Stuart M3A1 Hybrid

Total Bids Placed:

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

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.

Technical

Manufacturer: Berwick plant of the Car and Foundry Company
Model: Light Tank, Infantry, M3A1 Hybrid, Stuart
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 (top up): 7 ft 9 in (2,35 m)
Height (top down): n/a
Weight: (12.700 kg)
Max. speed (land): 36 mph (58 k/h)
Max. speed (water): n/a
Operational range: 74,5 mi (120 km)
Main armament: 37 mm M6 gun
Secondary armamant: 1x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun (anti-aircraft) and 2x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns (coaxial and hull). Note not included.
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)

Note to Buyers

LOCATION

The location of any Lot is indicated with the specific lot number. Specific address details will be provided upon request and to the successful bidder / Buyer.

INSPECTION(S)/ VIEWING DAYS

Inspections (viewing days) are open on:
– USA: Thursday March 14, Friday April 5, Saturday 6 and Friday April 19 2024

– The Netherlands: Saturday April 13 (Nederweert)

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

– Campaign Start: March 1^st 2024,

– Release Website and brochure (all items listed and categorized): March 20 2024,

– Bidding Open: Friday April 19 2024 00:00 CET (Dutch American Friendship Day),

– Bidding Ends:

Saturday April 20 2024 (Vehicles)

Saturday May 11 2024 (Parts & Accessories)

Times:             Amsterdam NL (CET): 06:00 PM (18:00)

London: 05:00 PM (17:00)

New York USA: 12:00 AM (12:00)

Sydney AUS: 04:00 AM (04:00) 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.

PARTS, ACCESSOIRIES & MILITARIA

The batches of spare parts, various 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

Due to our participation in the commemorations of D-DAY in Normandy France collection of all lots is scheduled for the period Monday June 24 till Friday July 5 2024. However, for buyers who want to participate with their purchased lot at the 80^th Anniversary Commemorations in Normandy this can of course be deviated from. In such a case please let us know soonest.
import and 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 by June 28 2024 after full payment and 100% coverage of all legal requirements. 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 before June 28 2024 will be returned to secure storage at Buyer’s expense. In this case storage fees will be applied as follows:
– Parts & accessories: € 25,- / lot / week.

– Cars and motorcycles: € 50,- / lot / week.

– Armored vehicles, tanks, cannons etc. € 75,- / lot / week.

Listed storage fees excluding 21% VAT.

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 or click here.