1943 Diamond T M20 12-Ton 4x6 Prime Mover with M9 Tank Transporter | The National Military History Center | RM Sotheby's

Lot 158

The National Military History Center

1943 Diamond T M20 12-Ton 4x6 Prime Mover with M9 Tank Transporter

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$16,500 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
67148735
Addendum: All military vehicles and artifacts offered in this sale are sold "As Is" and "For collector purposes only". These military vehicles and artifacts should never be loaded and/or fired with any ammunition. We make no warranty and/or representations as to the suitability or fitness of these items for use. By purchasing military vehicles and artifacts you hereby and irrevocably waive any and all claims against Auctions America by RM, Inc. and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Auctions America by RM, Inc. from any injuries or death associated with these military vehicles and artifacts. Please note, there may be an associated licensing fee based on the location of licensing, and bidder must satisfy himself as to all licensing and import requirements in his home state or country.

Please Note: Information regarding these museum display vehicles was provided by the National Military History Center and has not been independently verified by Auctions America by RM ("AA"). As such, AA does not verify, warrant or guarantee any of this information. Prior inspection and research by the buyer is highly encouraged and recommended.

ATTENTION: Buyers are responsible for securing transportation and moving/loading of lots. Lot may be left on display indefinitely in the museum free of charge with a signed loan agreement form. Lots are sold as is, where is.

Please note this is being sold on "Bill of Sale" only. Please note also the boat is not included with the trailer.

Manufacturer: Diamond T

Production Year: 1943

Engine: Hercules DXFE, liquid-cooled diesel, 185-hp, six-cylinder

Length: M20 Prime Mover: 23-feet, 3-3/4-inches - M9 Trailer: 29-feet, 8-inches

Width: M20: 8-feet, 4-inches - M9: 9-feet, 6-inches

Height: M20: 8-feet, 4-inches - M9: 4-feet, 9-1/2-inches

Weight: M20 Prime Mover: 13-1/4-tons - M9 Trailer: 12-1/2-tons

Armor: None

Armament: NONE on this example - Could be fitted with a Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun (typically, every fourth vehicle)

Maximum Road Speed: 23-mph

Maximum Towed Load: 57-1/2-tons (12-1/2-ton trailer with 45-ton payload)

Markings: British Army green with “Mickey Mouse” black spots

NOTE: BOAT on trailer is NOT INCLUDED

The Diamond T 980 12-ton Prime Mover (Later designated M20 by the US Army), was originally designed to meet a British requirement for a vehicle capable of recovering and transporting tanks. The design and testing was completed in 1940, and production commenced in 1941. The Diamond T 980 first saw action with the British Eighth Army in North Africa. The 980 featured a heavy ballast body behind the cab and a 20-ton winch with a 300-foot cable. Later, a 981 version was introduced to meet US requirements as well. It featured a 500-foot winch cable with winch-cable roller sheaves added to the front (the 980 only had winch-cable roller sheaves at the back). The front cable rollers gave the 981 self-recovery capability. Starting in August 1943, the 981s were fitted with a wider three-seat open cab (as displayed) with provision for the M36 anti-aircraft, .50 caliber machine gun ring-mount. The Diamond T 981 in this new configuration was designated the M20. The M9 trailer was capable of transporting the 38-ton British “Churchill tank” (their heaviest tank) as well as the US built, 32-ton “Sherman” tank. A total of 5,871 Diamond T 980/981/M20s were manufactured during World War II.

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