International H542-9 Tractor & Fruehauf semi-trailer
The M425 is a rare truck, but its combination with the Fruehauf CPT 22 Semi Trailer makes it truly unique. The Fruehauf CPT 22, with a loading capacity of 48,500 lbs (22,000 kg), is ideal for transporting light tanks and armored vehicles, ranging from worshop visits to events around the country and beyond.
This combination is a remarkable discovery, with the M425 COE originating from France and the CPT 22 from the Netherlands. In the 1980s, the M425 was directly released from the army and has never been used for civilian purposes. It was restored near Versailles, France, where the original Red Diamond engine was replaced with a Hispano Suiza Diesel. Additionally, an original WWII-era Tulsa winch was installed on the rear bed for hauling operations in conjunction with the trailer.
Although both units are older restorations, the M425 COE and the CPT 22 semi-trailer remain in good condition. They will undergo complete servicing in our Nederweert workshop prior to delivery.
Location
Nederweert, The Netherlands
Year of construction
1944
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
International Harvester Company
Type
Tractor: M 425 COE/Trailer: CPT-22
Condition
Older restoration/ Good running condition
Details
Conditions
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Manufacturing date
- Serial number
- Length
- Width
- Height (top up)
- Height (top down)
- Weight
- Max. speed (land)
- Max speed (water)
- Operational range
- Secondary armament
- Main armament
- Engine
- Crew
- Armor
- Production numbers
History
The International Harvester Company (in short IHC) of Chicago, Illinois was one of the leading manufacturers of vehicles in WW-II. In 1943 the US Ordnance Corps initiated designs for a new, compact semi-tactical 4×2 tractor truck, with short wheelbase and overall length and a military pattern soft-top cab, mounted over the engine, to supplant the potpourri of existing types.
Two variants were envisaged: a light type for use with 16-foot 5-ton semi-trailers and an up-rated, heavier type for hauling 25-foot 10-ton semi-trailers. They were intended for use by the Transportation Corps and by Ordnance.
The vehicles were developed and prototyped by International and went into quantity production in early 1944 with model designations H-542-9 and H-542-11.
The truck was a very welcome and successful piece of equipment for all strategic purposes such a long-distance road haulage of cargo. Main areas of operation became the China/Burma/India theatre and the ETOUSA (European Theatre of Operations, US Army).
Many were used by the truck companies of the Quartermaster Corps in the Communications Zone of ETOUSA. A nice example was the 3885th QM Truck Company (TC) which trucked supplies and reinforcements to the front lines from D-Day to VE-Day). The 542s were also in evidence in such operations as the Berlin Airlift soon after the war.
Note to buyer
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