This Stuart M5A1 is a light tank that was constructed circa 1943 and has spent a number of years in the collection of its Alabama-based owner. The tank features a welded hull and a hydraulically operated turret finished in olive drab, while power is provided by dual 346ci Cadillac L-head V8 gasoline engines that send power to the tracks via dual four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmissions and a single dual-speed transfer case. Equipment includes a rotating turret with a de-milled 37mm M6 gun and a pair of machine guns, headlights and taillights, and a gyrostabilizer. The interior of the hull is finished in white and features adjustable seating for a driver, co-driver, commander/loader, and gunner, as well as a “Little Joe” generator, shelving, and storage bins. This M5A1 is now offered on dealer consignment in Los Angeles, California, on a bill of sale.

The M5 entered production in April 1942 as a development of the M3 platform adapted to utilize power from Cadillac V8 engines in lieu of the M3’s radial engine, which was vulnerable to short supply due to demand for aircraft applications. The updated M5A1 variant arrived in late 1942 with an extended turret allowing space for a more powerful radio.

This example’s welded hull is finished in olive drab with white stenciled graphics and features dual headlights, dual hatches with tracks for a windshield on the driver’s side, and knock-out plugs ahead of both the driver and co-driver. The turret is positioned on a hydraulically operated traverse and features a gyrostabilizer and a de-milled 37mm M6 gun augmented by a machine gun. A second machine gun is mounted on the right side of the hull.

The dual-pin steel tracks feature rubber tread blocks and roll under four spoked road wheels on each side, while also utilizing idler wheels at the rear of the tank and three return rollers each. The M5A1 utilizes vertical volute suspension.

The turret hosts height-adjustable seats for a tank commander/loader and a gunner. The hull is finished in white, and it retains shelving and storage bins. The tank is equipped with a “Little Joe” generator, which serves as a secondary charging unit for the batteries and 12-volt electrical system. Areas of paint cracks and corrosion can be seen in the gallery.

The forward section of the hull houses seating for a driver and co-driver, each provided with ceiling-mounted steering tillers. The single instrument panel hosts a single 80-mph speedometer and an ammeter flanked by individual tachometers and gauges monitoring oil pressure and coolant temperature for each engine. The odometer shows 407 miles, and total mileage is unknown.

The dual 346ci Cadillac V8 gasoline engines feature side valves, downdraft carburetors, and horizontally mounted radiators. Output was rated at 110 horsepower per engine, which is sent via two Hydro-Matic four-speed transmissions to a single two-speed transfer case.