Specifications
ID No: | 49692 | Serial No: | 9592 |
---|---|---|
Engine: | Green Diamond 233 cubic inch flathead 6 cylinder | |
Max Speed: | 45 MPH | |
Fuel Capacity: | 35 Gallons | |
HorsePower: | 93 HP | |
Electrical: | 6-Volt | |
Range: | 260 Miles | |
Length: | 197 inches | |
Weight: | Gross: 8020 lbs Net: 5820 lbs | |
No. Produced: | 10,101 | |
Status: | Working Display | |
Owner: | Gary Corippo, |
History
The M-2-4 is a one-ton, two-axle, four-wheel-drive cargo truck built by I.H.C. for the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. IHC missed out on a big Army contract, but did well with the Marine Corps and the Navy. The IHC M-1-4 1/2 ton and the M-2-4 one ton both served with disctinction in the Pacific Theatre, where the Marines bore the brunt of the land battles. Both trucks were similar though most M-1-4's used the 213 cubic inch Green Diamond Engine and the M-2-4's had the bigger 233 cubic inch Red Diamond. Other difference included 7.50-16 tires on the lighter rig and 9.00-16's on the larger series M-2-4.
The M-1-4/M-2-4 Truck was a verstile vehicle that began life before WWII. The Marines had been purchasing and using existing models of IH trucks for several years. In the late 1930's as the country was gearing up for war, the corps wanted a new combat vehicle. Rather than modify an existing model, they developed their own set of specs to meet their unique needs. IHC agreed to develop a series of vehicles including a 1/2 ton vehicle which closely resembled the IH D-15. The initial version was the M-1-4. By early 1941, it had completed testing and by summer was in full production. 1126 were ultimately produced. By mid-war, however, the introduction of the Ford and Willys Jeep forced out the 1/2 ton M-1-4 and production ceased by 194. The 1-ton M-2-4 would continue to be produced through 1944, with 9,101 being produced. Both were equiped with Green Diamond engines, the M1 with the 214 CID type, and the M2 with the 233 cubic inch, 93 hp, flathead 6-cylinder version.
The original delivery date was 10-30-44. This vehicle was rescued from a junkyard in Firebaugh, CA, by EWM member Gary Corippo in 1997 and given a complete restoration by EWM staff in 2009.