Jeep recognition

[RobMac]

Been away for a while but back now with a question.

Can anybody identify exactly what type of Jeeps these are. I know Willy's but what type specifically?

Cheers in advance

Rob

[bobgpw]

They appear to be Willys MB. Could be French Hotchkiss but without more detail it is hard to tell. They aren't Ford GPW as I have one of these!

Bob

[RobMac]

Thanks for replying so quick. What sort of detail would you need Bob?

[bobgpw]

Hi,

In your first picture, the bonnet appears to be from an M201 "Hotchkiss" jeep. As to the rest of the vehicle, without lifting the bonnet and looking inside the tub it is hard to tell from a distance. For a French built post war tub, I would expect to see certain features that are not present on wartime production jeeps.

It really is difficult to tell at a distance and so many Hotchkiss are repainted in 82nd Airborne markings!! By the way, all vehicles came from the factory with a mounting plate fitted for the machine gun, but the actual gun was fitted in the field and I would suggest that the vast majority of vehicles did not have any fixed armament.

If it was a Ford chassis, the front cross member under the grille is "U" shaped, formed by a drop press. On a Willys, the cross member is tubular welded steel. The Willys chassis also has an extra cross member behind the machine gun mount. A Ford chassis has extra reinforcing to the chassis rails which makes restoring somewhat more of a challenge!!

From a modelling perspective, don't rely on any vehicle at a show as a definitive reference unless the owner can confirm that it is EXACTLY as it was when it left the factory. If you find one of those, left me know! Jeeps are made of mild steel, had hard lives in the military and even harder lives with civvies, farmers, off roaders etc. As a result, most have had extensive bodywork or even replacement tubs. My own Jeep has a 1970's Phillipino tub, original grille, wings, seats, chassis, Ford engine, gearbox and transfer case.

I hope this helps, I could drone on for hours, just ask my wife............

Bob