In both versions, these trucks were made by both GMC and Ford. Since the volume demanded outstripped the capacity of either, they pooled their resources to create the CMP. The GMC was probably the better truck for slow and steady hauling, but the Ford could go a bit faster and was better for convoying. The chassis, body, differentials and accessories were the same for both makes; only the engines and tranmissions differed - the Ford with its V-8 and impossible to downshift 4-speed, the Chevrolet with its inline six and 4-speed.
Again, in both cases, the models produced corresponded directly with the British 8-, 15-, and 30-cwt, along with 3-ton and field artillery tractors. So we had a CMP9 8cwt, CMP13 8cwt, etc. There were also some specialty bodies made for ambulances and communications.
- Bob McLennan [12/1998]
http://www.4wdonline.com/Mil/WW2/CMP.html
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How accurate is the bit about V-8 with impossible to downshift 4 speed??? How come they kept on being used if they were impossible? They did say Ford were good for convoy work while Chevys were good for heavy loads.
Kind Regards
Lionel