SA Armour Museum
South African Reconnaissance Car Mk. 4
(Marmon-Herrington Mk IV)
Crew: 3
Combat Mass: 7.5 t
Armament: 2-pounder (40 mm) QF main gun; 1 x 7.92 mm Besa or Vickers machine gun
Engine: Ford V8 petrol engine; Output: 95 hp @ 3,800 rpm (12.7 hp/t)
Transmission: 4-speed manual transmission
Suspension: 4x4 wheeled suspension with leaf springs
Fording: Without preparation: 0.6 meters
Speed: Road 80 km/h - Cross Country 30 km/h
Operating Range: Road 320 km - Cross Country 200 km
Development history:
The South African Reconnaissance Car Mk. 4, also known as the Marmon-Herrington Mk IV, was developed during World War II as an improved version of the earlier Mk III model. Designed by the Marmon-Herrington Company, the Mk IV was intended to provide enhanced firepower and protection for reconnaissance missions.
The Mk IV featured several improvements over its predecessor. It was equipped with a 37 mm gun in earlier models, which was later upgraded to a 2-pounder (40 mm) QF gun in some versions. The secondary armament remained a 7.92 mm Besa machine gun for anti-infantry roles.
Powered by the same Ford V8 petrol engine producing 95 horsepower, the Mk IV had a top road speed of 80 km/h and a cross-country speed of 30 km/h. The vehicle's 4x4 wheeled suspension with leaf springs provided good mobility across various terrains, making it suitable for reconnaissance and patrol missions in diverse environments.
The Mk IV's fording capability allowed it to cross water obstacles up to 0.6 meters deep without preparation. Its operational range was 320 km on roads and 200 km cross-country, supporting extended reconnaissance missions.
The Marmon-Herrington Mk IV was used extensively by the South African Army during World War II, particularly in the North African campaign and other theaters where mobility and firepower were crucial. The vehicle's design incorporated lessons learned from earlier models, resulting in a more capable and versatile reconnaissance car.
Despite being relatively lightweight, the Mk IV provided adequate protection and firepower for its role. It was a reliable and effective component of South Africa's armored reconnaissance fleet, and its design influenced the development of future South African armored vehicles.