Quote:
Originally posted by Hanno Spoelstra
Sand pattern tyres were of course desigend for use in sandy areas, but their use was not exclusive to North Africa. I would not bet on your C15 having been in North Africa because of the sand tyres. Wasn't your C15 a heavily modified one?
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Thank you for directing me to those very educational threads, Hanno. I have much to learn! I'm still trying to research my C15's history. What I do know for certain is that it was sold to Argentina some time after the war, declared surplus and sold to an Argentinian civilian who drove the truck to the U.S. in the '70's and sold it to the previous owner in Illinois. It was left hand drive when it arrived and had an enclosed box on the back that was described to me as some sort of "radio or command box" The box was subsequently removed and disposed of unfortunately. The truck had an Automobile Club of Argentina crest on the rad grill, suggesting the owner may have been a member. I have made attempts at contacting them by email, but I haven't received a reply as of yet. I've also contacted the ebay seller in Argentina who has been selling the mirrors and blackout covers but he has been unable to help me contact the Club.
I was told by the previous American owner that the Argentinian told him what he knew of the truck's history in N. Africa, however, as they say in court, that would be hearsay evidence. I have heard through MLU that the Brits initially preferred 4 X 2 vehicles, but that is also "hearsay" I haven't found any serial numbers stamped on the frame anywhere, I'm not sure where to look and the previous owner removed the data plates to paint the interior of the cab and subsequently lost them! The exterior of the truck has several layers of paint....two shades of green, one of bluish grey, and one of sand.
As you mentioned, the truck has been heavily modified....the cab height has been raised, the doors have roll up windows, one piece windscreen, and of course, lefthand drive. I've included a pic of where I'm at so far. I hope all the CMP purists hold their scorn as this is just phase one of the restoration (I really need a box!) and when you consider what I had to start with, it ain't so bad.
CHIMO!