1943 Ford

This 1943 Ford M8 Armored Car is one of 8,523 examples built between March 1943 and June 1945 and is said to have been deployed to US forces in Germany during World War II. It was reportedly used by the post-war German military and reimported to the US in the 1980s. It was acquired by the current owner approximately three years ago. The truck is finished in green retains a non-running 320ci Hercules inline-six paired with a four-speed non-synchromesh transmission with reverse. Features include side-mount storage lockers, driving gear shields, and a modified gun barrel, mount, and shield. It is unknown when the truck was last run, and service will be required prior to use. This M8 is now offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner in Los Angeles, California, with a bill of sale. The M8 was chosen by the US Army Ordnance Department in July 1941 over competing designs from Chrysler and Studebaker, and it entered production in March 1943. It saw use by US and British troops in both the European and Pacific theaters. This example is said to have been bead blasted and repainted in its current green under previous ownership. Features include a single taillight, side-mount storage lockers, driving gear shields, headlights, and turn signals. The gun is reportedly a German unit with a modified barrel, mount, and shield, and has had its breech and firing mechanism removed. The rear lower side panels are dented, and perforation is visible on the side storage lockers and other panels. The multi-piece steel wheels are mounted with 9.00-20 Mohawk Chief Cross Country tires. The M8 features a leaf spring suspension with solid front and rear axles. The cockpit features seating for two on steel seats with worn black cloth bottom cushions. Two additional steel seats are finished in white and are mounted below the central turret. The three-spoke steering wheel frames an 80-mph AC speedometer and auxiliary gauges, while a Suntune tachometer was added under previous ownership. The five-digit odometer shows 400 miles, and total mileage is unknown. The 320ci Hercules JXD inline-six was factory rated at 110 horsepower, which could propel the M8 to an on-road top speed of approximately 55 miles per hour. It is unknown when the engine last ran according to the selling dealer. Shifting is through a four-speed non-synchromesh transmission with reverse. The truck retains its driving gear shields, and the driveshafts for the two rear axles have been disconnected. Underside corrosion is noted by the selling dealer.