Aussie WW2 staff cars

[Matt Austin]

Afternoon, folks,

While the Australian military made extensive use of Chev sedans as staff cars, (my own included), did they also use other Holden-bodied GM types in that role? The more I look in the AWM registers, the less I see, and while I see reference to the odd Buick possibly used by the top brass, I can't see whether Oldsmobile or Pontiac sedans were also used by the military. I cant put my hand on Norm Darwin's book, which I recall has a chart of GMH''s wartime car production.and use, so I thought I'd ask the MLU brains trust. Thank you!

Cheets,
Matt

[Mike Kelly]

Might have been some 'impressed' sedans of various makes in use early on, 1938 to 40 models

[Mike Kelly]

Oldsmobile ?

[Matt Austin]

Thanks Mike,

I'd hoped that there was a military connection for the 1940 Pontiac, as I've just picked this one up.

My wife asked me how long I'd had my 1940 Chev sedan project, and she was bemused when she realised I'd had it for five years, and done very little with it. She suggested I get a loan, buy a runner, enjoy it now, and have it paid off in five years. So I did! No Chevs available when I looked around, and I'm pretty happy with the very similar Pontiac. And as a bonus, only 480 Silver Arrow sedans were built in 1940, so it's pretty unusual.

So, failing a military connection, or as one esteemed chap suggested, doing it up as a squadron leader's private vehicle, I'll have to bring it to Corowa and park outside!

Cheers,
Matt

[Mike Kelly]

Originally Posted by Matt Austin

Thanks Mike,

I'd hoped that there was a military connection for the 1940 Pontiac, as I've just picked this one up.

My wife asked me how long I'd had my 1940 Chev sedan project, and she was bemused when she realised I'd had it for five years, and done very little with it. She suggested I get a loan, buy a runner, enjoy it now, and have it paid off in five years. So I did! No Chevs available when I looked around, and I'm pretty happy with the very similar Pontiac. And as a bonus, only 480 Silver Arrow sedans were built in 1940, so it's pretty unusual.

So, failing a military connection, or as one esteemed chap suggested, doing it up as a squadron leader's private vehicle, I'll have to bring it to Corowa and park outside!

Cheers,
Matt

Nice car. It may have been purchased new by a doctor or wealthy landholder, somebody who qualified under the essential user permit scheme. If it has Victorian heritage , the AOMC can do a engine nr. search but its a rather expensive fee for the limited info they give you .. rego nr. and engine changes , thats it. Sadly, all of the owners details were destroyed.

[Wayne Henderson]

Western Command Staff Car Holden body

[Hanno Spoelstra]

I reckon the Australian DMV book lists all the staff car types used by the Armed forces?

See Keith’s repro here: http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=31596 (no, I’m not on commission )

[Lang]

Well I had a rush of blood to the head and finished up with two 1940 Chevrolets to take to Alice Springs. Management just rolled her eyes.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Lang

Well I had a rush of blood to the head and finished up with two 1940 Chevrolets to take to Alice Springs. Management just rolled her eyes.

Wow, that's a great makeover! Now you just need to get that trailer sorted to sleep in.

[Lang]

Hanno

I can't drive two. What about a visit to Australia (if you have had the jab by then) in July and help me get the two to Darwin?

Looks like I can keep the black one black. Have found a few photos of them black with senior officers on board. Attached is an American one but mine will be Australian marked (with Holden body of course)

Lang

PS Is that a rolled up camouflage net over the general's car in the parade photo?

[Mike Kelly]

A few more

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Lang

Hanno

I can't drive two. What about a visit to Australia (if you have had the jab by then) in July and help me get the two to Darwin?

Hello Lang,

That sounds like an exciting trip, and what a great offer! You were saying 3,000km to the start and another 3,000km home from Darwin. Plus another 1,500km for the tour itself? That makes for an epic trip.

Let's play it by ear to see how and when we get "back to normal" (or rather: adjust to the new reality). For what it's worth, currently in Holland we are locked up at night like we were during WW2 and supplies of jabs are lagging behind the schedule ...

Cheers,
Hanno

PS: I've started reading up on the trip here: https://www.backtothetrack2021.com