The M3A1 Scout Car, was a lightly armored, open topped, machine gun armed, four wheel drive vehicle designed to be used in the reconnaissance role. The M3A1 Scout Car was crewed by a driver and commander, while there was seating for six additional occupants in the rear.
The M3A1 Scout Car was the final development of the series (M1, M2, M2A1, M3). Primary external differences from the M3 were a widening of the body over the fenders, the removal of the rear door of the M3 and the addition of the front roller. Internally, the M3A1 had an improved engine and was fitted with the machine gun skate rail.
The M3A1 Scout Car was used by cavalry units of the US Army in its intended cavalry role during the North African Campaign and the invasion of Sicily, being employed for reconnaissance, screening and as an armored command vehicle.
A small number of M3A1s were employed in Normandy. A few M3A1s were used by the US Marine Corps in the Pacific theater, but none saw combat. General George Patton used an M3A1 Scout Car as a command vehicle, modified with
additional armor and a raised fighting compartment. AHM’s M3A1 has particular notoriety in that it was the first armored vehicle Jacques Littlefield acquired, starting what would be the world’s largest private tank collection in the world.
