After its introduction in 1962, the M51 went on to form the core of Israeli Defense Forces armored units, succeeding the M1 and M50. A large number of M51s used the cast hull M4A1 Sherman as a base, installing a long caliber 105mm gun in a cast turret which was extended rearwards to accommodate the gun. Powered by a 460hp diesel and employing horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS) with wide tracks, it could boast of excellent mobility. The Six Day War of 1967 saw the M51's combat debut.
