[David_Hayward (RIP)]

On clearing out some old papers I came across today a Telegram dated May 10 1941 from National Defence HQ to Canadian Military HQ. It states that a GMC truck with 6 x 6 drive was being developed that developed 216 ft lbs torque. The 'new cab and sheet metal' which I assume was the # 12 Cab at that time, was designed to take this engine ..this must have been the GMC 270 although the 248 was mooted I believe at one stage as it was being produced in Windsor at the time. It seems that the 270 as installed had 222 lbs ft in practice. The [C60X] engine was the largest that could be used with the 'present axles' and the design would not enter production until January 1942 at which time the 6 x 4 [F60H] was to be discontinued. Backtracking, Ford of Canada had sent on October 19th 1940 to the DND copies of composite chassis drawings showing the installation of the Lincoln Zephyr V-12 [1940-41 120 b.h.p.] engine to the F.60H, and also sent power curves of the Zephyr engine. The Zephyr engine was available in quantity and Ford proposed converting for test purposes one of the D.N.D. vehicles then at their plant The advantage that the 290 cu. in. U.S. V-12 had was that it was produced in right-hand drive form of course.

As you know the F60H production for the DND ceased [August 14 1941 in fact] in due course in favour of the C60X however export orders for say India and Australia continued and were fitted with the # 13 Cab. There may have just been the pilot C60X that had a # 12 Cab fitted.

I find this 'Gram interesting because this seems to suggest that the 270 GMC engine was fitted because it was the largest that could be used with the then axle design. Development continued and as is well known the ultimate CMP was the Chrysler 323.5 6-cylinder powered C60X airportable prototype. Did they upgrade the axles? Quaerae: if a stronger axle had been available, and presumably transfer cases, etc., would GM of Canada swallowed and then suggested buying-in the Chrysler unit or would they have opted for the Zephyr?