1944 M36 Jackson 90mm Gun Motor Carriage

A rare opportunity to acquire a fully restored M36 Jackson, brought back to factory-original condition by renowned restorer Gavin Copeman. Formerly known as the “Tiger Tamer,” this historic tank, now named “Big Chief”, underwent a meticulous three-year restoration, including the reinstatement of the iconic Ford GAA engine. A true collector’s piece.

Location
Turnhout, Belgium
Year of construction
1944
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
GM Fisher Grand Bank Facility
Type
M36 90mm Gun Motor Carriage
Condition
Class A restored and in great condition
Starting bid
€ 45.000
Margin Goods
Yes margin goods; No VAT applicable

Details

Conditions

Restoration

Following World War II, many tanks and other military vehicles were sold or donated to allied nations to help rebuild their armed forces. This M36 Jackson was one of them and found its way to Yugoslavia. By the 1970s, due to increasing wear and a lack of American spare parts, the original Ford engine was replaced with a 500 hp Soviet-made diesel engine from a T-55 tank.

After the Yugoslav Wars (1991–2001), the M36 Jackson was shipped to the United Kingdom. There, the previous owner removed the diesel engine and installed a Cummins engine, which was mated to the original transmission.

Given the M36 Jackson’s important role in the Allied victory during WWII and the rarity of finding one in original condition, the current owner commissioned renowned restorer Gavin Copeman to bring this vehicle—once known as the "Tiger Tamer"—back to factory condition. The meticulous three-year restoration involved removing every non-original component and replacing it with period-correct parts, including the reinstatement of the iconic Ford GAA engine. The vehicle was renamed “Big Chief” in honor of its transformation. The current owner gave it the USA registration number 40177412, representing the 4th Armored Division—a tribute to the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion.

Since its full restoration, the M36 Jackson has participated in events such as Wings & Wheels and the Oldtimer Tank Event in Oeselgem.

Remark:

Deactivated GB proof house certificate. No. 35573 (1-04-2004). No sliding block.

Technical details

Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company (FMCO)USA
Model
M36 90 mm Gun Motor Carriage
Manufacturing date
1944
Serial number
1186
Length (hull)
19 ft 7 in (5.97 m)
Length (including barrel)
24 ft 6 in (7.47 m)
Width
10 ft (3.05 m)
Height
10 ft 9 in (3.28 m)
Weight
63.000 lb (28.576 kg)
Max. speed
26 mph (42 km/h)
Operational range
150 mi (240 km)
Main armament
90 mm gun M3A2
Gun ID
GUN, 90mm M3A2. NO. 7037
Secondary armament
.50 caliber (12.7 mm) Browning M2HB machine (replica) 1 Rifle .30 No. (replica)
Engine
Ford GAA; V8, 4 cycle, 60° 1,100 cu in (18 L) gasoline
Crew
5 (Commander, gunner, loader, driver, assistant driver)
Production numbers
2.324
Road registration
Yes (United Kingdom). Import/Export permits are required.

History

The M36 Tank Destroyer, formally 90-mm Gun Motor Carriage, was the ultimate American tank destroyer during World War II that helped the Allies win! Besides the M10 Wolverine and the superfast M18, which could drive up to 57 mph (92 km/h), the US Army needed a more powerful gun and better armored vehicle to hunt down the latest developments in German tanks, including the Panther and Tigers. Therefore, the US Army created an upgraded version of the M10 using the M10A1 hull.

The turret was completely redesigned for the new and heavier gun. The M10A1 hull with the new turret created eventually the M36. The M36 was so beloved that the US Army ran out of M10A1 hulls and had to start using M4A3 and M4A2 (same as M10 hulls).

Note to buyer

LOCATION

  • The location of any Lot is indicated with the specific lot number. Specific address details will be provided upon request and to the successful bidder / Buyer.

INSPECTION(S)/ VIEWING DAYS

  • Inspections (viewing days) are open on:

    • USA: Thursday March 14, Saturday April 6 and Friday April 19 2024

    • The Netherlands: Saturday April 13 (Nederweert)

  • 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

  • Campaign Start: March 1st 2024,

  • Release Website and brochure (all items listed and categorized): March 20 2024,

  • Bidding Open: Friday April 19 2024 00:00 CET (Dutch American Friendship Day),

  • Bidding Ends:

    • Saturday April 20 2024 (Part 1 vehicles)

    • Sunday April 21 2024 (Part 2: Parts)

Times:

  • Amsterdam NL (CET): 06:00 PM (18:00)

  • London: 05:00 PM (17:00)

  • New York USA: 12:00 AM (12:00)

  • Sydney AUS: 04:00 AM (04:00),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.

PARTS, ACCESSOIRIES & MILITARIA

  • The batches of spare parts, various 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

  • Due to our participation in the commemorations of D-DAY in Normandy France collection of all lots is scheduled for the period June 17 till 28 2024. However, for buyers who want to participate with their purchased lot at the 80th Anniversary Commemorations in Normandy this can of course be deviated from. In such a case please let us know soonest.
    import and 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 by June 28 2024 after full payment and 100% coverage of all legal requirements. 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 before June 28 2024 will be returned to secure storage at Buyer’s expense. In this case storage fees will be applied as follows:

    • Parts & accessories: € 25,- / lot / week.

    • Cars and motorcycles: € 50,- / lot / week.

    • Armored vehicles, tanks, cannons etc. € 75,- / lot / week.

  • Listed storage fees excluding 21% VAT.

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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