Thanks Mike
 

Loved the footage.
I did sell the ute to a fellow who is part of a museum in Adelaide area (where it originated from) - it went to a good home with intentions of restoring it to running condition.
I have now sold off most of my "works ín progress" collection to purchase a restored and running F15A.

Wartime pic
 

A unusual wartime pic of a DeSoto army ute: the civilian Victorian reg. number (FA 341) was issued around 1943. A military vehicle that was paid for with funds raised by a contest during the war. The young lady in the pic, Gladys Marriott, she is wearing the sash, is mentioned in the 'wartime secrets of Chesterville road' article https://localhistory.kingston.vic.go...of%20Moorabbin.

A further twist to all of this is: there are relatives of Gladys Marriott living around here !

I have gone through the AWM126 books..can't find this particular DeSoto listed. A few of these DeSoto utes were disposed to 'Buckle Motors' which is funny considering the original posters name !

https://victoriancollections.net.au/...7d672e1dd33483

Historical information
This photograph shows members of the community outside the Moorabbin Council Offices, handing over a brand-new utility truck for use by the Australian Comforts Fund, in support of the war effort. It was purchased with funds raised by contestants in Moorabbin's 'Popular Girl Quest'. Contestants received a vote for each penny they collected. The winner was Gladys Mariott, pictured centre wearing a sash, who raised £528 10s, earning her 126,800 votes. In total, the contestants raised more than a thousand pounds, which enabled the purchasing of the new utility truck.