Ford M8

History

In July 1941, the US Ordnance Department launched a call for tenders regarding a 6 wheel armored car, able to replace the antique M6 Farco. Three companies competed : Ford, Chrysler and Studebaker. In april 1942, Ford T22 prototype won the tender, with performances very close to those of its nearest competitor. The 37 mm gun of the T22 was too weak to confront enemy tanks. It was designated as “M8 Light Armored Car” and served in field missions and support for the infantry. Big quality problems delayed the production which eventually started in 1943, ending in june 1945 with a total of 8 634 units produced. It should be noted that the French Army used them until the end of Indochina and Algeria wars.

More information on its restoration here.

Technical data

There were four crew members on board, the driver and the radio in the front and two gunners in the turret. This vehicle was considered as an excellent reconnaissance machine, very fast, low noise, agile, it was the spearhead with the light tanks of US and French reconnaissance units. Weight 7.8 t (17,200 lb) Length 16 ft 4.8 in (5.00 m) Width 8 ft 3.6 in (2.53 m) Height 7 ft 4.8 in (2.26 m) Crew 4 Main armament One 37 mm gun M6 Secondary armament One .30 cal (7.62 mm) Browning M1919 machine gun One .50 cal (12.7 mm) Browning M2HB machine gun Engine Hercules JXD 6 cylinder gasoline side valve engine 110 hp (82 kW) Power/weight 14.1 hp/tonne Suspension 6×6 wheeled, leaf spring Operational range 200-400 miles on road 150-200 miles off road Speed 55 mph (89 km/h)