Lot number 737

1945 M40 M2 155 mm GMC

Bidding starts 12 Dec 2025
Auction ends 20 Dec 2025
No reserve applicable Bidding day & times Viewing day available
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For sale: A Rare Find, an Exceptional ProjectA few years ago, BAIV uncovered an original M40, one of the very few shipped to Europe after its service in Korea.This particular vehicle was transferred to the US forces in Germany and used in training at Grafenwöhr, until a devastating refueling or engine fire in the mid-1960s forced it into early retirement, later followed by an attempt to scrap the vehicle. Ironically, that attempt failed, and the M40 was stored away untouched for over 50 years. ...

For sale: A Rare Find, an Exceptional Project

A few years ago, BAIV uncovered an original M40, one of the very few shipped to Europe after its service in Korea.

This particular vehicle was transferred to the US forces in Germany and used in training at Grafenwöhr, until a devastating refueling or engine fire in the mid-1960s forced it into early retirement, later followed by an attempt to scrap the vehicle. Ironically, that attempt failed, and the M40 was stored away untouched for over 50 years. Only 311 M40s were ever built; a true rarity with an incredible story.

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Location
Nederweert, The Netherlands
Year of construction
1945
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Pressed Steel Car Company, Chicago
Type
M40 M2 155 mm gun motor carriage
Condition
Unrestored
Margin Goods
No margin goods; VAT applicable

Details

Condition

Restoration Progress Overview

A small deal of work has already been carried out since this vehicle was recovered in Germany. Below is a structured summary of the completed steps and currently available components:

  • Wheels & Suspension
    The vehicle has been properly placed back on its wheels, all of which were destroyed in the fire. Each wheel has been brought back in to rolling condition, allowing for safe movement and handling during restoration.

  • Tracks & Running Gear
    The full set of running gear, including sprockets, is available. A set of T80 Hybrid tracks has also been sourced and is included with the vehicle.

  • Hull Plating
    All main steel plates that had previously been cut out or damaged have been carefully replaced. The new sections have been professionally welded in, ensuring structural integrity and authenticity.

  • Fire Damage Cleanup
    The fire-damaged areas have been thoroughly cleaned. The engine compartment has been completely emptied and cleared of debris, preparing it for further mechanical work.

  • Gearbox & Differential
    The gearbox and differential will be fully replaced as part of the restoration. It still requires a full overhaul. Fortunately, all necessary spare parts, including a complete differential, are already in stock.

  • Final Drive (Right Side)
    A replacement Final Drive unit for the right side was sourced in Canada. It has been temporarily installed for fitting and alignment purposes.

  • Engine
    We have secured the original New Old Stock (NOS), never-used Continental C1 engine, ready to be installed during the mechanical restoration phase.

  • Original Spade Recovered
    A rare and exciting find: the original matching rear spade, once removed and abandoned during scrapping, was located in Germany and has now been successfully recovered.

  • Additional Parts
    Numerous original components have been sourced, including the original seats and many other key items needed to complete the restoration to a high standard.

Restoration Timeline & Process

Visually, the vehicle is already largely being completed and made presentable. However, a complete mechanical, technical and functional restoration is still required to bring it to full operational Class A condition.

Technical details

Manufacturer
Pressed Steel Car Company
Model
155 mm gun motor carriage M40
Hull Number
146
Manufacturing date
1945
Length
29 ft 10 in (9,1 m)
Width
10 ft 4 in (3,15 m)
Height
8 ft 10 in (2,7 m)
Weight
80,000 lb (36.3 metric tons)
Max. speed
24 mph (38 km/h)
Operational range
106 mi (170 km)
Main armament
155 mm Gun M2
Serial number (gun)
2833
Engine
9-cylinder radial engine model R-975 EC2, 340 hp (253 kW)
Transmission
Synchronized gearbox (5 forward/ 1 reverse)
Suspension type
HVSS (Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension)
Armor
0,5 inch (12,7 mm)
Crew
8 (Commander, driver, 6 gun crew)
Production numbers
311

History

The M40 155mm Gun Motor Carriage

In the final phase of World War II, American industry achieved something extraordinary. Just five months after approval, the M40, a 155mm self-propelled gun, went from blueprint to battlefield. Built on a widened Sherman chassis, equipped with HVSS suspension and wide tracks, the M40 delivered the mobility and firepower the U.S. Army had long been searching for.
But it wasn’t just a technical breakthrough; It was a bold step into the future based on innovation and cleverness of American engineering.

Deployment
As part of the famed ‘Zebra Mission’, two of the first M40s was deployed to Europe in early 1945 and fired the very first American artillery shell into the besieged city of Cologne. Too late to influence the war’s outcome, but right on time to shape the artillery of tomorrow.

Post-war, the M40 became the backbone of U.S. heavy artillery during the Korean War, where it proved its worth under real battlefield conditions. Rugged, powerful, and ahead of its time, the M40 inspired a new generation of mobile artillery platforms and remains a symbol of American innovation and determination.

Only a handful of M40s remain today, all in museums or on static display.

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: Friday, 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

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.

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