Opel Senator 'touring' saloon car 1985

In 1946, in the aftermath of the German surrender, the British created a specialist unit to enable closer working relations with their wartime Soviet allies in the peacetime administration of Germany and Berlin. The British Commanders'-in-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany, or BRIXMIS, was designed to act as a channel for communication between the British and the Soviets. It was based in the Berlin Headquarters, and in a villa in Potsdam, inside the Soviet Zone. There was a Soviet equivalent, based in the British Zone of West Germany, called SOXMIS.

Even as the two sides descended into the Cold War, these Missions were retained. The formal, social liaison duties continued with hosted visits, garden parties and cocktail receptions. But there was also an unprecedented opportunity to gather intelligence on the Soviets. Three-man groups would go on 'tours', operating behind enemy lines. Through infiltrating enemy facilities and observing their training, crucial information was passed back to the UK as the British sought any and every advantage in the Cold War.

BRIXMIS began using the Opel Senator in the early 1980s, and the fleet was heavily modified. They were fitted with four-wheel drive, strengthened suspension, and armour plating along the underside to protect the engine and chassis from obstacles and Soviet traps. Its fuel capacity was increased to extend its range, and it had extra spotlights and map lights fitted. All the internal surfaces - the seats, dashboard, trim and roof lining - were blacked out to minimise reflection, and blinds were fitted to the back and rear side windows to darken the interior. Even the external matt colour was a deliberate measure to avoid drawing attention to the vehicle.

It could go virtually anywhere, in any weather. It was fast enough to speed away from hostile encounters, and the touring parties would push them to their limits.