Hi Lang & Clive:
I didn't want to clutter up the thread, but maybe this will help also.
According to Bart Vanderveen's excellent military vehicle books as well as Fred Crismon's and a number of other references I have, we can look at this sort of snapshot of Staff Cars.
1. Car, Light.
For use by Staff Level Officers.
Chevrolet, Ford and Plymouth vehicles are most often mentioned and to be seen in Technical Manuals and photos.
2. Car, Medium.
For use by Flag Rank Officers by and large but I am sure a few Colonels and Navy Captains managed to snag one.
Buick, Chrysler, Oldsmobile, Packard and Pontiac are most often mentioned.
I have never seen a Chrysler, Oldsmobile or Pontiac Staff Car in photos yet but certainly the others.
3. Car, Heavy.
Buick, Cadillac, Chrysler and Packard.
These would generally be 7 passenger limousine type vehicles.
I have seen or have photos of all but the Chrysler vehicles.
4. General Comments.
In the main, these cars were purchased in 1941/1942 in the normal manner.
After Dec 7th., car production in the US ceased in more or less April 1942.
Whatever manufacturers or dealers stocks remained at that time were basically taken over by the War Department. At least, the most popular makes. I have no evidence that Lincolns, Mercurys, Studebakers, Nashes, and so on and so on were purchased or taken over by the War Department in the 1941/1942 period.
5. The General Situation 1940/1942.
It should be remembered that the number of US Armed Forces personnel up until early 1941 was extremely small. As an example, my Dad joined the USMC as an Officer in 1935 and his serial number was something like 5027 (Officer serial number) and the Marine Corps had been in existence for like 170 years by then.
Due to both budget restrictions resulting from the Great Depression and the US position of "Neutrality" that existed up until early 1941, non armoured vehicles were not really a priority, especially passenger cars. Lots of photos exist of Flag Rank Officers riding around in Jeeps and Dodge Command Cars at least in combat or near combat areas. Only the "Top Brass" and Flag Rank Officers in non combat areas got civilian sedans after the US entered the war.
As to the Canadian situation, Clive, I really don't have good references other than what you and a few others have provided. (When is your book coming out?). All I know is they purchased in the same time period Ford and Chevrolet vehicles of roughly the same type as the US and the odd McLaughlin (SP?) Buick.
Again, I hope this helps a bit.
Bill
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