Unique 6x6 to be auctioned in USA

Built by Humber in 1940 as a genuine go anywhere personnel and weapons carrier, the 6-wheeled Hexonaut was notable for its use of two engines and transmissions. Each pair drove one side of the vehicle and all wheels were driven, giving the Hexonaut six-wheel drive.

Steering was 'skid steer' style by levers, like a Bobcat or 'dozer, with the deep tread on the tyres acting as paddles to propel the Hexonaut through water. As per land use, braking one set of wheels allowed the Hexonaut to 'turn' when fording rivers or doing beach landings. Despite weighing three tons, the Hexonaut was apparently quite capable in its amphibious role.

The unusual dimensions of the Hexonaut - 11'3" L x 4'4" W x 6'3" H - were due to two factors. The 'depth' of the vehicle allowed for the placement of the running gear so it didn't impact on carrying capacity, which was eight men or up to one ton of supplies. The narrow cross section of the six-wheeler was to allow it to be air transportable, with the 'openings' in the C47 Dakota transport aircraft of the period dictating the dimensions.

The complexity and cost of the Hexonaut saw only three prototypes completed before the project was abandoned. The example to be auctioned in Indiana is the only survivor of the three. Sold to a logging contractor after World War II, the Hexonaut was apparently working until the 1950s.

Auctions America by RM's clearance of items from the National Military History Center, in Auburn, Indiana, will take place on Saturday, December 8. The auction will feature British, American, German, French and Italian military trucks, half-tracks, armoured vehicles, self-propelled guns, motorcycles, uniforms and other items.

The auction will include some rarities like a Daimler-Benz DB10 prime mover, Pacific M26 armoured tank recovery vehicle and Fiat-SPA artillery tractor with four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. All consignments are being offered at no reserve.