Description
The M2 half-track car is an armored half-track produced by the United States during World War II. Its design drew upon half-tracks imported from France in the 1930s, employing standard components supplied by U.S. truck manufacturers to speed production and reduce costs. The concept was designed, and the pilot models manufactured by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company (before the prototype was officially labeled M2.) Production by the White Motor Company began in 1940 and was expanded to include Autocar. The M4 Mortar Carrier Halftrack was produced by White Motor Company for a period of about one year during 1941-1942. Total production was 572 units. The M2 halftrack side stowage areas were used on the M4 halftrack to hold 28 mortar rounds in addition to 68 rounds carried in the crew compartment (96 total). The mortar was carried facing the rear of the halftrack. A square steel door in the rear wall of the M4 halftrack was used to deploy the mortar for firing, but it was difficult to do since the machine gun skate rail ran across the door area. Experience with the M4 Mortar Carrier Halftrack indicated that it was impractical to deploy the mortar, so the vehicle was redesigned to allow the mortar to be fired from an expanded and strengthened position in the crew compartment. During 1943, about 600 additional vehicles were produced by White with the new design. Existing M4 halftracks were upgraded to the new configuration. Both new production and retrofitted vehicles were known as the M4A1 Mortar Carrier Halftrack. Made of brass, this item is in VERY NICE unused condition! Though it has some scratches, it retains 95% of its original shape, and is VERY solid! Markings are legible, but the information is blank, as it is uninstalled. I have shown its location in the last photo. Would make a PERFECT addition to any collection or display! |