39' utes in Military Service?

[Ian McCallum]

Question for those down under, did the 39' Chevrolet Standard ever see military service?

Bea-'ute' below is pure civilian. I would like to know however did this model ever end up in military trim??

Ian

[Bill Murray]

Close as I can get, Ian:
Bill

[Ian McCallum]

Thanks Bill,

On reflection I have actually seen this photo. Only variance I can see appears to be the 'grills' each side of the radiator, which I believe were probably a de-luxe option on the civilian model.

Ian

[cliff]

I have this photo from the AWM showing a 1939 ute.

[cliff]

While most of my photos show the 1938 and 1940/41 model ute and panel van here is one that shows a 1939 panel van complete with side grills. This is a Salvation Army one complete with cammo and could have come from army stocks rather then from a dealer. If the panel was used there seems to be no reason that the same style utes were not.

Not sure where this came from but probably Pictures Australia website.

[Ian McCallum]

Cliff,

Many thanks for the two photo's. As you say panel van certainly shows vents and confirms at least this element of the breed saw miliitary service.

On having another look at the photo Bill posted I am not so sure now if it might have vents. I assumed from first glance it was a plate of some description above the bumper but on another inspection it could be a plate in front of a vent, or just a vent?

Ian

[Lynn Eades]

The cream one has side or marker lights, which the others don't

[Mike K]

Found these two pics

driver training ... would you let them drive your restored vehicle ?

[Mike K]

2

[Mike K]

This is the 15 cwt 1939 version as as opposed to the 12 cwt version Ian was refering to . The 15 cwt is built on the light commercial chassis ... as is Ians 1944 ute . The 12 cwt sits on the car chassis . The army used them for sure ...

Some of the 15 cwt's had a separate rear ute section and the standard GMH cab as fitted to the larger trucks .. why they made them in two styles , I dont know !

Mike

[Mike K]

The 1940 version of the 15 cwt, showing the wider grill trim and parking lights on the guards . Pic taken at Puckapunyal army base . The number plate is a 1940 Victorian issue plate . Doesnt appear to havea bumber bar either . A lot of them were finished in Red livery , for some reason .

Mike

[Mike K]

The same 1940 15 cwt chassis , but fitted with the separate cab / ute setup. GMH built both types .. why ! Pic is taken in the Middle East , with AIF .

[Mike K]

A 39 car type ute in the Middle East .
The provost's ? are busy here .
Mike

[Ian McCallum]

Cheers Mike,

You are a wealth of information. 'pupils' in the back would certainly fall foul of current Health and Safety as they appear to be sitting on non fixed style seats!

Most certainly proved the point. Second photo, although blurred, does appear to show the 'vents' on front wings. However I have another shot of the ute in question which on close examination shows they are in fact only embelishments being fixed directly onto the tinwork!

Lynn,

I am assuming the side/marker lights are later editions, possibly incorporating indicators? as you can also see similar ones on the rear quarter. However several of Mikes photos showing the 15cwt version does incorporate a similar side light design.

Ian

[Bill Murray]

Hi Ian:

Assuming that GMH followed the US pattern, the '39 models would not have the side marker lights on the front wings and the '40 models would. This due to the change to sealed beam main headlamps.
However...in many export markets this switch was not made until later so you may see '40 models with no side marker lights.

I suspect your photo car has been retro-fitted with said lights and probably converted to sealed beams as well.
Bill

[Ian McCallum]

Hi Bill,

I was assuming the side markers were a later fitment as well, probably to allow for indicators. Photo does appear to show headlight as a bulbed unit, will have to ask the question.

[Bill Murray]

Agreed, Ian:
Looks like vintage bulb main lamps and maybe the side turn signal lamps were added postwar due to traffic regulation changes.
Bill

[Mike K]

Ian,

This Chev ute also lives in the U.K. .... the owner emailed me some time ago , wanting details so he could get it registered . It was imported just before yours I think .

Mike

[Ian McCallum]

Damn, and I thought I had the only one! Wonder if it will end up a hot -rod, civilian or military trim?

Out of interest do you have any contact details

Ian

[Mike K]

Ian,

He also owns this early 50's Chevy sedan ,imported from OZ . It's RHD as you can see . I think he is in Norfolk ... but that's a guess.
He was enquiring about the weight and dimensions of the ute , in order to satisfy his local registration authority . I think a relative out here arranged the cars for him .

If I recall correctly, I did mention your ute to him .

Mike