M7B1 Self Propelled Howitzer 'Priest'

After an extensive 2 year Class A restoration this WWII veteran is brought back to its former glory. The Priest is equipped with all the characteristic attributes and its handles like it just left the factory in 1945. This is a high-end restoration which can been seen in every detail.

Movie: Priest M7B1

Location
Nederweert, The Netherlands
Year of construction
February 1945
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Pressed Steel Car Company, Chicago / Hegewisch Station
Type
M7B1 Self Propelled Howtizer 'Priest'
Condition
Very good condition (Class A restored)

Details

DISCOVERY, RESCUE & RESTORATION

This example is discovered in Germany by BAIV in 2018. Originally it was delivered in February 1945 (Hull no. 4606) by the Pressed Steel Car Company located in south Chicago (called Hegewisch Station) as M7B1. It was vehicle 189 in Series 2. In total 826 Priests are produced till the end of the war.

Straight after it came from the production line in Chicago this Priest was transported to Europe for active service. It most probably served in the final campaign in Germany. Unfortunately details of this period are unknown to us and require historical research.

After the war, it was stored in a US-Army warehouse in Northern France. In the early 60’s it was modified to M7B2 by ABS France (Atelier de construction de Bourges) and saw active in the German army (August Dorf) till the early 70’s. This specific vehicle was in that period used as a training vehicle (FAHRSCHULE). Therefore, it was, according to our findings, always serviced very well.

After its active service this Priest remained as a gate guard at a German Army Base. It was never sent to a shooting practice range. In 2006 it was salvaged by a German collector who transported to his yard in Hollnich / Hunsrück where it remains until its discovery by Ivo Jr. and Sr.

As permits and licenses are in Germany very difficult to obtain it took us till the end of 2021 to get it transported to our workshop in the Netherlands.

Basically, it was very complete, in relatively good condition however it required a total nut-bolt restoration which took over 2 years.  The Priest is equipped with all the characteristic attributes and its handles like it just left the factory in 1945.  

The restoration started in 2022, so it can be part of the 80th Anniversary of D-DAY in Normandy in June 2024. Basis for completion was a Class A restoration of the entire vehicle. As we have already a couple projects finished we gathered lots of knowledge of this specific vehicle and have a nice stock of spare parts. From this restoration an elaborate photographic report is available.

The Priest has been brought back to its original condition as being active in the German campaign in the winter / spring 1945. This unique reconversion project was performed by BAIV. During the entire process nearly 3.000 hrs. have been invested.

Technical details

Manufacturer
Pressed Steel Car Company, Chicago / Hegewisch Station
Model
M7B1 Howitzer Motor Carriage
Manufacturing date
February 1945
Serial number
4606
Length
19 ft 9 in (6,02 m)
Width
9 ft 5 in (2,87 m)
Height
9 ft 8 in (2,95 m)
Weight
50,045 lb (22.700 kg)
Max. speed (land)
24,4 mph (39 km/h)
Operational range
120 mph (193 km)
Main armament
105 mm M2A1 howitzer
Secondary armament
1x .50 M2 machine gun, note secondary armament not included.
Engine
Ford GAA, 8 cylinder, DOHC 60°V8 gasoline, Displacement: 1,100 cu in (18 L), Power output: 525HP at 2.600 RPM, Torque: 1,100 lbs. (1.400 Nm)
Crew
4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
Armor
2 in – 4,2 in (51 – 108 mm)
Production numbers
826 M7B1’s

History

For the duration of the war, the workhorse of the motorized artillery units was a derivative of the most produced tracked platform in the US Army, the M4 Sherman tank. In 1941, US Army observers noticed that more firepower would be needed to support armored operations. Before experiments were made with the Sherman in 1944 with a 105 mm (4.13 in) howitzer in the turret, building SPGs was the easiest way to achieve this, as there were few constraints on the gun carried. The T19 half-tracks were developed for this task, but still lacked protection and off-road capabilities. Eventually, in 1941, the M3 Lee chassis was chosen, leading to a converted prototype, the T32.


The T32 was modified with an open-topped superstructure, mounting a 105 mm (4.13 in) howitzer. This standard M2 howitzer was just entering service when the Pacific War started, and proved to a be highly dependable piece of ordinance, being produced from 1941 to 1953 and used until the 1970s. Accuracy was good, and its HE rounds (105x372R) were noted for their excellent explosive power.


Due to the high transmission of the chassis, the floor was high and the superstructure tall, with flat armored walls to protect the open crew compartment Ammunition was stockpiled inside storage boxes and into the hull (24 rounds). During trials, it was apparent that defensive armament was needed, and provisions were made for an M2 Browning machine gun. This gave an excellent arc of fire, while the howitzer was placed offset to the right. This characteristic was noted by the British commission, which named the new vehicle “Priest”, due to the pulpit-like MG emplacement.


Charged to buy the new tank, they placed an order for 4400 to be delivered in 1943 (never achieved). The new vehicle was accepted for service in February 1942 as the 105 mm Self Propelled Gun, and production started immediately at the American Locomotive Company. It was joined in 1942 by Pressed Steel Car and later by Federal Machine and Welder.


The M7B1 was an upgraded version based on the M4A3 Sherman chassis and standardized in September 1943, 826 were built by Pressed Steel Car. They were characterized by their Ford GAA V-8 (450 hp) engine, new suspensions roadwheels and idlers, and side skirts, with many internal modifications.


The Priest saw action in North-Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and the entire Western front up to Berlin and proved to be very reliable and successful. The Priest M7B1 saw first action in the battle of the Bulge. There the M7B1 proved to be very effective. Same for the campaign up to Berlin. For this reason, it was also frequently used in the post war period. In the ‘50s the M7B1 was widely used in the Korean war.

Note to buyer

Shipping Information

After buying a classic military vehicle or other items such as cannons, planes, howitzers and tanks, there are several steps you would typically need to take:

 

  • Legalities

    In principle, no special permit is required for unarmored wheeled and tracked vehicles. In many cases, an export procedure that is comparable to that for exporting classic cars and motorcycles is sufficient. Military collectables older than 75 years and with a value over Euro 50k are often considered National Heritage. In such cases an export permit must be requested from the National Ministry of Culture of the exporting country. Tanks, howitzers and self-propelled or towed cannons often require specific permits that are highly dependent on the country of shipment and the country of destination. In such a case first ensure that you apply for the necessary permits, licenses, and other paperwork required to own and operate such an item in your jurisdiction. This may involve registering the item with the appropriate authorities and complying with any regulations regarding its ownership and use. In such a case it is advisable to contact us in advance because we have many decades of experience in the import and export of Classic Military Heritage. Based on this experience, we can generally quickly provide feedback on what applies to you. This is especially relevant because regulations in this regard change every now and then and sometimes, we also have to deal with export-restrictions. In short: if you want to be sure, contact us in time to avoid difficulties in a later stage.

  • Storage

    Find a suitable storage location for your collectable, preferably a secure and legal place where you can keep it when not in use. This could be a garage, warehouse, or even a specially designed storage facility or museum.

  • Transportation

    After you have all paperwork in place next step will be the (oversees) transport to your desired location. This may involve hiring specialized transport and broker services due to permits, size and weight. Als in this case we can support you with organizing the transport or make sure you get in contact with some experts.

  • Maintenance and Restoration

    Depending on the condition of your military collectable our partner BAIV can help you with maintenance and restoration work to ensure that it is safe and operational. This could involve relatively easy maintenance and repair,  service till a Class-A restoration. In such a case please contact BAIV (link to BAIV website).

  • Training

    If you intend to operate a vehicle then make sure you have manuals that describe how the operate vehicle. Nowadays there are numerous reprints available on the Internet that explain you in a playful way how to drive and operate your vehicle. This is often a team effort, which makes owning such a vehicle extra attractive. If required, you can also involve hiring a professional instructor or attending specialized training courses to learn how to drive and maintain it safely. In such a case, our partner BAIV can also support you.

  • Insurance

    Consider obtaining insurance coverage for your vehicle to protect yourself against any potential accidents or liabilities that may arise from owning and operating it. Often there are specialized insurance companies offering these kinds of services. Local military vehicle clubs often also know their way around the specific options offered by insurance companies.

  • Enjoyment

    Finally, once everything is in place, you can enjoy owning and, if permitted, operating your classic military vehicle, cannon or howitzer. Whether it's for display purposes or for participating in historical reenactments, owning such a great unit can be a unique and rewarding experience.

Feel free to get in touch

Ivo Rigter Sr.

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