Autocar U-7144 wrecker

[Goncalo Mendes]

Hello,

While searching my files, I found this photo of a Autocar wrecker. As this subject seems to be rare in information, I tought to post it. Note the rear winch and the absence of the 5th wheel. Unfortunatly I don't know the source or the date, but i think it has only a few years, maximum.


source:https://www.flickr.com/photos/leowhi...ique-wreckers/

It is very similar to the one in a famous Tarawa photo, (dated March 1944).


source: http://images.google.com/hosted/life...09a771aa4.html

This could this be a later civil adaptation, post-war, but is also possible that a few more existed than previously considered. I have read in other forum that the navy bought several Autocar chassis to serve as recovery wreckers, but I tought they had U type cabs.


Source:http://www.trucksplanet.com/catalog/model.php?id=1930

I always had read that it was a "one-off" truck, maybe for Naval or Marines aviation, however there are photos of similar wreckers in Torokina (December 1943) and Vella Lavella airfields at the same time frame:

Torokina December 1943

(quoted original source: USMC)

Vella Lavella airfield (December 1943), see the wrecker in the image center


source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/konabish/7238054210/

Engebi airfield, 18 May 1944.

source: http://www.warbirdinformationexchang...129836#p129711



More information and images welcome, feel free to post!

G_Mendes