M6 GMC

The original T21 GMC pilot with the small gun shield.

In June 1941, the Fargo Motor Corporation, a subsidiary of Chrysler, proposed the design of a 37 mm gun motor carriage using the 3/4 ton, 4x4 Fargo truck. This vehicle had the advantage of already being in full production. A mock-up was built of various gun arrangements, and it was found facing the weapon towards the rear of the truck was the most tactically advantageous. While facing the gun forward offered better weight distribution, having the muzzle so close to the driver and requiring more clearance over the hood were serious downsides. This vehicle was designated as the T21 GMC.

The gun had a traverse of 270 degrees without interfering with the driver, and had a maximum elevation angles of +15 and -10. The original pilot used the gun shield from the towed 37 mm carriage, but a new gun shield would be designed to provide adequate cover for the crew.

Although there were some disadvantages of the T21 over similar designs, the fact the Fargo chassis was rapidly available expedited its recommendation for production. The T21 was then standardized as the M6 GMC. A total of 5380 vehicles would be produced and see action in North Africa, but most would be reconverted into weapon carriers.

In World Of Tanks, the M6 GMC is equipped with a standard 37 mm gun, but it's unique because the weapon faces over the rear and doesn't have full traverse. This handicap should compensate for its incredible speed. The new suspension could bring with it the improved gun shield, which would increase the vehicle's health while making it an easier target.

Guns: 37 mm Gun M3; 37 mm Gun M6

Engines: Dodge T-214 L (92 hp); Dodge T-214 Poppet (101 hp)

Suspensions/Alternate Hulls, Total Weight (metric tons): T21 GMC (3.11); M6 GMC (3.33)

Hull Armor (mm): 6/6/6

Top Speed: 89 km/h

Crew: 4 (Driver; Gunner; Loader; Commander/Radio)




Parents: M2 GMC
Children: T44 GMC

Sources:

Hunnicutt, R. P. Armored Car, 2015.

Moran, Nicholas. Can Openers, 2017.