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*Marmon-Herrington

Mark 6 Armored Reconnaissance Car

Armed with 6-Pounder Cannon

Specifications

Country of Origin/Used by:	South Africa
First Produced/Service Dates:	1942
Manufactured by:	Chassis: Warford Corporation; Automotive Components: Ford Motor Company (USA); Hull/Assembly: South African Railway?
Crew:	4
Armament:	**Main: 6-pounder Cannon (Mark 6A) or .30 Cal Browning Machine Gun or .50 Cal Heavy MG (Mark 6B); Co-Axial: .30 Cal MG (Mark 6A); Anti-Aircraft Defense: .50 Cal HMG (6A & 6B)
Engine:	(2) 8 Cylinder Gasoline (Ford-Mercury)
Miscellaneous:	Both the 8x8 *South African Reconnaissance, Car, Mark VI" and South African Heavy Armored Car, Mark 5 were designed/developed at almost the same time for use in the North African theatre of operations. The South Africans originally ordered 500 Mark 6's, while the British requested 250. However, during the evaluation period the Allies had changed the tide of battle in North Africa and wouldn't need the numbers originally envisioned.  As a result, in 1943 the British cancelled their entire order and the South Africans reduced theirs to 100.  Ultimately, depending on the reference, only two (2) or five (5) prototypes were built before the vehicle series was completely cancelled in 1944. The cars were built using the chassis and middle two axles from a truck design by the American Warford Corporation.  The first and fourth axles were built by the familiar Marmon-Herrington concern and a large number of automotive components were contributed by Ford Motor Company. That lower section was once again combined with a hull and turret designed by the South Africans.  Assuming the project had proceeded to production status, the Mark 6 was to be built in two (2) models, mostly based upon their armament.  These were to be the Mark 6A and 6B.  See above for the armaments planned. * The official name of this vehicle is "South African Reconnaissance, Car, Mark VI". The "Marmon-Herrington" name was not official, although most sources use this reference.  To stay consistent, we are doing the same.  Incidentally, "Marmon-Herrington" only applies to the American company that built the front/rear Axles. ** The armament listed was what the South African General staff last determined (1943) to be necessary.  However, there were earlier weapon configurations utilized throughout the history of the vehicle. For instance, the first prototype mounted a 2-Pounder cannon, co-axial .30 cal machine gun and a dual .30 cal MG anti-aircraft fitting.
Data Sheet Available:	Marmon-Herrington Mark 6 ARC Data Sheet (by David Haugh)

Photos

Reference	Source/Provider
Marmon-Herrington Mark 6 Armored Reconnaissance Car (2 Pounder) Photos	Major (Retired) Don Allen - Orleans, Ontario Canada
Marmon-Herrington Mark 6 Armored Reconnaissance Car (2 Pounder) Photos (Taken at the Tank Museum - Bovington, UK)	The Massimo Foti Collection
Marmon-Herrington Mark 6 Armored Reconnaissance Car (2 Pounder) Photo	The David Haugh Collection
Marmon-Herrington Mark 6 Armored Reconnaissance Car (2 Pounder) Photos (Taken at the Tank Museum - Bovington, UK)	Dennis Trowbridge - Bristol, UK
Marmon-Herrington Mark 6 Armored Reconnaissance Car (6 Pounder) Photos (Taken at the National Museum of Military History  - South Africa)	Karl Furrutter - South Africa
Marmon-Herrington Mark 6 Armored Reconnaissance Car (6 Pounder) Photos	The David Haugh Collection
Marmon-Herrington Mark 6 Armored Reconnaissance Car (6 Pounder) Photos	Stephen Tegner - South Africa
Marmon-Herrington Mark 6 Armored Recon Car (6 Pounder) Photos (Taken at the National Museum of Military History - South Africa)	Marius van Aardt - South Africa

References Available

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