The Invicta Military-Vehicle Preservation Society, or IMPS for short, can be traced to a small rally that had been organised by a group of enthusiasts at Chilham Castle near Canterbury, Kent on July 6th 1980.

Following the success of this event, two of the organisers wrote to the late Major Victor 'Dickie' Dover M.C., F.C.I.S., F.R.S.A. requesting him to convene a gathering of those who had attended Chilham Castle, asking them to attend a meeting at the Drill Hall in Maidstone, on September 10th 1980 to the discuss the possible formation of the new society.

Sixty-five persons attended and after a further two meetings, the Society was formed into a non-profit making organisation, the primary objective being to encourage the preservation of military vehicles of all ages and types.

Building upon the success of the Chilham Rally, the society held its first official Public Display in July 1982 at the Kent & Sussex Railway Headquarters in Tenterden. However the Society soon outgrew this venue and in 1985 moved to the current site at the Hop Farm Country Park (formerly the Whitbread Hop Farm) in Beltring near Paddock Wood, Kent where the annual international 'War and Peace Show' is held in July

The 'War and Peace Show' is the largest event of its kind anywhere in the world, with an expected vehicle attendance of over three thousand anticipated in 2001 from all over Europe, notably France, Belgium, Holland etc. and even from as far away as America and Russia.

Motoring organisations that dedicate themselves to classical vehicles are far from unusual and the IMPS are no exception. However, the Society does not confine itself to praise of a single marque.

All the vehicles belong to and are maintained by the individual members of the Society and illustrate the incredible diversity and ingenuity achieved by the motoring industry in the design of vehicles that 'Go to War'.

They provide a rare opportunity for the public to see at close quarters vehicles that would under normal circumstances only be accessible in a museum environment.The first official IMPS European tour departed in June 1982 to Bastogne which was central to the German's last major offensive in World War II and was immortalised in the film "The Battle of the Bulge". Today, regular tours are arranged specifically to concur with historic events such as the "D-Day Landings" of June 6th 1944, many special bonds have been forged in the countries visited, particularly with the people of Bethune in the area of the Pas De Calais. In the year 2000 celebrations, the IMPS contingent consisted of the largest single group in attendance from anywhere in Europe.

Membership currently stands at well in excess of 1000 and, as one might expect, this consists of a male dominated environment although it is pleasing to see a growing element of female vehicle owners who have recently joined the society.

The benefits of membership include regular monthly meetings, a monthly newsletter, a quarterly journal, discount schemes and privileged entry to many shows.

Since inception, the IMPS have consistently supported charity events of which the proudest for the Society was the "Tribute and Promise Parade" held on August 19th. 1995 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Second World War. This parade passed down 'The Mall' in the presence of the Royal Family and included fifty 'Jeeps' to symbolise the event and to provide much needed transport for the Chelsea Pensioners.The Invicta Military-Vehicle Preservation Society celebrated its 20th Birthday during the Millennium Year. Without Societies like IMPS many of the vehicles that are preserved today would have long since been confined to the scrap heap and the important role they performed in our history would be lost for ever.

Compiled by Andrew Tizzard

Visit the new IMPS website by clicking here.