1943 Diamond T M3A1 Half-track Personnel Carrier
Description
The M3 half-track emerged as a pivotal vehicle during World War II, evolving from its predecessor, the M2 half-track car. Widely adopted by Allied forces, it served prominently across all major theaters of the war. American, British Commonwealth, and Soviet Red Army troops relied on its versatility, using it for a range of roles from personnel carriers to self-propelled artillery and anti-aircraft platforms. This adaptability was underscored by the production of numerous variants tailored to specific combat needs, a testament to its rugged design and operational flexibility.
Manufactured by companies like Diamond T, White Motor Company, and Autocar, the M3 was a product of collaborative wartime production efforts. Its deployment across different fronts highlighted its reliability and performance under various battlefield conditions. Despite early criticisms about its lack of significant armor and protection, the M3's utility and adaptability outweighed its initial shortcomings, leading to its widespread adoption by most Allied forces. After World War II, the M3 half-track continued to serve in conflicts during the Cold War era and beyond. It remained in use by both state and non-state actors in regions such as South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. This extended service life, lasting into the mid-1990s for some units, demonstrated its enduring impact and relevance in military operations worldwide.
Highlights
The current owner has continuingly improved this half-track during his term of ownership with original or New Old Stock (NOS) parts wherever possible
Powered by a rebuilt White 160AX six-cylinder engine, displacing 386 cu-in and generating 147 horsepower and 325 ft-lb of torque
Maximum cruising speed of 45 mph with a maximum range of 200 miles
"Bearing the M3A1 means that this M2 was built to A1 specification when new, which included the addition of the .50 caliber machine gun ring mount above the passenger crew seat that retains its correct type trolley while the "W" in the chassis number signifies winch model equipped with a bumper mounted winch for recovery use
Armor: ¼ inch radiator louvers, ½ inch windshield cover, shatterproof glass windshield, ¼ inch sides, ¼ inch rear, and ¼ hood
Able to be crewed by a driver and gunner, with additional seating for up to six additional personnel
Reported to retain its original cab armor with only one door needing to be replaced
New tracks and bogie wheels were installed during the restoration
The engine and transmission were restored with new pistons, bearings, camshaft, seals, and gaskets
The frame and body were stripped to bare metal and treated with epoxy primer prior to using Gilespie synthetic enamel paint
Displaying only 563 miles on the NOS speedometer since restoration
Features
Gross vehicle weight: 18,900 pounds
Maximum payload: 3,500 pounds
Maximum towed load: 4,500 pounds
Length with winch: 250 ½ inches
Width: 77 ½ inches
Track ground contact length: 46 ¾ inches
Height: 106 inches
Wheelbase: 135 ½ inches
Ground clearance: 11.2 inches
Maximum fording depth: 32 inches
Min turning diameter: 59 feet
Fuel capacity: 60 gallons
Hydrovac brakes
Known Imperfections
Accessories that need to be installed:
Footman loops
Mirrors
Lettering
Windshield seal
A few floor fasteners need to be installed
One new aluminum fuel tank is functional, while the second, the original fuel tank, is mounted but not functional
The windshield wipers are inoperable as there are no motors
Included
Footman's loops
An original set of mine racks
Service manuals loaded onto a CD
Ownership History
The current owner of this 1943 Diamond T M3A1 Half-track Personnel Carrier reports purchasing the truck in 2017 from a long-time Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) member who has owned several half-tracks in Eustis, Florida, with it previously being in Daytona, Florida.
