1944 International M5A1 Half-Track

Reserved

A beautifully restored and fully documented M5A1 Halftrack, expertly rebuilt by BAIV to Class A standards. Originally built in February 1944, this early and rare example served in the European campaign and later with the French Army. Restored with extensive use of NOS parts, it remains in excellent mechanical condition, recently serviced and fitted with new tracks and sprockets. A reliable, historically authentic vehicle with an impeccable provenance.

This vehicle made its first public appearance in July 2019 in France, where it took part in the 75th anniversary commemoration of D-DAY. Later that year, in September, the vehicle also participated in the commemoration of Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands. In 2024, it returned to the D-Day beaches in France again, where it was one of the highlights in several parades and numerous commemorative events.

However, the most remarkable moment was its participation in the XXX Corps Tour organized by the LTF in Belgium, the Netherlands, and even a small part of Germany, in September 2024. During this tour, the vehicle took part in the historic memorial journey of Mr. Geoffrey Hornsby and his team, whose father had originally participated in this operation.
Geoffrey experienced the event as a pilgrimage. For this occasion, the vehicle was reassigned to the markings of the Irish Guards, as shown in the impression linked below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ4umItJkvo

Location

Nederweert, The Netherlands

Year of construction

14 February 1944

Country of origin

United States of America

Manufacturer

International Harvester Company

Type

M5A1

Condition

Class A restored and in great condition

Margin Goods

Yes margin goods; No VAT applicable

€ 97.950,-

Incl. commission

Details

Condition

This exceptional M5A1 Half-Track was acquired by BAIV, specialists in armored vehicle and tank restorations, in 2014 in northern France.
Although a full overhaul was required, this particular vehicle was chosen for its remarkably complete condition, missing only the rear door and a few minor components. Even then, BAIV immediately recognized the potential of this unique project.

The restoration began in 2018, initially undertaken for BAIV’s own collection.
Over the course of nearly a year, the team spared no effort to achieve a top-tier, Class A restoration, thoroughly documented from start to finish. A significant number of NOS (New Old Stock) parts were used throughout the process, resulting in a truly museum-grade piece of craftsmanship; one we often refer to as a “masterpiece project.”

The vehicle was built on February 7th, 1944 (chassis number M5A1-2635), making it part of the early production series; a rare and desirable version. It served during the European Campaign of WWII and was later operated by the French Army until it was decommissioned around the early 2000s.

Following its restoration, the Half-Track took part in the 2019 D-Day commemorations (at that time still in Polish markings) and has since participated in numerous historic events and reenactments, consistently proving to be highly reliable and mechanically strong.

Ahead of Market Garden 2024, the vehicle was once again fully inspected and repainted in the Irish Guards colors as a tribute to Geoffrey Hornsby’s father. After its participation in the Victory Show in England (September 2025), a brand-new set of tracks and sprockets was installed, ensuring it is now in excellent running condition. (Note: photos on this lot page still show the previous tracks.) The vehicle has also been recently serviced.

The Half-Track will be delivered exactly as shown in the photos, including canvas, cushions, manuals, and spare parts, and comes with a Dutch registration.

In summary, this is a very early and rare M5A1 Half-Track with a fully documented Class A restoration by BAIV; a reliable, historically significant, and beautifully restored example ready for both display and use.

Specifications

Technical details

Manufacturer: International Harvester Company
Model: M5A1
Manufacturing date: 17 February 1944
Chassis number: M5A1-2635
Length: 20 ft 3,8 in (6,30 m)
Width: 7 ft 3,6 in (2,22 m)
Height: 9 ft 0,26 in (2,74 m)
Weight: 19.050 lb (8,64 t)
Max. speed: 42 mph (68 km/h)
Operational range: 220 mi (350 km)
Engine: IHC RED-450-B, 450 cu in (7,400 cc) 143 bhp
Crew: 3 + 10 troops
Armor: 0,31 - 0,62 in (7,9 - 15,8 mm)
Main armament: 1x 0.5 in (13 mm) M2 machine gun (not included)
Secondary armament: 2x 0.3 in (7.6 mm) M1919 machine gun (not included)
Production numbers: 7484 (M5A1)
Road registration: Yes (Dutch)
Permits & licences: Some countries might require permits.

History

The M5A1 Half-Track was developed during the Second World War as part of America’s urgent effort to supply its rapidly expanding forces, and those of its allies, with reliable, armored troop carriers. Built by International Harvester beginning in late 1942, the M5 series was introduced when demand for the standard M3 Half-Track exceeded production capacity. Using the same basic layout but adapted to Harvester’s own manufacturing methods, the M5A1 became one of the most important transport vehicles of the Allied war effort.

During World War II, thousands of M5 and M5A1 half-tracks were produced and distributed not only to U.S. forces but also to Britain, the Free French, and the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease program. These vehicles played a vital role on every major front, from the deserts of North Africa to the fields of Europe. They were used to transport infantry to the front lines, tow anti-tank and artillery guns, and serve as mobile command or communications vehicles. Their mix of mobility, protection, and capacity made them indispensable in fast-moving operations such as the Allied advance after D-Day.

Crews valued the M5A1 for its ruggedness and versatility. It could carry troops, supplies, or wounded soldiers, and it performed well across rough terrain where regular trucks would fail. Its open-top design allowed quick entry and exit, essential in the heat of battle, while still offering enough armor to shield its occupants from small-arms fire and shrapnel.

After the war, the M5A1’s story continued. Many of these half-tracks found new life in the armies of other nations, where they served in several conflicts, often modified or repurposed for local needs.