Not softskin as such: a 1940 Chev sedan question

[Mike Cecil]

From the thread referred to:

"It appears to be the abbreviation for "Divisional Improvements" and arose out of the field experiences of the 7th and 9th Divisions in the Western Desert. The improvements were field modifications to the Ford vehicles as they were found wanting in areas of their construction with these modifications subsequently being adopted by Ford."

The above is incorrect: DIVIMPRO is the 'Division of Import Procurement' - the wartime mob charged with actually doing deals with foreign entities, coordinating requirements of all government departments and other approved users, allocating priorities, and distributing to govt depts and approved users (doctors, farmers, manufacturers, miners, etc) what actually arrived in Australia (rather than what was ordered). It was not just concerned with MVs, but all imported items. It was a division within the Department of Trade and Customs.

It had nothing to do with construction specs issued by Army to the supplier, which were being continually improved based upon a variety of factors including operational experience.

Mike C