Jump directly to the content
Exclusive
SHOOTING UP THE SHOPS

I’m an army nut and I drive a TANK everywhere – but it costs me a fortune to fill it up

DAD Gary Freeland gives new meaning to filling up the tank — by taking an armoured vehicle to a petrol station.

It costs him £800 to fill the FV106 Samson, which has a top speed of around 50mph.

An army nut has got heads turning after buying a tank - and uses it to do his weekly shop
3
An army nut has got heads turning after buying a tank - and uses it to do his weekly shopCredit: Caters
Dad Gary Freeland reveals it costs him £800 to fill the FV106 Samson
3
Dad Gary Freeland reveals it costs him £800 to fill the FV106 SamsonCredit: Caters

Soldier Gary, 35, of Amesbury, Wilts, bought the vehicle for £20,000 and ferries kids Freddie, 13, Phoebe, nine and Harrison, one, in it.

He said: “Its got lots of room for the shopping bags and it will never get dented by a passing trolley.

"It gets lots of attention from people as they walk past our house as it's certainly not something you expect to see every day.

"When I take the tank to do the weekly food shop with the kids, people are always joking with me and asking me why I don't park it in the parent and child space.

Read More on Tanks

"The tank is the best way to get the kids to go somewhere.

"They can't wait to help me with the shopping when they know I am going in the tank.

"Even though the tank is massive, people still tend to park either side of it.

"It makes it very hard to get out of the parking space.”

Soldier Gary, 35, of Wilts, bought the vehicle for £20,000 and ferries his kids in it
3
Soldier Gary, 35, of Wilts, bought the vehicle for £20,000 and ferries his kids in itCredit: Caters
Topics