1943 Studebaker T24 'Weasel'

A T24, unlike the M29, is rarely offered for sale, partly because only about 1,000 were originally produced. It’s distinguishable by its narrower tracks (15 inches) and unique lift eyes and mounts for the parachute crate. This Weasel has been completely disassembled down to the last track pad and carefully rebuilt. The owner chose to showcase the originality and authenticity of its weathered bodywork, rather than hiding it behind a thick layer of filler, resulting in an honest vehicle with a characterful appearance. The many original items like searchlight and reel complete its looks.

The tracks are in great condition, allowing the amazing off-road capabilities of this special vehicle to be enjoyed for many more years.

Location
Schoorl, The Netherlands
Year of construction
1943
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Studebaker
Type
T24
Condition
Completely restored and in running condition
Margin Goods
Yes margin goods; No VAT applicable
€ 35.194,-
Ex. Vat. Incl. commission

Details

Conditions

This T24 was purchased in Norway in 2020 and had been stored under a house for 30 years to protect it from the elements. The vehicle has since undergone a complete body restoration, with new brake bands and a new front axle installed.

Engine and Cooling System

The engine was professionally rebuilt, with new pistons and valves sourced from the USA, as well as factory-spec sleeves. The radiator has also been reconditioned and keeps the temperature steady at a maximum of 185°F, even in 30°C (86°F) ambient temperatures, which is very enjoyable, especially during slow vehicle parades.

Tracks and Suspension

The 15" tracks were sourced from southern England. Each rivet was removed, re-vulcanized, and fitted with new bands. These 15" tracks are a rare and defining feature of this type of Weasel, enhancing its authenticity and value. Five additional track pads (including nuts and bolts) are included. All the running gear has been taken apart and restored.

Since the restoration, this Weasel has driven a total of about 450 km across multiple events without any issues, performing reliably each time.

Additional Equipment and Points of Note

  • The windshield wiper motors were also restored, but the rods and connectors are not installed;

  • Original jack and handle are included;

  • -Upgraded with a 12V electric fuel pump, though the original is also available for installation.

Attention Points

  • No seatbelts are fitted, though three buckles are included;

  • Primer pump is not yet connected;

  • Dataplates are replicas;

  • Canvas cover is included but in poor condition. Fortunate, all the hard to find hardware on the cover is present.

Technical details

Manufacturer
Studebaker
Model
T24
Manufacturing date
1943
Serial number
ORD 435
WD number
USA S 40122141
Length
10 ft 6 in (3.20 m)
Width
5 ft (1.5 m)
Height (top up)
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Height (top down)
4 ft 3 in (1.30 m)
Weight
3.800 lb (1.700 kg)
Max. speed
36 mph (58 km/h)
Operational range
165 mi (266 km)
Engine
Studebaker Model 6-170 Champion 6-cylinder 70 hp (52 kW)
Crew
1 driver + 3 passengers
Production numbers
approx. 1000 (T-24)
Road registration
Yes, Dutch. (Agricultural Vehicle Registration)

History

The idea for the M29 Weasel came from the work of British inventor Geoffrey Pyke in support of his proposals to attack Axis forces and industrial installations in Norway. Pyke’s plan to hamper the German nuclear weapons program became Project Plough for which he proposed a fast light mechanized device that would transport small groups of commando troops of the 1st Special Service Force across snow. It would need to be air transportable, capable of being dropped by parachute and to carry arms, explosives and minimal resupply stocks.

For this, the T-15 Weasel tracked vehicle was made in 1942. The small dimensions of the T-15 were chosen to make it possible to fit in glider aircraft. It proved to be a fast and handy vehicle, giving the Allies a real edge in winter/mountain operations. However, there was also the perceived need for dropping the vehicle by parachute, from British Lancasters. So, the T-15 was improved and thus the T-24 was born.

Up front an airborne T-24 does not look that different from an M29. In the front there are only some small holders/handles that tell you it is a T-24. But an airborne-modified T-24 also has four large attachments points bolted on the sides - to connect the vehicle body with the parachute container.

T-24

The first prototype M-29 "Weasel" was produced in August of 1942. The original designation for the M-29 was "Cargo Carrier, Light T-24", the "T" meaning Test-Model. The T-24 was produced by the Studebaker Car Company, South Bend Indiana under contract W-271 ORD-4023 and W-271 ORD-4727.
The designation from T-24 to M-29 was changed at serial number 1003.

Only 4,476 T-24/M-29's were produced from 1942 to 1945, of which approx 1.000 T-24's. 10.647 M-29C's were produced during World War Two.

Deployment
The T-24 had a front engine, rear wheel drive system, 15-inch tracks and performed exeptional in snowy, muddy, and desert terrains, including towing loads over terrain wheeled vehicles could not negotiate. In the U.S. Marine invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa it proved itself invaluable.
Due its wide tracks it could cross terrain too soft for most other vehicles, it was used widely in both Italy and on the Western Front. In active service in Europe, Weasels were used to supply frontline troops over difficult ground when wheeled vehicles were immobilized. It went ashore on Normandy, it was with the U.S. Army during the breakthrough at St. Lo, the Battle of the Bulge and in the mud of the Roer and the Rhine. The M29 was primarily a cargo carrier, but was also used as a command vehicle, radio platform, and signal line layer.

After the war many surplus M29s were sold to allied countries (Norway, Sweden, France, etc). Some M29C and M29 survived to serve in Korea, supplementing 1/4 ton 4×4 cargo vehicles in rough conditions. They served in Arctic and cold weather operations until retired in 1958. Large numbers of retired Weasels were sold off in the 1950s to civilians and municipal organizations. For example, 25 Weasels were loaned for VIII Olympic Winter Games in 1960.

Note to buyer

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.

PARTS, ACCESSOIRIES & MILITARIA

Spare parts, accessories and militaria are sold in as-is condition and delivered without any guarantee of functioning.

 VEHICLES & VEHICLE RELATED EQUIPMENT

Cars, motorcycles, trucks, cannons or howitzers, armored vehicles, and tanks are sold in as-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

COLLECTION

Parts, accessories, and militaria

The collection of the lots, subject to payment, is by appointment only. The date and time for collecting the goods will be arranged in consultation with the seller.

Vehicles

Vehicles can be picked up, subject to payment, by appointment only. The date and time for collecting vehicles will be arranged in consultation with the seller.

Handling costs for the removal of the vehicles will, when applicable, be applied at cost.

Arms & weapons

The Auction House will not supply ANY item unless the correct paperwork and licensing – if needed - have been supplied 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.

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 [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns. No item will be allowed to be collected without 100% of all legal requirements being fulfilled.

DELIVERY

Removal of lots must be completed:

  • After full payment and 100% coverage of all legal requirements.

  • Within 6 weeks after the auction had ended (November 30, 2024). No storage fees will be applicable until that date.

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.

STORAGE

Lots not picked up by Buyers within 6 weeks after the auction had ended (November 30, 2024) will be returned to secure storage at Buyer’s expense. In this case storage fees will be applicable. Contact Tracks & Trade for costs and conditions.

NOTE

 If you have any specific questions, please contact us either by telephone (+31 6 518 22 502) or E-mail ([email protected]). We are happy to help and support you through the entire process. We will do our utmost to please and comfort you. So, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

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.

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 often considered 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. In such a case first ensure that you apply for the necessary permits, licenses, and other paperwork required to own and operate such an item in your jurisdiction. 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 in 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 paperwork in place 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. Als in this case we can support you with organizing the transport or make sure you get in contact with some experts.

  • 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,  service till a Class-A restoration. In such a case please contact BAIV (link to BAIV website).

  • Training

    If you intend to operate a vehicle then make sure you have manuals that describe how the operate vehicle. Nowadays there are numerous reprints available on the Internet that explain 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 attending 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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