The Military Vehicle Trust ( MVT ) is an organization dedicated to the conservation of all forms of ex military vehicles. Formed by historic military vehicle enthusiasts, the Trust celebrates its fortieth anniversary in 2008. The Military Vehicle Trust has grown into one of the largest military vehicle preservation groups in existence with branches worldwide and a membership of thousands. It is registered under the Charities Act 1960 No. 327768.

The Essex Branch of the MVT is based in Chelmsford and has a membership of over two hundred people with over two hundred and fifty vehicles ranging from push bikes, jeeps, lorries, artillery and tanks. Historic Military Vehicles are in much demand for fetes, shows, living history displays and film work. Branch member's vehicles date from WW1 and WW2 through to relatively modern examples such as Chieftain tanks.

The Essex MVT raises money to help out various ex-servicemen's charities and where possible contributes to efforts to raise funds for ex service personnel. In particular, the branch actively supports the area's British Legion fund raising activities supplying vehicles as a backdrop for the fund raising collections and the local Normandy Veterans association. Particular attention is paid to ensuring the authenticity of vehicles, equipment and displays to ensure that all our events are of educational value for members of the public and to ensure that the younger generations are aware of our heritage.

The Branch holds its own annual show. The 2008 show was held at Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Upminster, Essex where visitors had the opportunity to see: members display their historic military vehicles, military equipment, re-enactors, vintage and modern aircraft, arena events and flying displays. The show attracted ex military vehicles and aircraft from all over the country.

The 2009 Annual Show "Military & Flying Machines" will also be at Damyns Hall Aerodrome

The Branch publishes a monthly newsletter giving information of local activities and shows.

The Essex Branch of the Military Vehicle Trust holds regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of every month at the Bell Public House, Woodham Ferrers, Essex at 8pm. Anyone interested in membership of the MVT is more than welcome to attend. Ownership of a historic military vehicle is not required. JOIN THE MVT

A copy of the Area's Constitution can be viewed here

Member's historic military vehicles have appeared in many films, TV series and documentaries including Danger UXB, The Dirty Dozen, Patton, Full Metal Jacket and Band of Brothers. In addition to taking part in many shows and displays over the South of England every year Branch members have participated in the D Day Normandy Anniversary and VE Day commemoration events taking part in parades in England and France.

Ex military vehicles are obtained from various sources including military surplus auctions, scrap yards and farms where they have been abandoned after their useful days were over.
Having acquired the vehicle the process of restoring it to its former glory begins, no easy task when years and weather have taken their toll. Most military vehicle restorations are undertaken after stripping the vehicle to its component parts, each piece repaired or replaced if original parts can be tracked down. This process takes many months or even years of hard work and research to ensure the restoration is complete and authentic as possible.