T14E1 (M4A3) ARV

Total Bids Placed:

Condition

Most probably the only surviving and compete T14E1 Worldwide. Runs and drives, is an older restoration and stood some time still but has been made running in beginning of 2024 on a seperate fuel tank..

• Older Restoration.
• Runs, drives and steers
• Needs Maintenance
• Has two 12V Nato batteries
• Runs on separate fuel tank

History

Why is this T14E1 TRV so special?

For this we must go back to 1944 and in particular to the war against Japan in the Pacific and at that time current plans for an invasion of Japan under the name ‘Operation Downfall’.

The tanks that the US Marines would use for the invasion of Japan were M4A3(75) and M4A3(105) with HVSS. For the sake of uniformity, the USMC requested 50 Tank Recovery Vehicles based on the M4A3 with HVSS in April 1945.

Before that, Baldwin Locomotive and International Harvester completed 80 Tank Retriever conversions based on the new production M4A3 (105) HVSS Shermans that were actually pulled straight off the production line at Chrysler in the summer of 1945. These conversions were given the nomenclature “T14E1” (Source Joe DeMarco).

As is known, the invasion of Japan never happened. The surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945 marked the end of World War II.

But not for long. On June 25, 1950, North Korean troops invaded South Korea. A war that lasted until July 27, 1953 and cost the lives of more than 1 million people.

A large number of the 80 T14E1 TRV were shipped to Korea.

This is witnessed by the photo below with the caption; ‘a T14E1 Tank Retriever pulling back up onto the road after bypassing a bridge on the road to Hamhung Korea’.

Las Vegas

After the Korean War, this T14E1 Tank Retriever appeared as an eye-catcher at the Imperial Palace Car Museum in Las Vegas.

We found the following text from Joe DeMarco:

It is believed that this is the only surviving example of a T14E1, the pilot model of the M32A1B3. The US Marines ordered 50 ARVs with HVSS for the anticipated invasion of Japan. To start, in April 1945, 30 new M4A3 (105) HVSS were diverted from the line at Chrysler and sent to Baldwin Locomotive for the conversions. The contract was for T14E1s, not for M32A1B3s; what distinguishes a T14E1 from an M32A1B3 is that they had factory HVSS, not a retrofit.

The lifting drum was removed from the right idler and replaced with a boom lifting arm mounted on the glacis.

It was once a roadside advertisement for the Imperial Palace Car Museum in Las Vegas. Later it belonged to the Military Vehicle Preservation Group of Spooner, Wisconsin. It was shipped out of the USA via the Port of Baltimore. (Source: J. DeMarco/G104).

After arriving in Europe, former owner Mr. Jaap de Groot decided to return it to its former glory. It was therefore restored to a high standard by Army Cars in Zwijndrecht

The text above (J DeMarco/G104) continues:

This TRV was previously on display at the Marshall Museum at Zwijndrecht. It is currently displayed with a mannequin operating a mortar on the glacis platean the Overloon Museum in the Netherlands.

The mortar was intended to be used with smoke shells for providing cover if recovering a tank under possible enemy observation.

Below is a photo of Imperial Palace in Las Vegas.

The photo taken in 1982 is accompanied by the following: Imperial Palace. Las Vegas, 1982. Source: Classiclasvegas

After some further research we found a photo from a different angle.

It was stated:

Henderson Home News on the Imperial Palace expansion: “The new tower will contain additional meeting rooms, as well as forty suites with the popular ‘Luv Tub’ in each one. Fifteen stories of the new tower are now complete, and the scheduled tower opening is set for July, 1982.” – 3/11/82

And yes: the T14E1 can be seen there!

Below is a crop of this photo with the T14T1 clearly visible as a kind of signboard.

Based on the above information and history, we as Tracks and Trade concluding that this T14E1 is a masterpiece of unique military cultural heritage where interest should mainly be sought in the USA.

In addition, it is most likely the only remaining operational T14E1 worldwide!

Technical

Manufacturer:                      International Harvester Company Bettendorf Iowa

Model:                                    T14E1 Tank Recovery Vehicle (ARV)

Manufacturing date:           April 30, 1945 (original data plate still installed)

Serial Number:                     50

Length:                                   232 in (5,89 m) without boom

18 ft     (5.50 m) length of A-frame boom

Width:                                     8.9 ft   (2.70 m)

Height:                                    116 in   (2,95 m)

Weight:                                  64,100 lb. (29.075 kg)

Operational range:              103 mi (165 km)

Main armament:                  81 mm M1 mortar, note mortar not included.

Secondary armament:       1x cal .30 (7,65 mm) and 1x cal .50 (12,7 mm) machine gun and 20 hand grenades (Fragmentation, Mk. II), 6 smoke grenades. Note secondary armament not included.

Engine:                                   Ford GAA, 8 cylinder, DOHC 60°V8 gasoline, Displacement: 1,100 cu in (18 L), Power output: 525HP at 2.600 RPM, Torque: 1,100 lbs. (1.400 Nm)

Transmission:                       Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse

Suspension:                          Horizontal Volute Spring System (HVSS)

Steering:                                Controlled differential; steering levers

Recovery equipment:         30 short tons (27 t) winch, 18 ft (5.5 m) boom, and an A-frame jib

Electrical installation:          24 Volt

Performance:                       Max. speed:   26 mph          (41 km/h)

Crew:                                      4

Armor:                                    0,5 – 1,9 in (13-51 mm)

US registration:                     USMC 40154904

Remarks:                                Older restoration; In running condition

Production numbers           In total 80 T14E1 Tank Retriever-conversions were built by International Harvester Company and Baldwin Locomotive

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.