Lot number 525
1943 M2 High-Speed Tractor 'Cletrac' "Memphis Belle"
This rare machine has been fully restored and comes with a special history: it featured in the iconic film Memphis Belle. A piece of film history on tracks, in top condition and ready to show off next to a Flying Fortress or other WWII bomber.
Do you want to tow your WWII warbird out of the hanger and towards the apron or taxiway in style? This is the vehicle you want and need.
Location
Sidlesham, United Kingdom
Year of construction
1943
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Cleveland Tractor Company
Type
M2
Condition
Fully restored and in good running condition
Starting bid
€ 4.500
Margin Goods
Yes margin goods;
No VAT applicable
Details
Conditions
This M2 High Speed Tractor has been fully restored by Whitedell Engineering between 2022-2023 with no expense spared. The complete restoration has been extensively documented with photographs.
The Cletrac has no road registration. But a British road registration can be arranged by the current owner. We recommend contacting Track & Trade before bidding to discuss available options and any potential costs involved.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- Cleveland Tractor Company
- Model
- M2
- Manufacturing date
- 1943
- Serial number
- 153A348
- Length
- 13 fr 10 in (4,2 m)
- Width
- 5 ft 10 in (1,8 m)
- Height
- 5 ft 8 in (1,7 m)
- Weight
- 14,700 lb. (6.700 kg)
- Max. speed
- 22 mph (35 km/h)
- Engine
- Hercules WXL C3, 404 cubic inch, 150 hp, 6 cylinder
- Crew
- 3 (1 driver + 2 crew)
- Winch capacity
- Gar-Wood 10.000 lb. (4,5 ton) with 300 ft (91 m) of 3/8 in (9.5 mm) cable
- Maximum drawbar pull
- 7.500 lb. (3,4 ton)
- Production numbers
- 8.510
- Road registration
- No
History
The M2 High-Speed Tractor (HST) was manufactured by the Cleveland Tractor Company for the U.S. Army Ordnance Department. Termed an MG-1+ by Cletrac, 8,510 were manufactured during World War II, primarily for use on airfields as a tow tractor and maintenance vehicle.
Design
Powered by a 404cid Hercules WXLC3 engine driving a 4-speed transmission, the vehicle is capable of attaining speeds up to 22mph when the high rpm range is unlocked on the governor, allowing the engine to achieve 3,250 rpm. With the governor set at 2,500rpm, speeds up to 15 mph can be attained. Steering is accomplished through a Cletrac controlled differential that uses planetary gearsets to “downshift” one track when the corresponding steering lever is pulled. In this way, power is always being transmitted to both tracks making the steering action smoother and improving safety on steep slopes. Compared to the traditional “clutch and brake” steering found on most other crawlers of this vintage, the Cletrac differential has the disadvantage that it is not possible to lock one track and spot-turn around the braked track. Instead, the minimum turning radius is 10.5 ft. While this was a disadvantage for bulldozers, the controlled differential did prevent the tractor from tearing up pavement and turf, keeping the surface smooth for aircraft operations.
The M2 is equipped with a swinging drawbar designed for use in towing aircraft, as well as a second, swiveling pintle hook for towing ammunition, maintenance, & other types of trailers. Some testing was done to determine the suitability of the M2 as a gun-towing tractor, but it was quickly determined that it lacked the space to support the gun crews and carriage of ammunition and, as a 7-ton class machine, it was too light to pull the heavier howitzers and was eclipsed in this role by the M4 13-ton HST, M5 18-ton HST, and the M6 38-ton HST. However, with rubber tracks that were suitable for use on paved surfaces as well as grass and mud, the tractor performed well on the primitive airfields that were common in forward areas during the war.
Cletrac made about 8300 of them but there are approx. fifteen M2 High-Speed tractors in running condition left.
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
