Dodge Tanake Armoured Car (French)

Description

The Dodge Tanaké was an improvised French armoured car developed during the Second World War, primarily in Syria under the French Mandate. Originating around 1940, it was based on the Dodge T110 long-wheelbase truck, likely acquired through British or Canadian Lend-Lease arrangements. Captain Bitche, stationed in Beirut, is credited with initiating its conversion, welding armour plates onto the chassis to create a rugged infantry support vehicle.

Approximately 20 to 30 units were constructed, featuring 12mm armour and armed with either a 25mm or 37mm gun, often accompanied by an FM24/29 machine gun. The vehicle was open-topped, with a pedestal-mounted main gun and a reinforced fighting compartment. It weighed around 4.65 tonnes and could reach speeds of up to 72 km/h.

Initially used by Vichy French forces in Syria, the Tanaké later saw service with Free French troops, notably the Foreign Legion, during the North African campaign. It earned a reputation for versatility and reliability, particularly at Bir Hakeim in 1942. The name “Tanaké” is believed to derive from a Foreign Legion nickname meaning “jack of all trades.” Today, one surviving example resides in a museum in Damascus, Syria, serving as a rare testament to wartime ingenuity.

• Model: Dodge Tanake 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