The M8 was developed out of the need for a fast tank destroyer, armed with a 37mm cannon. Three companies provided prototype for evaluation; Studebaker, Ford and Chrysler. Ford won the competition with its T 22 prototype vehicles. By the time the winner was announced in early 1942, it was realized that 37mm was woefully inadequate for the purpose so the vehcile, now designated as the M8 was built as an armored scout car.

Production soon got underway in mid-1943 with over eight thousand finally being produced for the US and several of its allies. A utility vehicle, the M20 was also produced using basically the same vehicle, but without the turret. This was used as a command car and other missions that did not require the cannon. Nearly four thousand of these were produced.

So useful was this vehicle, that it was used in Korea with some seeing use in Vietnam. Overseas users found a multiplicity of tasks for it including police forces with some still being in use in the 1980s and later. Since it does not have tracks, these vehicles are quite popular with the restoration crowd and are relatively common.

Typical of this series, it contains a bevy of superbly done full color photos of both the M8 and the M20 from various museums and restorations. Every part of the vehicle is photographed, leaving little to the imagination. This is further enhanced by some excellent period photos of the vehicle in action as well as some excellent full color profiles of various vehicles. This is a book that is a must for those modeling this vehcile and those who are just interested in the subject.

March 2013

My thanks to Squadron Products for the review copy. Get yours today at your favorite shop or on-line retailer.

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