1944 M36 Jackson “Big Chief” Restored

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

Condition

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.

Specifications

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).