$9,100
The M35 is a long-lived 2½ ton cargo truck initially used by the United States military. Over time the M35 evolved into a family of specialized military vehicles all collectively referred to by the nickname ‘Deuce and a Half’ thanks to a much older truck with a beloved reputation from WWII. The M35A1 and M35A2 were built from 1950 to 1988, and today’s example, the M35A3, was built from 1993 to 1999. The truck is rated to carry 5,000lbs off-road and 10,000lbs on road.
The M35 is a long-lived 2½ ton cargo truck initially used by the United States military. Over time the M35 evolved into a family of specialized military vehicles all collectively referred to by the nickname ‘Deuce and a Half’ thanks to a much older truck with a beloved reputation from WWII. The M35A1 and M35A2 were built from 1950 to 1988, and today’s example, the M35A3, was built from 1993 to 1999. The truck is rated to carry 5,000lbs off-road and 10,000lbs on road.
This M35A3 was built in 1993 as part of the US Military’s Extended Service Program under which existing M35 trucks like this one were refurbished and updated. Updates included installation of a Caterpillar 3116 turbodiesel inline-six engine, an upgraded Allison four-speed automatic transmission, and an automatic inflation/deflation kit operable from within the main cabin. The M35A3 has been equipped with heavy duty Michelin tires relatively recently. The tread has been described as like-new on all tires including the spares. Furthermore, we have been told that the truck starts, running and idling as intended, and the Allison shifter shifts smoothly. The 2½ ton axle brakes are also reported to work as intended, which is great news, because it’s no easy task to stop a vehicle this hefty.
This M35 was repainted to a flat olive drab with white stars added. The exterior is clean and ready to show or take part in parades. The doors and hood latches all function as intended, and all tow hooks and bolt on equipment are in good condition. Steel boxes are in good condition and the heavy-duty canvas tarp is properly attached and in good shape as well. The M35 sports newer Michelin X heavy duty tires, and the steel rims around the vehicle are solid.
The inside of the M35A3 could most accurately be described as utilitarian. There are few creature comforts to be found within, if any. Everything inside is standard military issue. An individual cloth bucket seat for the driver sits next to a cloth bench for two more passengers up front. The dash, gauges, and floorboards all show minor wear relative to the number of miles on the vehicle.
The undercarriage of this M35A3 is clean. At first glance it immediately becomes clear that this M35A3 is not harboring any major damage underneath. The rear end is particularly spotless, with specks of dirt being hard to come by. Nothing comes close to being actively decaying, but there is some surface corrosion to be seen closer to the front. The front leaf springs are slightly discolored but are clearly in good shape.
The seller’s father purchased this M35A3 a number of years back from a gentleman in Virginia who specializes in touching up decommissioned military equipment. The car was a novelty purchase, kept by the father in case of an apocalypse. The inflation/deflation system was implemented to improve off-roading capability, but it can be done from within the cabin so that the soldiers wouldn’t have to exit the vehicle and put their lives at risk in a combat situation. Included with the car is the full operating guide, and all of the instructional military placards for soldier operation.
This M35A3 is rugged and ready to go absolutely anywhere. Whether it be the top of a mountain or the bottom of the swamp, six massive wheels and an even bigger CAT diesel motor to turn them are ready for adventure. The exterior has recently been repainted, and the interior is as clean as ever.
The Market by Bonhams is excited to offer this AM General M35A3 for online auction with no reserve, and an estimate between $10,000 and $15,000.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS:
All cars from the Southern Gem Collection must be paid in full within 48 hours and collected within two weeks of auction end. Collection must be done with a flatbed or trailer and is strictly by appointment only. In the event a car is not removed timely the owner reserves the right to remove the car to storage at the Buyer’s risk and expense, whereupon the Buyer shall become liable for uplift, removal, storage and handling charges.
