1945 M40 M2 155 mm GMC

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For sale: A Rare Find, an Exceptional ProjectA few years ago, BAIV uncovered an original M40, one of the very few shipped to Europe after its service in Korea.This particular vehicle was transferred to the US forces in Germany and used in training at Grafenwöhr, until a devastating refueling or engine fire in the mid-1960s forced it into early retirement, later followed by an attempt to scrap the vehicle. Ironically, that attempt failed, and the M40 was stored away untouched for over 50 years. ...

For sale: A Rare Find, an Exceptional Project

A few years ago, BAIV uncovered an original M40, one of the very few shipped to Europe after its service in Korea.

This particular vehicle was transferred to the US forces in Germany and used in training at Grafenwöhr, until a devastating refueling or engine fire in the mid-1960s forced it into early retirement, later followed by an attempt to scrap the vehicle. Ironically, that attempt failed, and the M40 was stored away untouched for over 50 years. Only 311 M40s were ever built; a true rarity with an incredible story.

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Location
Nederweert, The Netherlands
Year of construction
1945
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Pressed Steel Car Company, Chicago
Type
M40 M2 155 mm gun motor carriage
Condition
Unrestored
Margin Goods
No margin goods; VAT applicable
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Details

Condition

Restoration Progress Overview

A small deal of work has already been carried out since this vehicle was recovered in Germany. Below is a structured summary of the completed steps and currently available components:

  • Wheels & Suspension
    The vehicle has been properly placed back on its wheels, all of which were destroyed in the fire. Each wheel has been brought back in to rolling condition, allowing for safe movement and handling during restoration.

  • Tracks & Running Gear
    The full set of running gear, including sprockets, is available. A set of T80 Hybrid tracks has also been sourced and is included with the vehicle.

  • Hull Plating
    All main steel plates that had previously been cut out or damaged have been carefully replaced. The new sections have been professionally welded in, ensuring structural integrity and authenticity.

  • Fire Damage Cleanup
    The fire-damaged areas have been thoroughly cleaned. The engine compartment has been completely emptied and cleared of debris, preparing it for further mechanical work.

  • Gearbox & Differential
    The gearbox and differential will be fully replaced as part of the restoration. It still requires a full overhaul. Fortunately, all necessary spare parts, including a complete differential, are already in stock.

  • Final Drive (Right Side)
    A replacement Final Drive unit for the right side was sourced in Canada. It has been temporarily installed for fitting and alignment purposes.

  • Engine
    We have secured the original New Old Stock (NOS), never-used Continental C1 engine, ready to be installed during the mechanical restoration phase.

  • Original Spade Recovered
    A rare and exciting find: the original matching rear spade, once removed and abandoned during scrapping, was located in Germany and has now been successfully recovered.

  • Additional Parts
    Numerous original components have been sourced, including the original seats and many other key items needed to complete the restoration to a high standard.

Restoration Timeline & Process

Visually, the vehicle is already largely being completed and made presentable. However, a complete mechanical, technical and functional restoration is still required to bring it to full operational Class A condition.

Technical details

Manufacturer
Pressed Steel Car Company
Model
155 mm gun motor carriage M40
Hull Number
146
Manufacturing date
1945
Length
29 ft 10 in (9,1 m)
Width
10 ft 4 in (3,15 m)
Height
8 ft 10 in (2,7 m)
Weight
80,000 lb (36.3 metric tons)
Max. speed
24 mph (38 km/h)
Operational range
106 mi (170 km)
Main armament
155 mm Gun M2
Serial number (gun)
2833
Engine
9-cylinder radial engine model R-975 EC2, 340 hp (253 kW)
Transmission
Synchronized gearbox (5 forward/ 1 reverse)
Suspension type
HVSS (Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension)
Armor
0,5 inch (12,7 mm)
Crew
8 (Commander, driver, 6 gun crew)
Production numbers
311

History

The M40 155mm Gun Motor Carriage

In the final phase of World War II, American industry achieved something extraordinary. Just five months after approval, the M40, a 155mm self-propelled gun, went from blueprint to battlefield. Built on a widened Sherman chassis, equipped with HVSS suspension and wide tracks, the M40 delivered the mobility and firepower the U.S. Army had long been searching for.
But it wasn’t just a technical breakthrough; It was a bold step into the future based on innovation and cleverness of American engineering.

Deployment
As part of the famed ‘Zebra Mission’, two of the first M40s was deployed to Europe in early 1945 and fired the very first American artillery shell into the besieged city of Cologne. Too late to influence the war’s outcome, but right on time to shape the artillery of tomorrow.

Post-war, the M40 became the backbone of U.S. heavy artillery during the Korean War, where it proved its worth under real battlefield conditions. Rugged, powerful, and ahead of its time, the M40 inspired a new generation of mobile artillery platforms and remains a symbol of American innovation and determination.

Only a handful of M40s remain today, all in museums or on static display.

Feel free to get in touch

Ivo Rigter Sr.

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