1950's M48A5 Patton

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The M48A5 Patton is a must-have for any serious military vehicle collector due to its unique combination of historical value and technical advancements.

Firstly, this model is equipped with the powerful 105mm M68 gun, which is a significant upgrade over earlier versions that had the less effective 90mm cannon. This not only makes it historically relevant but also impressive at events or demonstrations.

The M48A5 marks a transitional period in tank development, bridging the classic Patton lines and the modern M60, making it a rare and sought-after collectible.

Finally, the Class B restoration has been meticulously carried out, focusing on both mechanical aspects and aesthetic details, which means this vehicle is not only a showpiece but also fully functional; it recently participated in a tank event organized by the Dutch National Military Museum, showcasing its operational state and mobility. The combination of historical significance and its good technical conditions makes this model suitable for exhibitions, reenactments, or events.

Location
Haaksbergen. The Netherlands
Year of construction
Late '50s.
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
USA Chrysler Corp Tank Plant
Type
M48A5
Condition
In restored and good running condition
Margin Goods
No margin goods; VAT applicable
€ 525.000,-
Incl. commission
Contact us

Details

Conditions

This M48A5 Patton Tank underwent a complete B-restoration in 2022, ensuring both its historical accuracy and operational reliability. The M48A5 variant, upgraded with a powerful 105mm gun and improved systems, is a rare find for collectors and enthusiasts alike. It’s configuration and markings are based on the use during operation REFORGER.

This particular M48A5 is in full running condition and recently participated in a tank event organized by the National Military Museum in The Netherlands, showcasing its remarkable condition and mobility.

American buyer?

If you plan bid on the M48A5 and want to ship the tank from the Netherlands (Port of Rotterdam) to America (Port of New York or Galveston), you should expect transportation costs of around €20,000, based on a quote dated October 31, 2024. Please note that this is an estimate and no rights can be derived from it, as prices may fluctuate over time. Naturally, export/import permits will be necessary. Our experienced partner en licensed arms dealer BAIV can assist. Contact Tracks & Trade for the conditions.

Technical details

Manufacturer
USA Chrysler Corp Tank Plant
Model
M48A5 105mm M68
Manufacturing date
Late '50s.
Serial number
A10396
Length
30 ft 6 in (9,3 m)
Width
12 ft (3,65 m)
Height
10 ft (3,1 m)
Weight
97.003 lb (45 t)
Max. speed (land)
30 mph (48 km/h)
Operational range
310 mi (499 km)
Main armament
105 mm M68/T254E2 gun
Secondary armament
M219 (7.62 mm NATO)
Engine
Continental AVDS-1790 V12, air-cooled, twin turbo, diesel, 750 hp
Crew
4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)
Armor
4.3-8.7 in (110-220 mm)
Production numbers
12.000 (all variants)
Road registration
No
Permits & licences
Export/import permits are required

History

The M48A5 tank is a later variant of the M48 Patton series, a main battle tank developed by the United States during the Cold War. Initially introduced in the early 1950s, the M48 was designed to replace the aging M47 and offered improved armor, firepower, and mobility. The tank served as the backbone of U.S. armored forces and was used extensively by NATO allies.

History and Development

The M48A5 variant emerged in the late 1970s as part of a modernization effort. Earlier versions of the M48 were equipped with a 90mm cannon, but the A5 upgrade replaced this with a more powerful 105mm M68 gun, standard for NATO forces at the time. This upgrade allowed the tank to stay relevant on the battlefield, despite the emergence of more modern tanks like the M60 and M1 Abrams. The M48A5 also featured improved fire control systems, better optics, and enhanced engine performance.

Operational Use

The M48A5 was deployed in a wide range of conflicts and by various militaries around the world. While it was phased out of frontline U.S. service, it continued to be used by countries like South Korea, Turkey, and Israel. The tank saw action in key conflicts, such as the Vietnam War, Yom Kippur War, and several regional skirmishes throughout the Middle East and Asia.

Legacy

Although eventually replaced by more modern tanks, the M48A5 demonstrated remarkable durability and adaptability. Its upgrades allowed it to remain combat-effective well into the late 20th century, making it one of the most enduring tank designs in military history.

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.

Feel free to get in touch

Ivo Rigter Sr.

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