Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Spring event,
May 11-13, 2017.
Chassis No.
283400
Estimate:
$120,000 - $130,000 US
Half-tracks were produced extensively by the United States during
World War II. The initial production model, the M2, which entered
service in 1940, was developed in direct response to the
development and deployment of the German SdKfz 251-series
half-tracks. The M3 half-track first entered service in 1941 and
featured several changes from the M2. The body was 10-inches
longer, and a rear door was added. The M3 half-tracks were
primarily used as armored personnel carriers. As the war
progressed, however, half-tracks were utilized in a wide variety of
applications: armored ambulances, prime movers, radio command
vehicles, self- propelled artillery and multiple gun motor
carriages. The M3s were eventually superseded in production by the
improved M3A1 and M3A2 models. The M16 was basically an M3
half-track with a powered, armored turret with four .50 caliber
machine guns. (This example has two .50 caliber guns). The gunner
sat at a 45-degree angle and controlled the turret and guns with
handlebar grips and pedals. The hull was modified with folding side
and rear armor plates. The M16 was intended to be an anti-aircraft
weapon. However, many were utilized in ground-support roles. The
guns on this vehicle are demilitarized.
