Chevrolet CMP C15 cab 11 body 2A1

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Jacek Nitkiewicz

Vehicle was painted three times: original factory green paint, later in all accessible parts this paint was removed and truck was painted outside dark blue by auto workshop "Garage M. Chatelier" in Bretany. Someone repainted it grey inside and outside at last but without cleaning, so this layer can be removed very easy. So far I couldn’t find any military markings on the truck except WD mark on one of the tires.

Jacek,

Over on HMVF I saw you posted a picture of the number found on the bumper. I guess "363 W7" is a civilian registration number?
363W7.jpg

I was asking about any military markings because I wonder if this C15 was one supplied to France after WW2, or if it was one of many captured in 1940 by the German Army, used by them during the occupation of France, after which it was put to civilian use? If only trucks like this could tell their whole story!

Hanno

[Jacek Nitkiewicz]

Hanno, I couldn't find any military marks so far. I doubt it was one of the trucks left behind , it has inspection plate from GM dated 1945. Certificat D'Immatriculacion I have is for reg no 352CE35. It was issued in 1955. No idea where 363 W7 comes from. One thing for sure it was covered with paint, so must have been before 352CE35. I will be in Bretany next week I try to lern more about vehicle history.

[Jacek Nitkiewicz]

Originally Posted by Bob Carriere

TB Tonawanda engine plant in the USA out side of Buffulo, New York

R for right hand drive A for military.

Comments welcome if above is not correct.

During the early years of productions engines were imported from USA to supplement the production facilities from Windsor, Ontario Canada.

Looks very much like the original factory engine for the truck.

I think it makes vehicle quite special.

[Jacek Nitkiewicz]

Is this rear lamp original or some French addition ?

[cletrac (RIP)]

Definitely not original!

[Alex van de Wetering]

Jacek,

You're making good progress!

The rear lights are not original to the truck. Original rear lights would have been Rubbolite-style lights (lights with rubber housing). Early trucks only had two of these on the right hand side.

I don't know about regulations in Poland; but you will likely need some modern lights to be able to use your truck on the road. The "French" light, although not original; does look very "period" and might be good to keep for that reason.

Alex

[Jacek Nitkiewicz]

We have quite good regulations concerning registration of old vehicles. It can be restored to 100% and get special "historic vehicle" registration plate which allows it to drive on public roads.

[Jacek Nitkiewicz]

Trip to Bretany didn't bring any results. In Renes they told me that according to Certificat D'Immatriculacion I have, truck was deleted from Register of Motor Vehicles in 1968. They keep archives for 5 years so in 1973 all documents concering this truck were destroyed. Only clue I've got is to find one more number behind 363 W 7 , it will indicate in which prefecture truck was registered before 1955.