OUR HERITAGE & PHILOSOPHY
Rare historical preservation experts trusted with irreplaceable armour
For over a decade, Armoured Engineering Ltd has restored some of the world's rarest historic armoured vehicles for private collectors, museums and historic organisations.
Every restoration is approached with the same philosophy: preserve historical integrity, engineer for longevity, and ensure every decision is supported by research and authenticity.
We believe these vehicles are more than machines - they are surviving pieces of military history. Our responsibility is not simply to restore them, but to safeguard their legacy for future generations.
Our Story
Founded in 2016 by Gavin after eight years at RR Motor Services, Armoured Engineering Ltd was established with a single purpose: to provide historically accurate restoration for military vehicles without compromising authenticity.
Since relocating to larger premises in 2019, our reputation has continued to grow. Today, our workshop is entrusted with long-term restoration projects from collectors and institutions across the UK, with our restoration programme fully committed through to at least 2028.
Alongside leading the business, Gavin continues to serve as a REME Reservist. The engineering discipline, technical standards and attention to detail developed through military service are reflected throughout every restoration undertaken by the company.
In recognition of this commitment, Armoured Engineering proudly supports the Armed Forces Covenant and has been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award.
Why Clients Trust Us
Entrusting a rare historic vehicle to a restoration workshop requires complete confidence. Every vehicle in our care is treated with the same level of security and professionalism we would expect for our own collection.
Our workshop is located within a secure site protected by controlled fob access, 24-hour infrared CCTV, comprehensive floodlighting and monitored intruder alarms. In addition to full insurance for restoration work, every customer's vehicle is fully insured while in our custody, providing complete peace of mind throughout the restoration process.
As a Registered Firearms Dealer appointed by Kent Police, we are authorised to possess, repair and certify live Section 1 firearms, including deactivation work carried out to current UK specifications. This accreditation reflects the high level of security, accountability and regulatory compliance maintained throughout our workshop.
When clients choose Armoured Engineering, they are not simply commissioning engineering work, they are placing irreplaceable military history into the hands of specialists committed to preserving authenticity, provenance and historical accuracy for generations to come.
THE EXPERTS TRUSTED WITH MILITARY HISTORY
Gavin Barlow VR EngTech MIMechE
Founder | Lead Restoration Engineer
With over 17 years of specialist experience, Gavin has established a reputation for restoring some of the rarest surviving military vehicles to the highest standards of historical authenticity. His particular expertise lies with the Stuart M3A1 Light Tank, having worked on twenty-two examples and personally led the complete restoration of three. The most recent, "Clementine", is now on permanent display at The Tank Museum, Bovington - a testament to the quality and historical integrity of his work.
Alongside his civilian career, Gavin has served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Reserve for more than 19 years and currently holds the appointment of Artificer Sergeant Major (ASM) as a Warrant Officer Class 1.
A professionally registered Engineering Technician and Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Gavin combines practical engineering expertise with meticulous historical research, to deliver book-perfect restorations.
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Kirsty Barlow
Business Systems & Operations
Kirsty oversees the financial management, business systems and day-to-day operations that support every restoration project undertaken by Armoured Engineering Ltd. From project administration to client communications and financial management, she ensures the business operates with the same organisation and attention to detail that defines our engineering work.
A certified SketchUp CAD designer and Claris FileMaker developer, Kirsty has designed and implemented many of the bespoke digital systems that underpin the company. These include project management, restoration documentation, inventory control and reporting systems, enabling clients to receive clear, structured updates throughout the restoration process.
Professionally, Kirsty works as a Senior Insight Analyst, bringing extensive experience in data analysis, business intelligence and process improvement. This analytical approach has been instrumental in developing the efficient back-office systems that allow our workshop to focus on delivering historically accurate restorations.
Having grown up immersed in the world of historic military vehicles and attending the War & Peace Show from an early age, Kirsty shares the same passion for preserving military history that drives every aspect of Armoured Engineering's work.
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Mike Hopkins AAE MIMI EngTech MSOE MIRTE LCGI
Restoration Engineer
Mike brings more than two decades of professional engineering experience to Armoured Engineering Ltd, having successfully owned and operated Kent 4x4 Centre, an independent Land Rover specialist, for over 20 years. His extensive knowledge of vehicle systems, fault diagnosis and mechanical restoration provides invaluable expertise across a wide range of historic military vehicles.
A highly experienced engineer and vehicle restorer, Mike has spent many years preserving and maintaining his own collection of military vehicles. This hands-on experience, combined with his professional engineering background, gives him a deep appreciation for both historical authenticity and mechanical reliability.
As a professionally recognised Engineering Technician and member of several respected engineering institutions, Mike approaches every restoration with precision, craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. His experience plays a key role in ensuring each vehicle is restored not only to operate as intended, but to honour the engineering standards of its original manufacturers.
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Chris Waghorne
Restoration Engineer
Chris brings a strong background in heavy vehicle engineering, having previously worked as an HGV technician with extensive experience in vehicle inspection, maintenance and mechanical systems. His methodical approach and technical knowledge ensure every component is restored and assembled to the highest standards of workmanship.
Alongside his professional career, Chris has a longstanding passion for classic vehicles and historic engineering. This enthusiasm, combined with his practical experience, makes him a valuable member of the restoration team, where attention to detail and mechanical authenticity are fundamental to every project undertaken.
