M3A1 White Scout Car
In response to a US Army requirement for an armored car capable of scouting ahead of mechanized divisions, the White Motor Company offered a four-wheeled design. Though it was not the best design the Army could get, it was the best one they could afford, and White's design was ordered in 1937 as the M3 Scout Car. In service, it would often be known as the White Scout Car.
After the initial batch of 75 was completed, the Army ordered an improved version, the M3A1, as part of its pre-Pearl Harbor expansion. This version was longer and wider, and meant for a more dual-purpose role as both scout and infantry carrier, with provision for seven soldiers and three machine guns to support them with. The M3A1 entered service in 1940.
In combat, the M3 was a disappointment. It was fast enough on roads, but its offroad capability was poor, it could not defend itself against anything but infantry, and its open-topped design made it miserable in inclement weather, as well as easy to destroy with a well-placed grenade. After the North African campaign came to an end, the Army began withdrawing it from frontline service, turning it into a prime mover, ambulance, and general utility vehicle. Some were also used as command vehicles, most notably by George S. Patton, Jr. Many were provided to other Allies through Lend-Lease, and quite a few remained in service in various roles postwar, albeit with foreign armies. Over 21,000 were built.
After watching my dad build a White Scout Car for his Patton figure to stand in (along with Willie the dog), I'd always wanted to see one, and in September 2021, finally got to see it. This M3 is on display at the National Museum of Military Vehicles; it is a M3A1 variant, with a roller on the front fender, and is displayed equipped with a M2HB .50 caliber machine gun. Ironically, on the way down to the NMMV, my friend and I passed through Yellowstone National Park, which uses White touring buses--I had mentioned the White Scout Car to my friend, but never thought I would actually see one!
M3A1 White Scout Car
In response to a US Army requirement for an armored car capable of scouting ahead of mechanized divisions, the White Motor Company offered a four-wheeled design. Though it was not the best design the Army could get, it was the best one they could afford, and White's design was ordered in 1937 as the M3 Scout Car. In service, it would often be known as the White Scout Car.
After the initial batch of 75 was completed, the Army ordered an improved version, the M3A1, as part of its pre-Pearl Harbor expansion. This version was longer and wider, and meant for a more dual-purpose role as both scout and infantry carrier, with provision for seven soldiers and three machine guns to support them with. The M3A1 entered service in 1940.
In combat, the M3 was a disappointment. It was fast enough on roads, but its offroad capability was poor, it could not defend itself against anything but infantry, and its open-topped design made it miserable in inclement weather, as well as easy to destroy with a well-placed grenade. After the North African campaign came to an end, the Army began withdrawing it from frontline service, turning it into a prime mover, ambulance, and general utility vehicle. Some were also used as command vehicles, most notably by George S. Patton, Jr. Many were provided to other Allies through Lend-Lease, and quite a few remained in service in various roles postwar, albeit with foreign armies. Over 21,000 were built.
After watching my dad build a White Scout Car for his Patton figure to stand in (along with Willie the dog), I'd always wanted to see one, and in September 2021, finally got to see it. This M3 is on display at the National Museum of Military Vehicles; it is a M3A1 variant, with a roller on the front fender, and is displayed equipped with a M2HB .50 caliber machine gun. Ironically, on the way down to the NMMV, my friend and I passed through Yellowstone National Park, which uses White touring buses--I had mentioned the White Scout Car to my friend, but never thought I would actually see one!