Using a common six-wheeled chassis designed by the Fighting Vehicle Research Establishment, the Sarcen armoured personnel carrier and Saladin armoured car aimed to solve the problem of huge numbers of army vehicles, all with incompatible parts and servicing routines. Manufactured by the Coventry firm of Alvis, the Saracen and Saladin were joined by another variation on the theme - the Salamander. Alvis also designed one more member of the family, a highly versatile amphibious load carrier called the Stalwart. This complete history of this famous family of military vehicles reveals much that has not previously been widely known, using both Alvis and military records.