Halftrack M5A1 08/1943 restoration

Halftrack M5A1 08/1943

In February 2015 BAIV received an order from Christophe and Annelies Grosset for the ground up restoration of their Halftrack originally delivered to the US Army in August 1943.

We finished the restoration in time so the the Halftrack could have it’s first public presentation in the parade in Veigy (Haute Savoie) in September. When delivering the Halftrack we had a wonderfull welcome by the family Grosset and Club AVM74 in southern France.

On behalf of the entire BAIV Team thanks to all for a fantastic weekend. We have enjoyed your wonderful welcome and event!

Check out the picture overview of the complete restoration work on Service/Restoration work/Halftrack M5A1 08/1943

10 October 201512 October 2015

KTR Militaria Fair- Sunday October 11 th, 2015

Visit us @ The KTR Military Fair of Keep Them Rolling on Sunday October 11 th, 2015

Time: 09:00 to 15:00

Location: Gorinchem in the exposition hall (evenementenhal) in Gorinchem

Address: Franklinweg 2, 4207 HZ Gorinchem

Maps Navigation Geocode: 51.840814, 5.008188

Entrance: € 4.00 & Children under 12 years free entrance

16 August 2015

Sexton experience

Together with some members of our crew (the rest was on holliday) we had this week a very nice ride with our Sexton Mk-II. Great vehicle and a very nice runner.

Produced by the Canadian Montreal Locomotive Works in 1943 it was used by the British Army in the 2^nd WW. In total only 2.150 vehicles have been built in the period 1943-1945 and worldwide there are only a few survivors. This example ended its active army life on a scrap yard in Portsmouth however saved by a British collector in the early nineties of the last century .

Recently the vehicle was complete serviced. Still on its original Canadian Dry Pin tracks (the best tracks ever produced for Sherman tanks) the Sexton will come in great condition with new ammunition stowage, floors, bins etc. Also the 9 cylinder C4 Radial engine is in nice running order.

As you can see on the pictures great fun to drive. This specific vehicle is currently for sale.
If more information is required please ask for a detailed brochure.

16 July 201516 July 2015

Vehicle Markings & Decals – Restoration Project for the Grosset Family

In February BAIV received an order from Christophe and Annelies Grosset for the ground up restoration of their Halftrack M9A1 as originally delivered to the US Army in August 1943.

Mr. Grosset, who runs a special butcery in Flumet France, acquired this unique by International build Half-track early 2014. This for sure a 2^nd WW survivor is basically original however due its intensive and active service and rough de-commissioning it need a ground up restoration.

The project is currently in in advanced stage and vehicle is nearly ready in our workshop. Thoughts about painting, marking and decals are also ready meanwhile.

Below some Historical Case Study and final Vehicle Markings & Decals for this great Halftrack.

Halftrack M9-A1 1472-ORD-972

Named L’INVINCIBLE

This Halftrack was used by “Le premier Battalion du Genie” of the “First French Army (DFL)” with Registration number 409773

The Fam Grosset want’s that the labeling should be performed in a very realistic way.
Including the Emblem of the “1er Battalion du Genie“, the “La Croix de Lorraine”
and the “Le Losange bleu blanc rouge” of the First French Army.

Below the result after digging in archives on the world wide web.