1942 Stuart M3A1 Hybrid
This mid production M3 is fitted with late M3A1 turret, though without turret basket and manual azimuth traverse.
With its distinctive silhouette and historical significance, it's a true collector's item. This particular model is equipped with a new refurbished Continental W-670-9A. This Stuart is in running condition and drives and steers well.
Location
Mierlo, The Netherlands
Year of construction
June 1942
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Berwick Plant of the Car and Foundry Company
Type
M3A1 Hybrid
Condition
Older restoration / very good runner
Margin Goods
Yes margin goods;
No VAT applicable
€ 179.948,-
Incl. commission
Details
Condition
Some 20 years ago I found the tank in a “museum” of sorts north of London, more like a dump, but it was running. Via the War and Peace show I took delivery and shipped it back to the Netherlands.
The Stuart offered for auction is a M3A1 Hybrid and therefore likely a mid production M3. I has a late M3A1 turret without a basket. Also a manual azimure traverse and other interior fittings characteristic to a Hybrid. The round armor on the rear of the tank comes originally from a M3A1.
This particular model is in January 2024 equipped with a new refurbished Continental W-670-9A radial engine (carried out by BAIV). This Stuart is in running condition and drives and steers well.
Some bits and pieces are missing but it won’t take much effort to restore this tank back to its original condition.
This tank comes also with additional (spare) parts:
New (but rusty) steel tracks, French army
6 Veloute springs fitting Stuart (original for halftrack)
Big collection of manuals for M3A1
Breech guard
1 Bogie wheel assembly, 2 spare rubber “tires”
1 Idler wheel assembly
Take out breech and gun parts
Restoration: Our partner BAIV can assist you in restoring this tank to its original state or adapting it to your specific preferences. Please contact Tracks & Trade for more information.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- Berwick plant of the Car and Foundry Company
- Model
- M3A1 Hybrid
- Manufacturing date
- June 1942
- Road registration (Dutch)
- T-49-BXZ
- Serial number
- 5603
- Length
- 14 ft 2 in (4,33 m)
- Width
- 7 ft 4 in (2,23 m)
- Height
- 7 ft 9 in (2,35 m)
- Weight
- 27.998 lb (12.700 kg)
- Max. speed (land)
- 36 mph (58 k/h)
- Operational range
- 74,5 mi (120 km)
- Main armament
- 37 mm M5 gun
- Secondary armament
- 1x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun (anti-aircraft) and 2x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns (coaxial and hull).
- Engine
- Continental W-670-9A 262 hp
- Crew
- 4 (commander, gunner/loader, driver, co-driver/hull gunner)
- Production numbers
- A total of 4.621 Stuart M3A1 tanks were manufactured but only a small batch where M3 Hybrids.
- Armor
- 0,52 – 2 in (13 – 51 mm)
- Road registration
- Yes, Dutch. (Agricultural Vehicle Registration)
History
The first prototype was developed in July 1940 and it was adopted by the American army which launched production of the M3 tank in March 1941. The main modifications compared to the M2 light tank reside in the fact that the M3 Stuart has much greater shielding. Late production M3s were fitted with turret developed for M3A1, though without turret basket. These tanks were dubbed “Stuart Hybrid”.
The M3 saw service with American forces in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded in December 1941. Feedback from these actions led to improvements incorporated in the M3A1, which began production in May 1942.
In June 1942 a batch of 7 Stuart M3A1 were produced in Berwick plant of the Car and Foundry Company, among them was Stuart 5603. This was the second batch of M3A1’s and many parts were still missing, or hand produced. It is interesting to find a handwritten note on one of the fuel tanks with the production number, so these parts were handmade most likely.
Ready or not, the tank was rushed to the UK as part of the land lease agreement. No hydraulics for traversing the turret or stabilizing the gun were present, turret basket was missing and many parts were really M3, not the improved M3A1.
The British were not amused, how to fight in a tank like this, turret rotating with a small hand crank, not the big wheel from the M3 but only the backup for the hydraulic system, but with missing hydraulics. Interestingly The British thought it could serve well in Australia, where the tank served during the war. At time of decommissioning the tank was sent back to the UK, probably to honor the land lease agreement.
Although poorly suited to tank warfare in Europe, the Stuart tank proved effective in the Pacific. In New Guinea and the Solomons, the Stuart served in an infantry support role. Although the 37mm gun was not ideal, the small Stuart was much more practical for jungle warfare than the much larger and heavier Sherman that replaced it in late 1943. The M3A1 also saw service with American forces during the North African Campaign.
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
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COLLECTION
Parts, accessories, and militaria
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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
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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.
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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.
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