Ford FT - B The Ford FT B ( also known as Ford Tf - c and model 1920 ) was the first armoured car designed and built in Poland . Built on the chassis of the famous Ford T and armoured with re - used armoured plates , the car was a successful design for its time . The main designer was the engineer Tadeusz Tański . The armoured vehicle originated on account of the high demand during the Polish - Soviet war in 1920 . After the outbreak of the Polish - Soviet War in 1919 , the Polish Army was severely under - equipped . Except for a number of FT - 17 tanks that arrived with the Blue Army formed in France , the Polish forces lacked any armoured reconnaissance vehicles . During the Soviet offensive leading to the battle of Warsaw the situation became even more tragic as many Austin - Putilov Amoured Cars captured from the Red Army were retaken by the Bolsheviks . It was then that engineer Tadeusz Tański , a renowned inventor and a worker of the Ministry of Military Affairs , designed his armoured car . The project originated within only 2 weeks from Tanski ’ s initiative . The prototype was prepared in less than two weeks in the " Gerlach i Pulsing " works in Warsaw . After a series of tests the production started , and each of the battle - ready cars was immediately dispatched to the front - line and attached to various units . Altogether a series of 16 or 17 cars were made . The project was based on the successful Ford Model T , one of the most popular cars of the epoch . The chassis and the levers were significantly reinforced and the fuel tank was moved . In addition , the crank was extended to allow for starting the engine from the inside and the dashboard had been modified . The armoured plating was handmade out of scrapped German armoured trench shields , and attached to the chassis by bolts . The FT - B cars took part in the later stage of the Polish - Soviet war and fought in the battles along the Wkra river and in the battle of Warsaw , as well as the battle of Kowel and in numerous other battles . The high speed , agility , and uncomplicated servicing and repair ( thanks to the commercial Ford T chassis ) were among the advantages of the vehicle . The armoured vehicles managed In spite of the extra weight of the armour , the vehicles managed well in heavy terrain , and were also able to cross relatively weak bridges on account of their low mass in comparison to other armoured vehicles . The Ford Tf C was really small in comparison to other armoured vehicles of the era , being for example half the size of the Austin - Putilov , and offered a smaller target . Nevertheless , the consequence was that Ford Tf C were very cramped inside , and the driver had to steer from a squatting position . Another problem was engine overheating during longer cross - countrydrives , or with let down cooler armour plating . Also the springs were overloaded in spite of strengthening , but the vehicle was urgently required and the advantages offset the defects . In 1921 Tanski offered to build another series of 30 vehicles ; however , this was rejected , because the war was over and no other armoured vehicles were required . 12 Fords Tf C armored vehicles outlasted the war and were in use until 1931 . Some had proper names such as " Osa " ( wasp ) , " Mucha " ( fly ) , and " Komar " ( mosquito ) painted on their armor .