M8 production began before its official approval

An order for five thousand M8s was placed on May 1, 1942, before the end of prototype testing and one year before the start of manufacturing. Ford factories thus started production in March 1943 in Saint-Paul, even though the vehicle was only recognized as fit for service by the Armored Force Board on August 21, 1943. This mass production finally ended in June 1945 after 8,634 units had been assembled.