The Tank Museum in Dorset is undertaking a remarkable effort to restore one of history’s most iconic military vehicles: the King Tiger tank, known as “V2.” But to bring this historic Second World War tank back to life, the museum must raise over £1 million in funding.
This rare King Tiger, built in December 1943, is the second of its kind ever produced and the sole survivor featuring a unique pre-production turret. Designated “V2” from the German term “Versuchs,” meaning “trial,” it was used exclusively for testing and never saw combat. The tank has been part of the museum’s collection since the 1950s, and although it toured European museums in 2019, the restoration project marks its most ambitious endeavor yet.
Chris van Schaardenburgh, the vehicle collections manager, emphasized the scale and significance of the undertaking: “This is the most ambitious project we have ever attempted. We’re fundraising to ensure that this restoration does not impact our daily museum operations. Beyond bringing V2 back to operational condition, the project offers an invaluable opportunity for research, skill development, and training the next generation of heritage engineers.”
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The four-year restoration will be carried out by The Tank Museum’s in-house workshop team, alongside European engineering partners and heritage specialists. While some original parts are available, others are missing, creating a complex puzzle that blends historical authenticity with engineering expertise. The goal is to return V2 to the exact state it was in when captured and tested by the British Army.
“This project has been on our radar for quite some time,” added Chris. “We’ve received numerous requests to restore V2, and now we’re inviting supporters across the globe to help make this vision a reality. We’re excited to document and share every stage of the restoration process online.”
Supporters interested in contributing or learning more about the King Tiger V2 restoration can visit tankmuseum.org/ktv2.