World War IIIconic anti-aircraft vehicle expected to fetch up to £65,000
legendary White M16 Half-Track Multiple Gun Motor CarriageThis model, manufactured in 1942, is scheduled to be sold at auction in the UK. The estimated price is £55,000at £65,000 It is expected to be between. The vehicle has undergone a complete restoration and is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition, including a new clutch and a complete overhaul of the braking and suspension systems.
A milestone in American military engineering
The half-track concept was invented by a French inventor. Adolphe KégresseIt was proposed by and originated from an orbital travel system developed to withstand the harsh Russian winters in the early 20th century.
After the Russian Revolution, Kegres returned to France and collaborated with Citroën to build the famous Citroën-Kegres car that traveled across Africa in 1925. His technology later inspired the development of half-track vehicles for the U.S. military during World War II.
White Motor CompanyThe M16, produced between 1943 and 1944, was based on the M3 model and was equipped with the M45 quad mount system developed by WL Maxson. This system has 4 definitions Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gunwas installed. Equipped with a 6-cylinder gasoline engine (output of 128 horsepower), this vehicle reached a top speed of 68 km/h and weighed about 9 to 10 tons.
Battle history and activities
A total of approximately 3,550 M16s were produced, some of which were modified versions of the M13 and T10 models. This vehicle played a key role in major Allied operations such as the liberation of Italy, the Normandy landings (D-Day), and the Battle of the Bulge. Additionally, it was provided to the British and French military through the ‘Lend-Lease’ program. After the war, the M16 remained in service during the Korean War and was officially retired in 1958.
Symbols in popular culture
The M16 Halftrack also gained fame off the battlefield. Hollywood TV series 《The Rat Patrol》(1966–68)and movie 《Lone Wolf McQuade》(1983)appeared in, actor Chuck Norrisand David CarradineHe played the lead role.
Restore and current state
The car was registered in the UK in 1987 and is currently in its seventh British owner. Since 2020, it has undergone extensive maintenance including an engine overhaul, braking system, bearings, carburetors, suspension and new paint, as well as a new awning and restored seats. The maxon turret is fully functional and the machine gun is an exact replica.
Additionally, the vehicle includes a wireless antenna, maintenance manual, receipt, and spare parts (spark plugs, points, condensers, etc.). The current owner described the vehicle as “perfectly maintained, starting and running perfectly.”
Historical Heritage on Wheels
The 1942 white M16 Halftrack, with its majestic appearance and perfect state of preservation, is considered one of the iconic combat vehicles of World War II. Today, this vehicle is highly valued by collectors, museums, and military history enthusiasts, and symbolizes the strength and creativity of the 20th century American military industry.
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Source and image: handh.co.uk. This content was created with the help of AI and has been reviewed by the editorial team.
