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*Marmon-Herrington

Mark 3 Armored Reconnaissance Car

Late Production MFF Variant

Specifications

Country of Origin/Used by:	South Africa and others including France, Greece, India, Netherlands, Poland and UK. Captured vehicles were also used by Germany.
First Produced/Service Dates:	1941
Manufactured by:	Chassis: Ford Motor Company of Canada; Main Contractor/Final Assembly: Dorman Long & Company
Crew:	3 or 4
Armament:	**Turret: (1) .55 cal Boys Anti-Tank Rifle and (1) Vickers .303 Machine Gun (MFF) Or (1) .55 cal Boys Anti-Tank Rifle and (1) .303 BREN MG (ME); Anti-Aircraft: (1) .303 BREN MG.
Engine:	8 Cylinder Gasoline
Miscellaneous:	The South African Reconnaissance Car, Mark 3* was produced to improve the design of the earlier Marmon-Herrington Mark 1 and Mark 2 ARC's. The main improvements were focused upon better mobility and protection. To that end, a shortened 3-ton Ford F60L 4x4 General Service Truck Chassis (117 inches vs. 134) was combined with a 4-Wheel Drive system produced by the American Marmon-Herrington Company. Other automotive improvements were made, including strengthened axles and chassis, as well as the fitting of a new steering box.  The new chassis assembly was mated to a newly designed/produced hull and turret.  Although initially envisioned with thicker armor all-around, ultimately only the front armor was improved (from 6mm to 12mm). Again, there were two (2) variants of Mark 3 produced: the Middle East (ME) cars and the Mobile Field Force (MFF) vehicles. Unlike the earlier Mark 2 cars, the ME and MFF variants were convertible (specifically the turret weapons fittings).   Also, in the case of the Mark 3, there were two (2) distinct production designs, which I'll refer to as "early" and "late".  The "Early" design featured a horizontal engine grill, square headlight boxes and no rear door included on the cars.  The "Late" version had a fully armored front nose, no headlight boxes and the re-introduction of a rear door.  The inclusion of the rear door necessitated the spare tire being moved to the left hull (vs. the rear). It is reported that 850 ME and 1780 MFF variants were ultimately produced before being supplanted completely by the Marmon-Herrington Mark 4 ARC. Finally, although the above describes the most common cars, there were a number of prototypes and "one-off's" seen over the short life of the series.  One notable example is a railway car built, which was captured by the Germans. * The official South African name of this vehicle is "South African Reconnaissance Car, Mark III".  However, the British referred to them as the "Marmon-Herrington", and this name became the more common one used. Incidentally, "Marmon-Herrington" only applies to the American company that built the 4x4 drive system used. * The Armament listed was the normal complement upon issue, however different weapon combinations were utilized. Regardless, crews found the main armament largely ineffectual and often mounted captured or salvaged weapons to improve firepower, sometimes removing the turret to achieve this aim.  One of the most common weapons seen was the Italian Breda 47mm Model 35 or 39 Cannon.
Data Sheet Available:	Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 ARC Data Sheet (by David Haugh)

Photos

Reference	Source/Provider
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 (ME & MFF) Armored Recon Car Photos	The David Haugh Collection
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 (ME) Armored Recon Car Photos	Australian War Memorial
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 (MFF) Armored Recon Car Line Drawings (1/16 scale)	Stephen Tegner - South Africa
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 (MFF) Armored Recon Car Photo	Australian War Memorial
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 (MFF) Armored Recon Car Photos - National Museum of Military History - South Africa	Karl Furrutter - South Africa
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 (MFF) Armored Recon Car Photo	The Imperial War Museum
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 (MFF) Armored Recon Car Photos	Stephen Tegner
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 (MFF) Armored Recon Car Photo	U.S. Library of Congress
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 (MFF) Armored Recon Car Photos - National Museum of Military History - South Africa	Marius van Aardt - South Africa
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 Armored Recon Car with 2-Pounder Cannon Photos	ECPAD (French Établissement de Communication et de Production Audiovisuelle de la Défense)
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 ARC with 37mm PAK 36 Cannon Photo	The David Haugh Collection
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 ARC with 47mm Breda/Bohler Cannon Photo	The David Haugh Collection
Marmon-Herrington Mark 3 Armored Railway Vehicle Photo	ECPAD

References Available

Online

Printed

Hobby Modeling

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Model Photos