"Indian Pattern odd job"

[Alex van de Wetering]

Could this be one?!? It is located in the Far North (South Australia) of all places!

Hanno, I'd say it's either a very rare original.....or a replica that someone did based on pictures. There are too many similarities for it to be just a coincidence ....slope of the nose, rounded edges, position of the headlights shape of fenders, cutout for the steering box. Than again, there are also differences.....headlights mounted ON of the panel, in stead of behind, edge along the fenders, slight difference in grille.

I hope the owner is able to share some more info on the history of the truck and some pictures...Radiator as you say, but maybe also have a look if there is any other paint left under the orange.....data plates? ....


it's definately just as ugly as the original

[Hanno Spoelstra]

The owner shared a picture of the radiator “in fact it has a hole for a hand crank to pass through the radiator!”

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[Alex van de Wetering]

The owner shared a picture of the radiator “in fact it has a hole for a hand crank to pass through the radiator!”

Hanno....it just has to be one, right? The top tank of the radiator seems to have a slightly different shape...and as you say the cap is in a different position. But, I presume there could be details differences between radiator suppliers.

Did the seller share any more pictures? Dataplate? Chassis/engine number?

[Tony Smith]

"Odd Job".

While the roofline and windscreens appear to be of a 13 Cab pattern, it is interesting to note the engine cover and Instrument Binnacle are 12 Cab. You cannot retrofit these to a 13 Cab truck without major work, so the truck has been designed from the start as a real Odd Job.

Anyone driving past the Central Northern SA Deserts soon?

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Note how the strengthening rib inside the cab compares to the original:

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[Alex van de Wetering]

While the roofline and windscreens appear to be of a 13 Cab pattern,

Hanno, Tony, I wonder if the roof and windscreen could have been added in it's civvy life(?)

It does seem the Indian Pattern Odd-jobs show some variations as well....I see at least two different engine covers (flat with square box on top....or slighly round shaped without the extension box). Some seem to have a sharp edge along the sloping nose line, while others have a rounded edge. Also, some differences in the hole for the steering box....just a plain hole, vs a hole with a fancy strip around it. Most run without windscreen, some do have a windscreen (retrofitted by Dutch????) I presume these custom noses could have been done by different people and maybe at different companies/depots (?), which would explain the differences.

Any of our Indian members that know more about this subject?

[Hanno Spoelstra]

It’s still there…. https://www.facebook.com/groups/9458...5627247130600/

Harley Liebelt:
"Hey guys, thought I'd try again and see if anyone was interested in this old blitz we have?
It has a Commer Knocker motor (which does run) on the back connected to a post hole drill and a ford side valve v8 upfront.
It is located in far North SA but we have the means to transport it.
Open to offers!"

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[Tony Wheeler]

Folks here will be pleased to learn this old girl has finally been rescued from the wilderness and reunited with her CMP family!

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[Keith Webb]

Fantastic news Tony!

Originally Posted by Tony Wheeler

Folks here will be pleased to learn this old girl has finally been rescued from the wilderness and reunited with her CMP family!

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[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Tony Wheeler

Folks here will be pleased to learn this old girl has finally been rescued from the wilderness and reunited with her CMP family!

Tony, that’s very exciting news! This must be one of the most epic border raids undertaken in Australia. Congrats on acquiring what may well be the rarest CMP.

Please share some technical details later.

[Alex van de Wetering]

Well done Tony!

Please keep us updated on what you are able to find out about the identity and history.

[Tony Wheeler]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

This must be one of the most epic border raids undertaken in Australia. Congrats on acquiring what may well be the rarest CMP.

Thanks Hanno, it's certainly another epic journey for what is already an extraordinarily well travelled CMP! I presume it's ex-KNIL and was brought to Australia soon after disbandment in 1950, possibly via Darwin. It would have been simple enough to ship from somewhere like Surabaya or even Bali where these vehicles are known to have been stationed. I'd be interested to get your thoughts.

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Here she is loaded and ready to depart Mintabie for the 2000 km trek to her new home. Previous owner Peter Liebelt completed the first leg to Adelaide, where she was reloaded for transport to Melbourne.

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Unfortunately Peter had axle problems in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately he managed to stop before they became catastrophic.

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