This 1944 M5A1 Stuart is an American-made light tank that was reportedly shipped to Europe late in the Second World War. It was then sold to Portugal, where it was retained in their light tank inventory through the late 1960s. Power is provided by a pair of Cadillac flathead V8s that send power to the tracks via a pair 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmissions and a transfer case. The main armament is a 37mm cannon, which has been retained in demilled condition along with the three machine guns. The tank was returned to the US by the Southeastern Equipment Company (SECO) in the 1980s, and has not been used as a monument tank. The tank was in a private collection through 2016 with one owner. The current owner added it to his collection 2016 and performed a general service shortly after his acquisition, including changing the fluids. This running and driving Stuart is located in Los Angeles, California, and it is now being offered on behalf of the current owner on a bill of sale.

The M5 Stuart was a development of the preceding M3 light tank, and it shared a layout and armament with its predecessor. The 37mm M6 cannon is a derivative of the M3 anti-tank gun, equipped with a semi-automatic breech. Secondary armament includes a .50 caliber machine gun and a pair of .30 caliber machine guns. All of the weapons have been demilitarized, and the turret can be rotated with a handle to the rear of the gunner.

The armor was substantially updated compared to earlier American tanks, including a sloping forward section and welded construction. The primary hull armor is up to 2.5″ thick and offered protection from the light guns of other early light tanks, such as the Panzer III and Fiat M13/40. The tank is finished in an overall olive drab scheme with simplified US Army markings. Steel tracks are equipped with rubber tread blocks, permitting use of the vehicle on pavement.

The Stuart uses vertical volute suspension, with the center road wheels paired on common suspension assemblies. Late production Stuarts used cast disc-type road wheels, though the front right pair of road wheels on this example are the earlier spoked type.

While in Portuguese service the interior was repainted in silver, though it has since been returned to white as it would have appeared while in American service. Space is provided for a crew of four, including a driver and co-driver in the lower hull along with a gunner and tank commander. The tank is driven from the forward left position and is steered with the pair of handles hanging from the roof.

The Stuart is equipped with a turret basket, permitting the seated occupants to rotate along with the turret. Warning labels and controls for the primary armament are intact. The ammunition racks are intact and other interior storage areas are pictured in the gallery. The “Little Joe” generator is still in place, and serves as a secondary charging unit for the batteries and 12 volt electrical system.

A video showing the interior of the tank, and walking through the controls and interior features is viewable above. The seller notes that the hydraulic systems are operational.

Power is provided by a pair of 220 horsepower Cadillac V8s mounted side-by-side at the rear of the hull, each with its own 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. The two engines provided substantially more power than the single 250 horsepower Continental radial engine used in the preceding M3. The final drive assembly is at the front of the tank and drives the forewardmost sprockets. A pair of modern 55 gallon aluminum fuel tanks are fitted in place of the original tanks.

Photos of the underside are provided. The seller notes that some surface corrosion is visible, though no rust-through is apparent on the approximately 2″ thick armored hull. A video of the tank driving in Los Angeles is viewable below.