Ivo Rigter Sr.
Founder & Co Owner of BAIV and Tracksandtrade
+31 6 518 22 502 ivosr.rigter@tracksandtrade.comM74 Armored Recovery Vehicle
- New
Originally built as an M4A3 Sherman tank in November 1944 and converted into an M74 ARV by Bowen McLaughlin-York in 1955, this vehicle represents a fascinating chapter in post-war military engineering. After distinguished service with the Greek Army, it was carefully stored for decades and remaining in remarkably original and complete condition.Discovered and acquired by BAIV in 2021, this M74 was expertly reconditioned in the Netherlands and brought back to running condition. Its engine convers...
Originally built as an M4A3 Sherman tank in November 1944 and converted into an M74 ARV by Bowen McLaughlin-York in 1955, this vehicle represents a fascinating chapter in post-war military engineering. After distinguished service with the Greek Army, it was carefully stored for decades and remaining in remarkably original and complete condition.
Discovered and acquired by BAIV in 2021, this M74 was expertly reconditioned in the Netherlands and brought back to running condition. Its engine conversion, executed by the Greek Army to official military specifications, ensures outstanding quality and reliability.
Location
Heythuysen, The Netherlands
Year of construction
November 1944 (1955)
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Bowen-McLaughlin-York
Type
M74 Armored Recovery Vehicle
Condition
Good runner
Margin Goods
Yes margin goods;
No VAT applicable
€ 242.500,-
Incl. commission
Details
Condition
This particular M74 began its life as an M4A3 Sherman tank and was converted into an Armored Recovery Vehicle in 1955 by Bowen McLaughlin-York Inc. It continued its service life after World War II and was supplied to the Greek Army in the late 1950s. After its operational career, it was demobilized and stored for decades.
In the early 1980s, the vehicle was sold to the Greek company, where it remained in remarkably original and complete condition. Decades of careful storage preserved its authenticity; a true time capsule of post-war engineering.
BAIV discovered this rare example in 2020 and purchased it in March 2021, securing an exceptionally well-preserved and historically important M74 Armored Recovery Vehicle. After its acquisition, the vehicle was preserved and reconditioned by BAIV in Nederweert, The Netherlands where it was brought back to running condition and successfully tested. During this process, one of the final drives was replaced.
A notable feature of this particular vehicle is that the engine conversion was carried out by the Greek army itself. This conversion was carried out in accordance with official military specifications. As a result, the engine and setup meet the high technical standards required for vehicles intended for military use, ensuring both quality and reliability.
Following the preservation work, the vehicle was fully reconditioned, including:
Complete inspection inside and out
Replacement of engine oil and filters
Renewal of all lubricants and greases
Installation of new batteries
Adjustment of steering, throttle, and clutch
Engine made to start smoothly at the push of a button
Thorough testing and participation in several events
The vehicle carries serial number 58155, dating its production to November 1944. This makes it particularly interesting from a historical standpoint, as most surviving M74s were built in early 1945.
The lifting system is no longer entirely complete, with a few components missing. However, these parts are relatively easy to source, allowing the future owner to restore the system to full operational condition if desired.
The M74 is offered in “as is” condition.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- Bowen-McLaughlin-York
- Model
- M74 Armored Recovery Vehicle
- Manufacturing date
- November 1944 (Reconfiguration to M74: November 1955)
- Hull number
- 58155
- Greece ID number
- 85594
- Conversion number
- 902
- Length
- 26 ft 1 in (7.95 m)
- Width
- 10 ft 2 in (3.10 m)
- Height
- 10 ft 2 in (3.10 m)
- Weight
- 93.695 lb. (42,5 tons)
- Max. speed (hard ground)
- 25 miles/h (40 km/h)
- Main armament
- 1 x .50 caliber M2HB machine gun, 1 x .20 caliber M1919A4 machine gun Note: any armament and ammunition are not included in the sale
- Recovery design
- The M74 was fitted with a main 90.000 lb. (40.000 kg) hydraulic winch, a lighter-duty general purpose secondary, a hydraulic A-frame, and hydraulic front-mounted spade, which was suitable for light dozing, as well as serving as an anchor for heavy winching operations
- Engine
- Ford GAA, 8 cylinder, DOHC 60°V8 gasoline, Displacement: 1,100 cu in (18 L), Power output: 525HP at 2.600 RPM, Torque: 1,100 lbs. (1.400 Nm)
- Crew
- 4
- Armor
- 0,5 – 1,9 in (13-51 mm)
- Production numbers
- approx. 1000
History
Purpose & Background
When tanks went into battle, they didn’t always make it out unscathed. They could get stuck in mud or sand, trapped between trees, or immobilized by mines that blew off their tracks and damaged their suspension. Some even tipped over or suffered mechanical failure. In such moments, an Armored Recovery Vehicle (ARV) could make all the difference.
Designed to recover and support tanks that were disabled in combat, ARVs were equipped with powerful booms, winches, and rigging; essential tools for towing, lifting, and field repairs. Typically, two ARVs were assigned to each tank battalion’s HQ Company, often working alongside a dozer tank. These crews were the unsung heroes on the battlefield, salvaging damaged vehicles, changing engines or transmissions, and repairing mine damage under tough conditions.
The M74 Armored Recovery Vehicle
In early 1954, Bowen McLaughlin-York Inc. began converting M4A3 (105 mm) Sherman tanks into recovery vehicles, creating the M74.
The M74 featured a massive 90,000-pound winch and a hydraulically operated boom, supported by a front spade that doubled as a stabilizer or light dozer blade. These upgrades allowed the M74 to recover even heavier tanks such as the M26 Pershing and M46 Patton. It remained in service until replaced by the M88.
Armed with an M2 .50 caliber machine gun on the commander’s cupola and retaining its original bow gun, the M74 was as rugged as it was capable. It quickly earned a reputation as an indispensable battlefield workhorse, and today, surviving examples are extremely rare.
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