Offered here is a very fine U.S. M41 Walker Bulldog light tank, one of approximately 5,497 manufactured between 1951-1954 by Cadillac at their Cleveland tank plant, with far fewer surviving today. These were developed for armed reconnaissance purposes, although found to be effective in a close infantry support role as well as for rapid airborne deployments, and was intended as a replacement for the World War II M24 Chaffee light tank. Although rushed into production, the M41 series tanks entered U.S. service barely too late to take part in the Korean War, however, the CIA later procured 5 of the M41 tanks and used them effectively during the Bay of Pigs Invasion, and they also saw extensive use with the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) during the Vietnam War. In February 1971, for instance, the ARVN lost 5 of its 17 M41 tanks that knocked out 22 North Vietnamese Army tanks (6 T-54s and 16 PT-76s). This impressive tank weighs in at approximately 50,000 pounds and is equipped with a 76mm rifled M32A1 main gun (deactivated, registered Destructive Device). During its military service, it would have also been equipped with a coaxial .30 caliber M1919A4 Browning machine gun (not included) and a roof mounted .50 caliber M2 Browning machine gun as secondary armament (not included). Power is supplied by a Continental AOS-895 air cooled super charged fuel injected horizontally opposed 896 cubic inch 6-cylinder engine producing approximately 500 hp linked to an Allison Cross-Drive CD-500-3 transmission, which allows the M41 up to around 45 mph maximum speed with an approximate operational range of 100 miles. When compared with the previous M24 Chaffee powered by twin 220 hp Cadillac engines, the M41 Walker Bulldog is slightly larger and is able to achieve about 10 mph more speed, owed in part to its more powerful powerplant. The M41 was widely exported to various allied nations in Europe, South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, and surviving examples are almost never seen offered for sale stateside, making this a rare opportunity to be able to acquire one. A well-designed light weight tank, the M41 Walker Bulldog was well received by the troops who used them, and is still seeing limited use in some foreign countries today. Provenance: The Allan Cors Collection

The green exterior paint is very good. The interior is also very good, in original condition as released from service, with mechanically functional rotating turret and gun elevation mechanisms, and some areas of paint flaking inside. The serviceable tracks are fine with light wear. Mechanically runs fine. Main gun deactivated with the barrel demilled, cut breech, absent breech block, still a registered Destructive Device. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a highly desirable U.S. M41 Walker Bulldog light tank! NOTE: This Destructive Device is a National Firearms Act (NFA), fully transferable Class 3, which is registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (BATFE) under the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44 and 27 CFR part 479, National Firearms Act. This military vehicle will be off-site for preview. Please contact RIAC to schedule your slot for our special open house day in Virginia, May 8th, 2024.