Ivo Rigter Sr.
Founder & Co Owner of BAIV and Tracksandtrade
+31 6 518 22 502 ivosr.rigter@tracksandtrade.com1944 M36 Jackson 90mm Gun Motor Carriage
A rare opportunity to acquire a fully restored M36 Jackson, brought back to factory-original condition by renowned restorer Gavin Copeman. Formerly known as the “Tiger Tamer,” this historic tank, now named “Big Chief”, underwent a meticulous three-year restoration, including the reinstatement of the iconic Ford GAA engine. A true collector’s piece.
Location
Turnhout, Belgium
Year of construction
1944
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
GM Fisher Grand Bank Facility
Type
M36 90mm Gun Motor Carriage
Condition
Class A restored and in great condition
Margin Goods
Yes margin goods;
No VAT applicable
€ 582.500,-
Incl. commission
Details
Conditions
Restoration
Following World War II, many tanks and other military vehicles were sold or donated to allied nations to help rebuild their armed forces. This M36 Jackson was one of them and found its way to Yugoslavia. By the 1970s, due to increasing wear and a lack of American spare parts, the original Ford engine was replaced with a 500 hp Soviet-made diesel engine from a T-55 tank.
After the Yugoslav Wars (1991–2001), the M36 Jackson was shipped to the United Kingdom. There, the previous owner removed the diesel engine and installed a Cummins engine, which was mated to the original transmission.
Given the M36 Jackson’s important role in the Allied victory during WWII and the rarity of finding one in original condition, the current owner commissioned renowned restorer Gavin Copeman to bring this vehicle—once known as the "Tiger Tamer"—back to factory condition. The meticulous three-year restoration involved removing every non-original component and replacing it with period-correct parts, including the reinstatement of the iconic Ford GAA engine. The vehicle was renamed “Big Chief” in honor of its transformation. The current owner gave it the USA registration number 40177412, representing the 4th Armored Division—a tribute to the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion.
Since its full restoration, the M36 Jackson has participated in events such as Wings & Wheels and the Oldtimer Tank Event in Oeselgem.
Remark:
Deactivated GB proof house certificate. No. 35573 (1-04-2004). No sliding block.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company (FMCO)USA
- Model
- M36 90 mm Gun Motor Carriage
- Manufacturing date
- 1944
- Serial number
- 1186
- Length (hull)
- 19 ft 7 in (5.97 m)
- Length (including barrel)
- 24 ft 6 in (7.47 m)
- Width
- 10 ft (3.05 m)
- Height
- 10 ft 9 in (3.28 m)
- Weight
- 63.000 lb (28.576 kg)
- Max. speed
- 26 mph (42 km/h)
- Operational range
- 150 mi (240 km)
- Main armament
- 90 mm gun M3A2
- Gun ID
- GUN, 90mm M3A2. NO. 7037
- Secondary armament
- .50 caliber (12.7 mm) Browning M2HB machine (replica) 1 Rifle .30 No. (replica)
- Engine
- Ford GAA; V8, 4 cycle, 60° 1,100 cu in (18 L) gasoline
- Crew
- 5 (Commander, gunner, loader, driver, assistant driver)
- Production numbers
- 2.324
- Road registration
- Yes (United Kingdom). Import/Export permits are required.
History
The M36 Tank Destroyer, formally 90-mm Gun Motor Carriage, was the ultimate American tank destroyer during World War II that helped the Allies win! Besides the M10 Wolverine and the superfast M18, which could drive up to 57 mph (92 km/h), the US Army needed a more powerful gun and better armored vehicle to hunt down the latest developments in German tanks, including the Panther and Tigers. Therefore, the US Army created an upgraded version of the M10 using the M10A1 hull.
The turret was completely redesigned for the new and heavier gun. The M10A1 hull with the new turret created eventually the M36. The M36 was so beloved that the US Army ran out of M10A1 hulls and had to start using M4A3 and M4A2 (same as M10 hulls).
Note to buyer
LOT NUMBER
Each lot is assigned a specific lot number. This number is allocated one day before the lots are opened for bidding.
VIEWING DAYS
Inspections during viewing days are on: Saturday June 21 2025. (The M36 Jackson 90mm Gun Motor Carriage can only be viewed on Sunday 22 June, 2025).
Participation in the viewing days is subject to specific conditions.
Given the fact that these are often very special items whose condition, no matter how hard we try, cannot always be described 100% completely, we really recommend that you make use of this.
IMPORTANT DATES
Auction catalogue online: May 1st 2025 19.00 (CET)
Bidding starts: Saturday June 21 2025 18.00 (CET)
Bidding ends: Saturday June 28 2025 19.00 (CET)
TIMES
Amsterdam NL (CET): 07:00 PM (19:00)
London: 08:00 PM (18:00)
New York USA: 13:00 AM (13:00)
Sydney AUS: 05:00 AM (05:00),next day
BUYER’S PREMIUM
On all lots a buyer’s premium of 16,5% of the hammer price is charged. Over this buyer’s premium a 21% sales tax (VAT) will be applicable.
VEHICLES & VEHICLE RELATED EQUIPMENT
This lot is sold strictly as described in the auction listing on our website (https://tracksandtrade.com/).
Cars, motorcycles, trucks, cannons or howitzers, armored vehicles, and tanks are sold in as-is/where-is condition, with no technical guarantee and guarantee of authenticity and with or without registration.
ARMS & WEAPONS
The Auction House will not supply ANY item unless the correct paperwork and licensing – if needed – has been supplied by the Buyer in full.
If required and applicable (fire)arms can be made inoperable or permanently disabled by BAIV in The Netherlands as being a licensed Arms & Weapons Dealer Registration Nr. NL20191618779. In this case all relevant cost will be charged to the Buyer in addition and have to be paid in advance in full. Collection by appointment only.
MARGIN/ VAT
However, for most of the lots 21% sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be not applicable, it might be that in some specific cases sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be charged. In such a case this will be specifically specified in the lot description. For all other lots the margin scheme will be applicable. For more info see our General Conditions of Sale Article 9 on our website; www.tracksandtrade.com
IMPORT & EXPORT
Depending on the destination and content of the Lot the Buyer shall obtain an International Import Certificate / End User Certificate. Some of the items listed in the auction may require special licenses or permits or existing documents must be prepared for export. If this is relevant, Tracks & Trade will take care of this. The applicable costs will be charged to the successful bidder. Please email accounting@tracksandtrade.com if you have any questions or concerns. No item will be allowed to be collected without 100% of all legal requirements being fulfilled.
COLLECTION
Specific address details will be provided upon request and to the successful bidder/ Buyer.
Delivery: Ex Works.
LOT REMOVAL DEADLINE
All lots must be collected no later than Friday, August 8, 2025, and only after full payment has been received and all legal requirements have been met.
No storage fees will be charged prior to this date. After this period, storage fees will apply.
For buyers from the United States or other distant destinations, tailored arrangements can be made upon request.
SHIPPING & HANDLINGS COSTS
All shipping, packaging, and any special handling expenses (e.g., crane hire or specialized equipment) are the sole responsibility of the Buyer and will be invoiced at actual cost plus a 10% handling fee.
LATE PICK-UP & STORAGE FEES
Any lot not collected by Friday, August 8, 2025, will be placed in secure storage at the Buyer’s expense, with the following weekly storage rates applied (excluding 21% VAT):
Parts & accessories: €25 per lot per week
Cars and motorcycles: €50 per lot per week
Armored vehicles, tanks, cannons, etc.: €75 per lot per week
Need Assistance?
Please feel free to contact us for support or questions:
Phone: +31 6 518 22 502
Email: info@tracksandtrade.com
We are here to guide you through every step of the process and will do our utmost to assist you.
DELIVERY
The buyer is responsible for the transportation of the purchased goods, unless otherwise agreed. Tracks & Trade can assist with or arrange transportation at additional cost. Please contact us for more information.
Shipping, and packing costs and special costs that arise for loading special items, such as crane costs or costs for hiring special equipment etc., will be charged to the Buyer on the basis of actual costs + a surcharge of 10%. Naturally, you can count on us when it comes to the shipment of your purchases. We are happy to take care of that.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
All information and transactions are subject to the general terms and conditions (Version 2.0 dated 29-04-2022). For more detailed information visit our website.
NOTE
By placing a bid, whether successful or not, the bidder agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions as set forth on this website (www.tracksandtrade.com) and in the applicable general terms and conditions. It is the bidder’s responsibility to review and familiarize themselves with all such terms prior to placing a bid.
Shipping Information
After buying a classic military vehicle or other items such as cannons, planes, howitzers and tanks, there are several steps you would typically need to take:
Legalities
In principle, no special permit is required for unarmored wheeled and tracked vehicles. In many cases, an export procedure that is comparable to that for exporting classic cars and motorcycles is sufficient. Military collectables older than 75 years and with a value over Euro 50k are basically considered as National Heritage. In such cases an export permit must be requested from the National Ministry of Culture of the exporting country. Tanks, howitzers and self-propelled or towed cannons often require specific permits that are highly dependent on the country of shipment and the country of destination. This may involve registering the item with the appropriate authorities and complying with any regulations regarding its ownership and use. In such a case it is advisable to contact us in advance because we have many decades of experience in the import and export of Classic Military Heritage. Based on this experience, we can generally quickly provide feedback on what applies to you. This is especially relevant because regulations in this regard change every now and then and sometimes, we also have to deal with export-restrictions. In short: if you want to be sure, contact us in time to avoid difficulties at a later stage.
Storage
Find a suitable storage location for your collectable, preferably a secure and legal place where you can keep it when not in use. This could be a garage, warehouse, or even a specially designed storage facility or museum.Transportation
After you have all the paperwork in place the next step will be the (oversees) transport to your desired location. This may involve hiring specialized transport and broker services due to permits, size and weight. In this case we can also support you with organizing the transport or make sure you get in contact with dedicated brokers and import agents.Maintenance and Restoration
Depending on the condition of your military collectable, our partner BAIV can help you with maintenance and restoration work to ensure that it is safe and operational. This could involve relatively easy maintenance and repair or service till a Class-A restoration. In such a case please contact BAIV (www.baiv.nl).Training
If you intend to operate a vehicle then make sure you have manuals that describe how to operate the vehicle. Nowadays there are numerous reprints available on the Internet that explain to you in a playful way how to drive and operate your vehicle. This is often a team effort, which makes owning such a vehicle extra attractive. If required, you can also involve/hiring a professional instructor or attend specialized training courses to learn how to drive and maintain it safely. In such a case, our partner BAIV can also support you.Insurance
Consider obtaining insurance coverage for your vehicle to protect yourself against any potential accidents or liabilities that may arise from owning and operating it. Often there are specialized insurance companies offering these kinds of services. Local military vehicle clubs often also know their way around the specific options offered by insurance companies.Enjoyment
Finally, once everything is in place, you can enjoy owning and, if permitted, operating your classic military vehicle, cannon or howitzer. Whether it's for display purposes or for participating in historical reenactments, owning such a great unit can be a unique and rewarding experience.
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