Chevrolet 1542 MCP

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

In a parallel thread Dave posted a picture of the data plate on his truck.

It could well be the plate was fitted when it was rebuilt in France. Or more likely: when it was first assembled at an overseas GM facility from CKD kits.

David Hayward would have been able to explain it to us...

Actually, David Hayward left us a clue:

Originally Posted by David_Hayward (RIP)

In January 1939, G.M. (France) started C.K.D. production of cars at Gennevilliers with a maximum daily capacity of four cars, either Buick, Chevrolet or Pontiac, six C.K.D. Chevrolet trucks with cabs, 6 M.K.D. [‘Mostly Knocked Down’] or semi-assembly cars from either G.M. Continental, Antwerp, or Adam Opel A.G., and six S.U.P. [‘Single Unit Packs, or fully-assembled] units.
[Read more here...]

I searched for a bit more information and found that “A new plant went into operation at Gennevilliers, France, on the outskirts of Paris, for assembly of completely knocked down (CKD) cars and trucks.” All vehicles assembled there from imported parts were fitted with a General Motors (France) body tag / data plate *) like the one shown above as they are regarded as new vehicles built in France.

I reckon GM Overseas Operations regained control over their Gennevilliers plant right after the war, possibly with the aid of the US Army (late 1945, the US Army 1568th Engineer Depot Company was based at Gennevilliers, Paris). GM then started assembly of CKD kits of these Chevrolet (and other) trucks and cars to fulfill the urgent need for vehicles on mainland Europe. The parts for these kits may well have been manufactured in 1944-1945 under US, United Kingdom or Canadian Government contracts, awaiting shipment for assembly overseas.

*) the one attached below is identical and is fitted to a 1958 Buick
15078403419_9af3a54b79_o.jpg