854 also had slightly different electrics to the diesel versions, different gauges on the dash, and as mentioned previously, some of the 854s had the bigger "tropical" radiator, but not all of them.

Nick

[LarryH57]

By chance i was passing WH Smiths and noticed they are selling a paperback/ magazine called Military Trucks Archive and Volume 6 was on AEC Military vehicles including more than trucks, so armoured cars and tanks too, from 1930s up to Militant and beyond.