Discovery

SV2S · #1 13-05-09, 15:22

I have known of this vehicle for some time now but got the chance to photograph it yesterday, I have been informed it is a Chevrolet but wondered how scarce it is?

The crane that rests on the floor has teh original mudguards attached, but it is pretty poor condition (too far gone??)

Hanno Spoelstra · #2 13-05-09, 16:06

Hi Tim!

QUOTE

This is a Canadian Military Pattern vehicle, built by Chevrolet, a brand of General Motors Canada. Based on the Chevrolet Gun Tractor (CGT) 101" wb chassis, a small number was built as a 2-pdr AT Gun Portee. They were fitted with the second model cab, the No.12, placing it in the ca. 1941 timeframe. Pic below shows what they looked like after assembly in the UK. Full story in one of the back issues of Wheels & Tracks magazine; more pics and info over on the Maple Leaf Up Forum.

As for rarity, a fair number somehow has survived. An identical vehicle was offered for sale recently on this site. Maybe the former owner is willing to let us know how much he sold it for?

Nice find, I hope it will be rescued for restoration someday soon!

- Hanno

UNQUOTE

Tony Smith · #3 13-05-09, 16:21

If this vehicle is in the UK, it is probably scarce, as most of the UK Portees were converted to tow vehicles for the 17pdr Anti-Tank gun, or to GS vehicles.

The body remaining on the ground in front of the truck appears to be (without the crane) the remains of the original portee bodywork (eg the small hand driven winch, the hinges on top of the guards), indicating this vehicle wasn't converted to GS spec.

Hanno Spoelstra · #4 13-05-09, 16:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

The body remaining on the ground in front of the truck appears to be (without the crane) the remains of the original portee bodywork (eg the small hand driven winch, the hinges on top of the guards), indicating this vehicle wasn't converted to GS spec.

I agree, also look at the fuel tanks mounted to the back of the cab.

Hanno

SV2S · #5 13-05-09, 18:11

Thanks guys, I have attached the last picture that I took which would appear to have one of the original ramps in it (bottom right), there is a pair of these ramps and they have been attached to assist when a vehicle is in suspended tow

I had not realised that the crane floor was the original (might make restoration more viable?

Keith Webb · #6 13-05-09, 23:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by SV2S

Thanks guys, I have attached the last picture that I took which would appear to have one of the original ramps in it (bottom right), there is a pair of these ramps and they have been attached to assist when a vehicle is in suspended tow

I had not realised that the crane floor was the original (might make restoration more viable?

What an excellent and rare project, lucky to have so much of the original body there. Assume from what Tony was assuming

you're in the U.K.?

Well worthy of saving! Even the crane looks to be a period item which could be used on another restoration.

Mike K · #7 14-05-09, 02:02

A few of those have survived in New Zealand . A search on this forum should produce results . There was another in the Muckleburgh ? collection ,in the UK , it had a Morris portee body fitted apparently.

A chap in the South Island, N.Z., restored one.

Mike

Hanno Spoelstra · #8 15-05-09, 22:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Kelly

There was another in the Muckleburgh ? collection ,in the UK , it had a Morris portee body fitted apparently.

Picture of the Chev Portee at the Muckleburgh collection:

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...k/DSCF0015.jpg