CDM Armoured Car (French)

Description

The CDM Armoured Car was a clandestine French project initiated during the Vichy regime in 1941–42, designed to resist a potential German invasion of the unoccupied southern zone of France. Spearheaded by Colonel Emile Mollard and engineer Joseph Restany, the vehicle was based on modified GMC truck chassis, with 225 units planned. The CDM (Camouflage du Matériel) aimed to secretly stockpile and produce military equipment in defiance of the restrictive armistice terms.

The armoured car featured a fully rotating hexagonal turret, multiple armour thicknesses (5–20mm), and a rear driving post for rapid withdrawal. It was intended to be heavily armed, with several turret configurations proposed. Production was decentralised across workshops in Dordogne, including Saint-Geniès and Sarlat, to maintain secrecy. Despite impressive progress, including daily chassis modifications and turret fabrication, the project was abruptly halted in November 1942 following the German occupation of the Free Zone.

Only one prototype was completed, and none saw combat. The CDM Armoured Car remains a symbol of covert resistance and technical ingenuity under occupation. Though primitive compared to contemporary Allied or Axis designs, its existence highlights the determination of certain French military factions to prepare for liberation despite overwhelming constraints.

• Model: CDM Armoured Car
• Country/Army: French
• Dimension (mm) (WxLxH):
• Material: UV Cured resin
• Original Designer: Wargame3D
• These models are designed for modellers and collectors. They are not toys and are not suitable for children.
• Model supplied unassembled and unpainted. Additional finishing may be required during assembly.
• Finished colour of the product may vary from images shown.
• Photos and dimensions are at 28mm unless noted otherwise.
• All dimensions are complete with weapons unless otherwise stated.
• Other scales and dimensions may be available upon request.
• Models supplied at scales smaller than 20mm may be an alternative design more suitable for small scale prints. These are designed by Bergman or TigerAce1945