The Austin ATV (Auxhiliary Towing Vehicle) was introduced in 1941 and continued in manufacture until 1943. Built on the Austin K2 2-ton short wheelbase chassis, these vehicles were made with reinforced steel to protect the occupants, particularly when working in areas subject to bombing and associated enemy action. The Police Mobile Column, part of the nation's Civil Defence, was founded in the 1960s with a main purpose - thought necessary at the time - of being mobilised from safe quarters in order to clear up devastated areas in the event of a nuclear attack.