National Military History Center to auction WWII vehicles

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Reply from the auctioneers to a question of a fellow HMV club member:

Thank you fort the inquiry on the Military vehicles we will be offering for sale on December 8th 2012. The majority of these vehicles we purchased from Victory Memorial Museum in Messancy Belgium and transported to Auburn Indiana between October 2001 to January 2002. The vehicles are museum display vehicles only, and have been sitting for at least 10 years. Many appear fairly complete but some are, or may be, missing major components such as engines, transmissions along with other parts. At minimum, a full mechanical service or complete rebuild would be required to make them operable if desired.
Auctions America by RM strongly recommends pre – inspecting the vehicles prior to their purchase.

Please bid accordingly and let me know if I can be of further assistance.

[Marc Montgomery]

I had a very brief look at the C60 offered..and noticed even just quickly several details that are incorrect, steering wheel, petrol carrier, no tool box, mirrors (ford) door knob, rear splash guards...

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Lots are still offered at no reserve, but each lot is now listed with an estimate (possibly to manage expectations?).

• 1941 Chevrolet C15 CMP Personnel Carrier Lot No. 122 - No Reserve - Estimate: $ 15,000 - $ 25,000
• 1943 Chevrolet C60L CMP 4x4 General Service Truck Lot No. 175 - No Reserve - Estimate: $ 20,000 - $ 30,000
• And then some...

That C15 - except for the German livery - actually isn't a bad looking truck, is it?

H.

[rob love]

Those estimates, I believe, are extremely optimistic. I would be impressed if they saw half that.

[chris vickery]

I think I said it before here on the Forum and got chastized for it but I will say it again.
Too many people believe that Museum quality is the be-all end-all when it comes to examples of correctly restored MVs, when in fact, in all too many cases, nothing could be further from the truth. Buyer beware indeed.

[Marc Montgomery]

I would guess you are correct in this case Chris, and indeed perhaps when it comes to "museum" military vehicles, probably in most cases.

Attention to detail is probably not a high priority, more simply a case of a "representation" of the vehicle in most cases..to give an unknowing public a general idea or impression, which may in fact be a very reasonable option, if the choice is between having a "representation" on display rather than having an item in the back room out of sight for years while waiting for an accurate restoration.

Other than jeeps (popular) we all know the difficulties of sourcing parts, most of which have been out of production for decades or longer. I dont think most museums have the time or money to "restore" the vehicles.

I find it interesting, the estimated value of the C60- especially one not seemingly very accurate. If I had rec'd anywhere near that amount for my C60 which was complete, accurate (albeit with the more useful 235 engine) and a rare winch equipped model, i would have been very very happy.

I wish them luck, and perhaps some of these vehicles will end up in the hands of people who will do them justice, but as others have suggested I-( not having deep pockets at all) would not bid until a very thorough personal onsite inspection, and it also sounds just a teeny bit off, in that they seem to prefer you to leave the vehicles there.

I hope we'll hear the results of the auction.

[Jim Price]

Marc,
Having restored an F8 I've got some interest in the C60 currently listed on eBay. I'm perhaps a glutton for punishment but would like your thoughts on the major things needed to be done to "fix" this truck up right. Would appreciate very much your thoughts!
Best regards,
Jim Price
PS I can tell you with NO doubts whatsoever that I'll never get repaid every dollar I spent on the resto of my F8. The 1st Place trophy for Military Vehicles at a recent Wheels of Britain show here in Phoenix will be the best I'll ever get!

[chris vickery]

Right off I see the marker lights on the front fenders are incorrect, the side windows are incorrect and the rear cargo body is incorrect.