U.S. Army Ford M8 and M20 Armored Cars

The Ford M8 Light Armored Car was a reconnaissance vehicle designed for mechanized cavalry units, with 8,523 units built. It was vulnerable to mines but served in Europe and the Pacific until the end of the war. The M20 Armored Utility car was derived from the M8 series and was designed without a turret for specialized purposes. Lt. J. R. Muray was the link between the army and industrialists, and 1,500 pages of archives have enabled the author to retrace the process of creating these cars.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

The Ford M8 Light Armored Car, a meticulously crafted reconnaissance vehicle, was specifically designed for the use of mechanized cavalry units. A staggering production of 8,523 units was achieved, showcasing its remarkable adaptability and efficiency. These vehicles were engineered to move swiftly and cover extensive distances without the need for refueling, effectively supporting the advancement of armored columns through diligent reconnaissance missions. While the thin floor armor posed a vulnerability to mines, the M8 remained steadfast in its service throughout Europe and the Pacific until the conclusion of the war.

Deriving from the M8 series, the M20 Armored Utility cars emerged, with a notable absence of a turret. This design choice allowed for greater specialization, making it suitable for tasks such as personnel transportation or artillery spotting. The inception of the M8 project in 1941 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, but it was not until March 1943 that the army received its first armored cars. Lt. J. R. Muray, an Ordnance Department officer, assumed the crucial role of bridging the gap between the army and the industrialists. Throughout the entire process of creation and production, Muray meticulously documented his observations, reports, and letters, totaling an impressive 1,500 pages of archives. These invaluable archives have enabled the author to meticulously retrace the path taken in the development and manufacture of these remarkable vehicles, from the initial draft to the final production in June 1945.

Weight: 742g
Dimension: 207 x 261 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636243108