Willy's MB

[Daan Kemp]

did you look at thecj2apage.com?

[30Three]

So I have had time to find out a bit more and examine the details of this Jeep.
It is a typical French Army mix of parts. Running gear and chassis are Willys, but the body is Hotchkiss.
It was rebuilt at the French Army workshop at Maltournai, and carries a MALT number on a tag welded inside the RH chassis rail towards the rear axle.
I believe these are called "salad" Jeeps as they are a mix. this is apparently very common for French Jeeps. All part of the history.
While it may make it less valuable than a 100% American made; I'm not to bothered; as I got it for a decent price and it's in better overall shape than I expected.
A lot of my friends are asking if I'm going to put the star on the bonnet and number's etc; well no, I don't want to invent a history for it.
Looking forward to tootling around the French countryside with the family this summer!

[30Three]

A few more photos.

[Daan Kemp]

There are many MB, GPA, Willys parts new available ex USA, from several companies. Walcks is one IIRC.

[Bob Womack]

That's a great looking Jeep. In the '60s we restored a Willys Jeep and converted it from 24 volts to 12. We bought it from a government surplus catalog where it was sold "as-is, where-is." We found it embedded up past its axles in mud in a field in Alabama. Apparently it was part of war games, got stuck, and was abandoned. The government just wanted to clear its books. We winched it onto a trailer and took it home for a full rebuild. Loads of fun! Our government required us to add turn signals!

Bob

[Daan Kemp]

In the '60s we restored a Willys Jeep and converted it from 24 volts to 12.

That was a military vehicle. Willys = commercial sales, 24V = military model 4x4 with some M model number.

[Bob Womack]

That was a military vehicle. Willys = commercial sales, 24V = military model 4x4 with some M model number.

Yes it was - I was told it was a Navy Jeep. I thought it was a Willys.

Bob

[Daan Kemp]

IIRC the navy jeeps are somewhat scarcer than the army ones and have a higher value to collectors.

[Flying10uk]

Is there anyway of finding out if it ever went overseas such as Algeria, for example? It would be interesting keeping it's French army identity due to France's long association with the Jeep stretching right back to WW2.

[30Three]

It has no painted markings or regimental ID anywhere as far as I can see. But it does have the French Army serial number, which can tell us if it's Army, Gendarmerie, air force etc.
I've not gone too far into that yet. But I believe the Army rebuild was 1968; going by the MALT tag on the chassis. Probably rebuilt prior to that as well to be honest.
As with many thing's old and surplus; it's history will for the most part, remain a mystery. That's not a problem!

It drives really nicely; engine seems to be in great shape. Brakes were surprisingly well balanced on the test. Now I can take some time over the summer to give it a full service and inspect the differentials for wear.
Too much free play evident in the front. It may just need adjusting, or potentially a rebuild. There's good supply of parts here and prices are very reasonable.

Thanks for the interest!