RCAF Staff Car Identification
 

Could use some help identifying the vehicle next to SqnLdr McNabb..a famous WW2 pilot and CO of the Sqn. Best we can do so far is a '37 Studebaker, and I'm guessing a 4 door staff car...? The door code is " RCAF No. 672 ". Would it have been an impressed-vehicle...or did the Airforce use a bunch of them.?
Thanks.

1939 Cadillac?

Dennis. I believe it is probably a GMC 1/2-ton, 4 x 2 Carryall (AC-101).

I say that because the wartime RCAF Station Winnipeg equivalent vehicle is still here in Winnipeg, alive and well, in the hands of a local collector.

David

David,
Thanks for that. Is there any possibility of a photo of the Winnipeg vehicle ?? This has turned out to be more of a puzzle then anticipated. . So far we still don't have a positive ID....although numerous suggestions have been offered. A friend sent this wartime shot taken at Rockcliff. Going by the radiators alone..the RCAF used a pretty wide range of vehicles....from a variety of manufacturers. The first and second rows contain numerous possibilities. It was also pointed out that the passenger door of the original photo, has only one exposed door hinge. Which turns out to be more of a recognition point than first expected.

Dennis.

1939 Cadillac has only one door hinge, and a flattened back of the fender too.

Dennis.

When the owner had finished restoration, the vehicle was at the Winnipeg International Air Show in a Prairie Command display. It attracted a lot of attention from the local Base personnel. If I recall correctly, it was finished in an original light to medium grey with white lettering on the doors. Stupidly, I did not photograph it then but a number of other members did. Hopefully it might ring a bell with some who are members here and they can dig out a copy for posting.

I believe the owner is an electrical contractor here in Winnipeg.

David

David and others. What do you think of this as a possibility.?

A 1940 Chev.

No, the door hinge is lower on the '40 Chev and the decorative vent on the side of the hood is different and much narrower.

David

Rcaf 674
 

Here is an image of RCAF 674, an Ambulance taken at Rockcliffe, Ontario.

Attachment 97045

1940-1941 Pontiac
 

I believe this is a 1940-1941 Pontiac, could be a silver streak but can't be sure without another photo but the single lower hinge looks correct with the space between the running board and door. The fender has the squared-off rear edge and the hood side panel detail looks closer but no doubt there was some painted over chrome around the vent on the original car.

Ed and 45Jim. Took a bit of searching and finally found this. The Pontiac does seem a nice fit.

Thanks to both. And it seemed so simple at first.....

Of course, now the question is....was it a 2 door or a 4 door.? Assuming it's his car....Would the Sqn. CO use a 4-door.. Unless Ed can come up with a matching door number from his bottomless archive...we may never know...(grin).

My dad’s photo of a RCAF ambulance no. 1089 taken in Summerside P.E.I.

re staff car-
 

the staff car in question is more likely a Canadian Pontiac which was a match of Chevrolet body with Pontiac trim called Pontiac Arrow....