1940 Humber Hexonaut GS 6x6 Amphibious Prototype | The National Military History Center | RM Sotheby's

Lot 167

The National Military History Center

1940 Humber Hexonaut GS 6x6 Amphibious Prototype

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$47,500 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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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.

Manufacturer: Humber Ltd., Coventry, United Kingdom

Production Year: 1940

Engine: Two, Hillman 14-hp

Transmission: Two Hillman transmissions

Drive: 6x6

Length: 11-feet, 3-inches

Width: 4-feet, 4-inches

Height: 6-feet, 3-inches

Weight: Approximately 3-tons

Armor: None

Armament: None

Crew: Two

Carrying Capacity: Eight men or up to 1-ton of supplies

Fording Depth: Unlimited (amphibious vehicle)

Markings: British Army

The Hexonaut was a prototype vehicle that was produced during the early period of World War II. The two engines and transmissions independently drove the two sides of the vehicle. All six wheels were connected to the power train to give the Hexonaut six-wheel drive. The Hexonaut did not have a conventional steering design. Instead, it featured a skid-steering system (the driver uses levers instead of a steering wheel) that, similar to tanks, required the wheels on one side of the vehicle to be braked in order to turn the vehicle. The amphibious Hexonaut relied on the tread of its tires to function as small paddles to provide propulsion and direction when in water. In addition to being designed as an amphibious vehicle, the Hexonaut’s design requirements included the ability to be air-transported in the Allies’ most numerous transport aircraft, the C47 “Dakota” (or ”Sky Train”). The unusually narrow profile of the Hexonaut illustrates the limitations of this design requirement. Only three prototypes of the Hexonaut were produced. This example is the only known survivor. It was sold after the war to a civilian logging company and used in that capacity until the 1950s.

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