Ivo Rigter Sr.
Founder & Co Owner of BAIV and Tracksandtrade
+31 6 518 22 502 ivosr.rigter@tracksandtrade.com1943 M5A1 Stuart
The M5A1 Stuart remains a highly sought-after tank for many enthusiasts. It's compact enough for easy transport, powered by reliable Cadillac engines, and offers smooth handling thanks to its automatic transmission; making it a true "toy for boys." In 2024, this Stuart underwent technical maintenance and is currently in good running and driving condition.
Location
Monte Vista, Colorado, United States of America
Year of construction
19 January 1943
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Cadillac Motor Car Div.
Type
M5A1
Condition
Older restoration/ Good running condition
Details
Condition
In 2024, both Cadillac engines of the Stuart were brought to operational condition by the current owner. To date, one water pump has been rebuilt, and new spark plugs have been installed in the right engine. In addition, the fuel system has been partially overhauled, including the replacement of fuel lines and valves, as well as the installation of a new electric fuel pump and switch.
Please note:
Based on a visual inspection, it is suspected that the volute bogie springs may have lost part of their original tension, or that one or more springs could be broken. A detailed mechanical inspection is recommended to determine the exact condition of the suspension system.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- Cadillac Motor Car Div.
- Model
- M5A1
- Manufacturing date
- 1943
- Serial number
- 2775
- Length
- 15 ft 2 in (4,62 m)
- Width
- 7 ft 10 in (2,4 m)
- Height
- 7 ft 8 in (2,3 m)
- Weight
- 33.070 lb (16.500 kg)
- Max. speed
- 36 mph (58 km/h)
- Operational range
- 99 mi (160 km)
- Main armament
- 1.46 in (37 mm) M6 AT gun
- Secondary armament
- 3xcal.30 (7.62 mm) M1919 machine-guns
- Engine
- Twin Cadillac V8, 296 hp (220 kW), air cooled gasoline
- Crew
- 4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)
- Armor
- 0.51-2 in (13 to 51 mm)
- Production numbers
- 8.884 (M5/M5A1 combined)
History
The M5A1 Stuart is the second variant of the Light Tank M5 Stuart family. Originally developed from the Light Tank M3 Stuart family in response to the wartime shortage of the radial aero-engines used in the M3 light tanks, a new version with twin Cadillac V8 engines and dual Hydra-Matic gearboxes functioning through a transfer case was designed. This tank was quieter, cooler, and more spacious; the automatic transmission also made crew training faster. The new light tank (originally designated Light Tank M4 Stuart but subsequently referred to as Light Tank M5 Stuart to avoid confusion with the Medium Tank M4 Sherman) had a remodeled hull with a raised rear deck over the engine compartment, a sloped glacis plate, and driver's hatches moved to the top. In 1942, the M5 Stuart gradually replaced the M3 Stuart in production, and as the M7 light tank project proved undesirable, the Light Tank M24 Chaffee replaced the M5 Stuart in 1944. A total of 8,884 M5 and M5A1 tanks were manufactured. The 75 mm M8 howitzer motor carriage (M8 HMC) was also based on the M5 chassis with an open-top turret.
Introduced in Update 1.45 "Steel Generals", the M5A1 Stuart is a new series of light tanks developed from the Light Tank M3 Stuart family, and it shares many characteristics with other U.S. Army light tanks of rank I. In general, the M5 and M3 light tanks have similar play styles. The M5A1 Stuart saw extensive use near the end of World War II, particularly in Normandy. They were designed to carry out scouting, reconnaissance, and infantry support rather than engage in tank-to-tank combat with enemies.
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