Chrysler Forward control amphibious

[rob love]

Some photos of others I have shamelessly stolen from the net. Second photo is the truck in question showing the left side. I note a fresh panel which could be the repaired damage Bob was talking about.

Note one looks much more civilized and does not seem to have the amphibious capabilities. It was my understanding that Chrysler was hoping to put out a commercial version of this truck as well. Seems to me I have a photo of the civilian one in one of my books somewhere.

Note the civilian type one also has the later large street legal M series lighting. Was this not closer to the model of the one that was in Borden?

Bob, your tales of this truck almost have me hooked.

ram prototype 1.jpeg ram prototype 2.jpg ram prototype 3.jpeg ram prototype 4.jpeg

[rob love]

Found my book with more information. The book is "World Directory of Modern Military Vehicles" by Bart Vanderveen. Here is a synopsis of the entry for more refined truck in a nutshell: " XW350...non-amphibious truck was an attempt to make a more economical and less complex version of the late 60s Ram truck for the CAF. They could be had with or without winch. The military in the end decided to purchase militarized Dodge Power Wagon trucks and the project was terminated in 74/75. "

Note the 74 Dodge power wagons mentioned were in fact pretty much off the shelf W300s painted green and with a superstructure, pintle hook, troop seats and a tarp. I recall it being mentioned elsewhere that they were purchased for the Olympics, but seem to have been relegated to militia use when the regular force got the militarized Chevrolet CK2500 in 1976.

There are 3 decent photos in the book which I may try to post here.

I think one of the moderators will have to move this whole thread into the post war military vehicles section for posterity.