Steve Cahill's neighbours have been looking at him sideways lately.
And no wonder.
"They really don't know what I am going to do next. I like to keep them wondering."
What has been catching their eye is the huge monstrosity parked at his house.
"It's not a tank. It is an armoured personnel carrier," said Cahill, who lives on Strath Lane and works for Canada Post.
These vehicles were designed to transport infantry to the battlefield.
The one at Cahill's home was built in 1967 in England. It has a six cylinder Rolls Royce diesel engine, it weighs about 33,000 pounds, is six feet high, about 17 feet long and nine feet wide.
It holds 12 people and has a top speed of about 50 kph.
A vehicle like this is expensive, says Cahill.
"It took a big bite out of $20,000 once you factored in transportation to Canada and spare parts."
So, what is one of these 'battle taxis' doing parked in Dartmouth?
"I am just babysitting this one for my friends," said Cahill. "The permanent home will be in Saskatchewan."
Many of these British manufactured vehicles have been exported for use as recreational vehicles.
This is nothing new to Cahill.
"You can get anything online. I have helped find vehicles for people before. Do you want an aircraft carrier? I can find you one. "
His friend asked him to go to Halifax and pick it up for him when it arrived by ship.
He went to the pier, paid the taxes on the thing and then had it brought to Dartmouth.
"Since the weather is bad this time of year I am holding it here for him. Once spring comes it will go to his farm in Saskatchewan and he can drive his grand kids around in it on his farm."
Cahill says he has been interested in unusual vehicles for many years and has met some friends online that share the same interests.
"If I wanted to go to England tomorrow, I am sure I would have a place to stay with these friends."
Cahill drives a Toyota HiAce van.
"You can buy a Ford or a Dodge or a Jeep any day of the week. But some of these vehicles certainly standout. You get mobbed when you stop at the coffee shop, I'll tell you."
joanneoostveen@accesswave.ca
