This half-track was built by Autocar in 1944 as an M15A1, and it was converted to M16A1 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage (MGMC) specification by Bowen-McLaughlin, Inc. for the US military in May 1953. The truck is finished in olive drab, and power is sent to both axles via a 386ci White 160AX gasoline inline-six paired with a non-synchronized four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Features include rubber-coated steel treads, folding window armor, a tan soft top, radio equipment, a power supply, and a trio of seats trimmed in green cloth. The M45D rotating turret features a quartet of demilled anti-aircraft guns that have been modified with oxi-propane canisters that simulate fire via the turret controls. This half-track is now offered on dealer consignment with a clean California title listing the truck as a 1944 Autocar.
The M15A1 was introduced in 1943 as an M3 half-track fitted with an M54 gun mount. This example was converted to M16A1 MGMC specification by Bowen-McLaughlin, Inc. of York, Pennsylvania, in May 1953. The truck is finished in olive drab and features white US Army-style stars, a front unditching roller, manually operated radiator shutters, folding window armor, a tan soft top, armored rear doors, rear storage boxes, a rear pintle hitch, and .25″ body armor all around.
The front multi-piece steel wheels are mounted with 8.25-20 Goodyear military tires, while the rear features rubber-coated steel treads. The truck rides on elliptical leaf springs up front with a vertical volute suspension system out back. Stopping power is provided by hydraulically assisted drums at both axles.
The cabin features three seats trimmed in tan canvas with a green vinyl driver’s seat back and diamond-plate floors. Equipment includes a locking glovebox and a dash-mounted brake adjustment knob. Radio equipment and a power supply are mounted behind the seats.
The three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a metal dash housing a 3,500-rpm tachometer, an 80-mph speedometer, and a combination gauge for amperage, fuel level, coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 581 miles, and total mileage is unknown.
The rear of the truck houses an M45D armored turret that features a quartet of demilled anti-aircraft guns with ammunition boxes. The guns have been fitted with oxi-propane canisters and can simulate fire via the turret controls.
The White Motor Company 386ci 160AX gasoline inline-six was factory rated at 128 horsepower, which is sent to both axles through a four-speed manual transmission and dual-range transfer case.
