Ivo Rigter Sr.
Founder & Co Owner of BAIV and Tracksandtrade
+31 6 518 22 502 ivosr.rigter@tracksandtrade.com1945 M24 Chaffee
- Reserved
This remarkable M24 Chaffee started life as a U.S.-built WWII light tank and was later modernized by the Norwegian Army in 1979 with a reliable Detroit Diesel engine and Allison transmission. Fully rebuilt in 2024 and showing very low mileage since, it combines historical significance with excellent drivability and easy maintenance. The dummy main gun removes any need for permits, making it completely event-friendly. A perfect opportunity to experience tank ownership; iconic, practical, and simp...
This remarkable M24 Chaffee started life as a U.S.-built WWII light tank and was later modernized by the Norwegian Army in 1979 with a reliable Detroit Diesel engine and Allison transmission. Fully rebuilt in 2024 and showing very low mileage since, it combines historical significance with excellent drivability and easy maintenance. The dummy main gun removes any need for permits, making it completely event-friendly. A perfect opportunity to experience tank ownership; iconic, practical, and simply a joy to drive.
Location
Maura, Norway
Year of construction
May 1945
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Cadillac Motor Car Div.
Type
M24 Chaffee
Condition
Class A restored and in great condition
Margin Goods
Yes margin goods;
No VAT applicable
Details
Condition
This impressive M24 Chaffee began its life as a U.S.-built light tank but was later upgraded by the Norwegian Army in 1979. During this conversion, the original twin Cadillac engines and early automatic transmission were replaced with a Detroit Diesel powerplant and a robust Allison transmission; a combination that significantly improved reliability, ease of maintenance, and overall drivability.
In 2024 it underwent a complete rebuild by its current owner. The tank was finished in summer 2025. Mechanically it was in great condition, as it was when it left the Army. The turret was brought back to M24 configuration and the tank was completed with additional M24 parts. The barrel is a dummy, but the Breech block is original. The restoration was completed with a repaint to WW2 specs. Having very low mileage since its total rebuild, this Chaffee is not only historically fascinating but also remarkably practical. The Detroit/Allison conversion has proven far more dependable than the original wartime setup, making this tank a pleasure to own, operate, and maintain. When you hit the throttle it really goes!
Another major advantage is that the main gun is a dummy, meaning no deactivation paperwork or permits are required. This makes the vehicle event-friendly and easy to enjoy. You can drive and display it without the bureaucratic hassle often associated with historic armor.
In short, this is the perfect entry point into the world of tanks: an iconic WWII design with post-war reliability, effortless maintenance, and unmatched usability. Owning and driving a tank has never been this straightforward or enjoyable.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- Cadillac Motor Car Div.
- Model
- M24
- Manufacturing date
- May 1945
- Serial number
- 3231
- Breech ID
- CN-90D925 / Nr. 061
- Length
- 18 ft 3 in (5,56 m)
- Width
- 9 ft 10 in (3 m)
- Height
- 9 ft 1 in ( 2,77 m)
- Weight
- 40.500 LB (18.37 tonnes)
- Max. speed
- 35 mph (56 km/h)
- Operational range
- 100 mi (160 km)
- Main armament
- 75 mm gun M6 (currently fitted with a dummy gun)
- Secondary armament
- .50 BMG Browning M2HB machine gun & 2x .30-06 Browning M1919A4 machines guns. Not fitted/not included.
- Engine
- Post-war Detroit 6V53T diesel engine
- Crew
- 5 (commander/radio operator, loader, gunner, bow gunner/assistant driver, driver)
- Armor
- 0.40 - 1.50 in (10 - 38 mm)
- Production numbers
- 4.731
- Transmission
- Post-war Allison MT-653 automatic transmission (1979)
History
The M24 Chaffee was introduced by the United States late in the Second World War as a replacement for the aging M5 Stuart light tank. By 1944, it had become clear that the earlier light tanks were no longer effective against modern German armor, so a new vehicle was designed that combined improved firepower, better suspension, and greater mobility. The result was the M24; a light tank that offered a significant step forward in both capability and crew comfort.
Production began in mid-1944, and the first units reached Europe in November of that year. They were issued mainly to reconnaissance and cavalry units, who valued the Chaffee’s speed and relatively powerful 75 mm gun, a major improvement over the 37 mm cannon used on its predecessors. Crews appreciated its agility and smooth handling, especially on rough terrain, though its thin armor still made it vulnerable to most German anti-tank weapons.
The M24 first saw combat during the Battle of the Bulge, where only a handful were available. Although their impact on the overall course of the war was limited due to their late arrival, soldiers welcomed the new tank’s balance of mobility and firepower. By the end of hostilities in 1945, more than 4,700 Chaffees had been built, forming the foundation of a design that would remain in service for decades.
After the war, the M24 was exported widely to America’s allies and took part in numerous post-war conflicts, including the Korean War. As technology advanced, many of these tanks were modernized to extend their service life.
One of the most notable upgrade programs came from Norway. In this modernization, the original gasoline engine and manual transmission were replaced with a Detroit Diesel 6V-series engine paired with an Allison automatic transmission. This new powertrain provided far greater reliability, reduced maintenance needs, and improved fuel efficiency. These were essential qualities for operating in Norway’s demanding terrain and climate. These upgrades not only enhanced the vehicle’s performance but also symbolized the adaptability of the original M24 design.
Thanks to such conversions, the Chaffee’s legacy extended well beyond World War II. Even as newer light tanks like the M41 Walker Bulldog entered service, many M24s, and their upgraded versions, continued to serve with smaller armies around the world well into the Cold War era.
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