A rare piece of World War II history is up for sale—a 1943 Stuart M5A1 light tank that still runs using its original twin Cadillac V8 engines. The tank, which has been part of a private Alabama collection, is fully operational but has had its weaponry decommissioned for civilian ownership.
The Stuart M5A1 represented the final evolution of America’s wartime light tank design. Developed from the earlier M3 Stuart, the M5 series introduced a groundbreaking twin-engine system using Cadillac’s 346 cubic inch L-head V8s. Each engine produced 110 horsepower and was paired with its own four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. This combination offered 220 horsepower total and smoother, quieter performance than the M3’s older radial engine setup.
Built for mobility and reliability, the M5A1 featured a welded hull, sloped armor, and a redesigned turret with a rear bustle for radio equipment. The model entered service in 1942 and was used in nearly every major WWII theater. Its speed and agility made it ideal for reconnaissance and flanking operations, especially in the Pacific, where its lighter armor was less of a disadvantage against Japanese tanks.
The tank currently for sale retains its original mechanical layout, including dual-pin steel tracks, a hydraulically operated turret, and vertical volute spring suspension. Inside, the four-crew layout remains intact, complete with original gauges, tiller controls, and the auxiliary “Little Joe” generator that powered its electrical system.
