Museum of the American G.I in College Station, Texas - Image of soldiers on armed vehicle

WWII M8 Greyhound

Number Produced: 8,523
Crew: 4
Main Armament: 37 mm Gun M6
Other Armament: .30 Machine Gun
.50 Machine Gun
Engine: Hercules JXD
Horsepower: 110
Speed: 56 mph (90 km/h)
Weight: 8.2 tons
Length: 16’5” (5.00 m)
Width: 8’4” (2.53 m)
Height: 7’5” (2.26 m)

The M8 Greyhound was the only armored car that the US military utilized in combat during WWII. While it was originally a response to the US Army’s request for a new anti-tank vehicle, its small 37 mm gun and light armor forced its re-designation as reconnaissance vehicle. With its high speeds and quiet engine, the Greyhound was well adapted to this purpose, though its off-road capabilities left much to be desired. It was hastily introduced in Italy in 1943, but it also played a role in the Pacific, where it could serve its original purpose as a tank destroyer. While retired from American service after the Korean War, the M8 saw service in many developing countries as late as the 21st Century.

Did you know?

While on paper the M8 Greyhound was no match for German tanks, statistics and specifications do not determine battles. In the Battle of St. Vith (part of the Battle of the Bulge), an M8 from Troop B, 87th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron manage to destroy a German Tiger I heavy tank by firing 3 rounds from its main gun through the tank’s thinner rear armor from an alarming 25 yards (23 m) away, setting the enemy tank on fire.

The M8 Greyhound in our museum is named “Miss Emily” after the founder and restorer’s daughter.