1945 M24 Chaffee

Bidding starts 12 Dec 2025 CET

Auction ends 20 Dec 2025

Reserve applicable Bidding day & times Viewing day available

This remarkable M24 Chaffee started life as a U.S.-built WWII light tank and was later modernized by the Norwegian Army in 1979 with a reliable Detroit Diesel engine and Allison transmission. Fully rebuilt in 2024 and showing very low mileage since, it combines historical significance with excellent drivability and easy maintenance. The dummy main gun removes any need for permits, making it completely event-friendly. A perfect opportunity to experience tank ownership; iconic, practical, and simp...

Location

Maura, Norway

Year of construction

May 1945

Country of origin

United States of America

Manufacturer

Cadillac Motor Car Div.

Type

M24 Chaffee

Condition

Class A restored and in great condition

Margin Goods

Yes margin goods; No VAT applicable

Details

Condition

This impressive M24 Chaffee began its life as a U.S.-built light tank but was later upgraded by the Norwegian Army in 1979. During this conversion, the original twin Cadillac engines and early automatic transmission were replaced with a Detroit Diesel powerplant and a robust Allison transmission; a combination that significantly improved reliability, ease of maintenance, and overall drivability.

In 2024 it underwent a complete rebuild by its current owner. The tank was finished in summer 2025. Mechanically it was in great condition, as it was when it left the Army. The turret was brought back to M24 configuration and the tank was completed with additional M24 parts. The barrel is a dummy, but the Breech block is original. The restoration was completed with a repaint to WW2 specs. Having very low mileage since its total rebuild, this Chaffee is not only historically fascinating but also remarkably practical. The Detroit/Allison conversion has proven far more dependable than the original wartime setup, making this tank a pleasure to own, operate, and maintain. When you hit the throttle it really goes!

Note: The M24 is sold including a set of original T85E1 US tracks and sprockets.

Another major advantage is that the main gun is a dummy, meaning no deactivation paperwork or permits are required. This makes the vehicle event-friendly and easy to enjoy. You can drive and display it without the bureaucratic hassle often associated with historic armor.

In short, this is the perfect entry point into the world of tanks: an iconic WWII design with post-war reliability, effortless maintenance, and unmatched usability. Owning and driving a tank has never been this straightforward or enjoyable.

Specifications

Technical details

Manufacturer: Cadillac Motor Car Div.
Model: M24
Manufacturing date: May 1945
Serial number: 3231
Breech ID: CN-90D925 / Nr. 061
Length: 18 ft 3 in (5,56 m)
Width: 9 ft 10 in (3 m)
Height: 9 ft 1 in ( 2,77 m)
Weight: 40.500 LB (18.37 tonnes)
Max. speed: 35 mph (56 km/h)
Operational range: 100 mi (160 km)
Main armament: 75 mm gun M6 (currently fitted with a dummy gun)
Secondary armament: .50 BMG Browning M2HB machine gun & 2x .30-06 Browning M1919A4 machines guns. Not fitted/not included.
Engine: Post-war Detroit 6V53T diesel engine
Crew: 5 (commander/radio operator, loader, gunner, bow gunner/assistant driver, driver)
Armor: 0.40 - 1.50 in (10 - 38 mm)
Production numbers: 4.731
Transmission: Post-war Allison MT-653 automatic transmission (1979)

History

The M24 Chaffee was introduced by the United States late in the Second World War as a replacement for the aging M5 Stuart light tank. By 1944, it had become clear that the earlier light tanks were no longer effective against modern German armor, so a new vehicle was designed that combined improved firepower, better suspension, and greater mobility. The result was the M24; a light tank that offered a significant step forward in both capability and crew comfort.

Production began in mid-1944, and the first units reached Europe in November of that year. They were issued mainly to reconnaissance and cavalry units, who valued the Chaffee’s speed and relatively powerful 75 mm gun, a major improvement over the 37 mm cannon used on its predecessors. Crews appreciated its agility and smooth handling, especially on rough terrain, though its thin armor still made it vulnerable to most German anti-tank weapons.

The M24 first saw combat during the Battle of the Bulge, where only a handful were available. Although their impact on the overall course of the war was limited due to their late arrival, soldiers welcomed the new tank’s balance of mobility and firepower. By the end of hostilities in 1945, more than 4,700 Chaffees had been built, forming the foundation of a design that would remain in service for decades.

After the war, the M24 was exported widely to America’s allies and took part in numerous post-war conflicts, including the Korean War. As technology advanced, many of these tanks were modernized to extend their service life.

One of the most notable upgrade programs came from Norway. In this modernization, the original gasoline engine and manual transmission were replaced with a Detroit Diesel 6V-series engine paired with an Allison automatic transmission. This new powertrain provided far greater reliability, reduced maintenance needs, and improved fuel efficiency. These were essential qualities for operating in Norway’s demanding terrain and climate. These upgrades not only enhanced the vehicle’s performance but also symbolized the adaptability of the original M24 design.

Thanks to such conversions, the Chaffee’s legacy extended well beyond World War II. Even as newer light tanks like the M41 Walker Bulldog entered service, many M24s, and their upgraded versions, continued to serve with smaller armies around the world well into the Cold War era.

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 December 13, 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: October 21st 2025 19.00 (CET)
Bidding starts: Saturday December 12, 2025 18.00 (CET)
Bidding ends: Saturday December 20, 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.
Deactivated weapons (EU regulation)
A deactivated weapon is a genuine firearm that has been modified so it can no longer discharge any bullet, missile, or other projectile.
Legal basis
All deactivated weapons offered in this auction are deactivated/neutralized in accordance with EU Regulation 2015/2403, as incorporated into Dutch law on 13 May 2016.
Delivery within the EU (European buyers)
To ship a deactivated firearm we must verify that you are at least 18 years old.
Please provide a copy of a valid identity document (ID card, passport or driver’s license).
Once we have received and checked this document, we can send the deactivated weapon and its certificate at the buyer’s expense.
Important note
No lot will be delivered or shipped without the presentation of the documents mentioned above.
The buyer is responsible for their purchase once the lot is awarded and will pay at least the related costs.

Delivery outside the EU (non‑European buyers)
If you are a non‑EU resident intending to purchase an EU deactivated weapon, it is your responsibility to confirm whether ownership is permitted under the laws of your country.
You may need to provide a valid firearm license before we can ship your purchased deactivated weapon, as we comply with Dutch export regulations for (deactivated) weapons.
Any additional actions required and associated costs in such a transaction will be charged to the buyer.

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, February 7, 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 Saturday, February 7, 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

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 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 (info@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 (www.baiv.nl) 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.

Founder & Co Owner of BAIV and Tracksandtrade

+31 6 518 22 502 ivosr.rigter@tracksandtrade.com Contact us