Quote:
Originally Posted by chalky
Whats the story with the WOC1 . They were built in Britain but why did Ford UK use the American front end .  |
Hi Chalky, You are quite correct re the front end and hopefully this will explain why.
Late in 1939 Ford at Dagenham submitted a prototype to the War Office for evaluation, which due to the urgency was approved within two weeks! The design was based on a modified American commercial Model 01C chassis that was already being imported and bodied in the UK for our commercial needs. The 'cobbled' submission was designated WOC1 (WO for War Office, C for Commercial and 1 for first type). This incorporated the imported chassis and as far forward as the bulkhead was largely identical to the standard commercial model. It had the American lockhead hydraulic braking system, not to be seen on many lighter UK Ford models until post war and was fitted with the British 21 stud V8 engine. This was fitted with an open cab manufactured by Briggs Motor Bodies and the only stipulation was that the chassis had to accept a standard War Office pattern 8 cwt. well type body, (as also fitted to a Humber and Morris) variant. The first order was placed in October 1939 under contract V3615 for 1000 vehicles, followed by contract V3730 for a further 1000 vehicles on 17th. November. Due to America 'going neutral' during this period some components initally came through Ford Canada although quantity production of the chassis commenced at Dagenham on 20th. December 1939 with all vehicles being delivered by 24th. July 1940 and no further orders being placed. My vehicle retains its original number of Z4128683 which was the 489'th vehicle off the line within the first contract of 1000.
Ian