geoffleese Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Morning everyone. Another bone question. A pal of ours in Normandy is restoring an M3 half-track. Under layers of paint he's found a number, 168 331 painted on the rear of the vehicle. Is this an American number and if so, is it traceable to a particular unit? Did I remember that the first three letters are the unit number? Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Degsy Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I don't believe this number is American, the only thing that comes to mind is the possibility of it being British but I am no expert so I stand to be corrected. I think Adrian B will be able to comment on the likelihood or otherwise of it being British. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 It could be anything to be honest! The original USA reg. number would be 40xxxxx o that does not fit. A British Army number would be Zxxxxxxx. We did not use many Whites, most of the British halftracks were IHC. I did find a contract for two M2s, Z4857971 and Z4857972. If it were a unit number, it would be more likely on the rear bumpers and in conjunction with symbols to indicate unit size. If it is in a single row on black rectangle, it's more likely a French Army registration number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Degsy Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Adrian, it might be a silly question but could it be something obscure such as Brazilian? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Wouldn't a Brazilian one have the numbers in a vertical strip.........? :angel: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Degsy Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Wouldn't a Brazilian one have the numbers in a vertical strip.........? :angel: I set you up for that one:rofl::rofl::rofl: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 A lot of halftracks ended up in Israel dind't they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffleese Posted January 25, 2012 Author Share Posted January 25, 2012 Thanks everyone. The owner and restorer of the vehicle believes that it was damaged during the Normandy campaign and left behind. How it was missed by the scrap-men after the war I have no idea. I've passed on your much appreciated comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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