SHADO 2

Retro illustration of the SHADO 2, an armoured vehicle from UFO, the 1970–71 ITC Entertainment science fiction television series created by Gerry & Slyvia Anderson; it was their first live action television series. The series imagined the near future of 1980, and followed the international military agency SHADO (Supreme Headquarters, Alien Defence Organisation), who were tasked with protecting Earth against mysterious alien incursions, under the leadership of Commander Edward Straker. The series featured a rotating ensemble cast: only Ed Bishop (Commander Straker) appeared in every episode, while Dolores Mantez (Lieutenant Barry) and Michael Billington (Colonel Foster) came close.

In the series, SHADO operated a fleet of all-terrain 'mobiles.' SHADO 2 was an assault mobile: a tank-like vehicle on treads, with a command post in the back and a retractable gun turret on the top. Other variants included reconnaissance mobiles and control mobiles. The sci-fi vehicles were designed by Derek Meddings and Mike Trim.

Liverpool-based toy manufacturer Dinky Toys produced three die-cast toys based on UFO: the Shado 2 Mobile, the UFO Interceptor, and Ed Straker's car. The Dinky Shado 2 Mobile was released in 1971 in military olive green; a metallic blue version was later sold from 1978 to 1980. The original soon became a favourite of children across Britain, particularly for its interactive missile launcher. Today it remains popular with collectors.

This sci-fi illustration by Rob Wisdom is a high quality Giclée art print on cotton-rich fine art paper.

12x16" art print shown. Cropping and title position (if applicable) may differ slightly on 'A' size art prints.