Swiss Army Truck

[zemsi]

... another image of the same truck, a much more better view. Is it now a Chev?

The pic is courtesy of Josi Zbinden.

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

It appears to have a 1939 GMC radiator grille, but as it does not have "GENERAL MOTORS TRUCK" along the side of the engine cover it is probably in my opinion a GMC with Chevrolet 316 engine, with 4x4 Timken front axle, built in Pontiac Plant. I am not sure but I thought I could see "GMC" script at the top of the radiator grille..Chevrolets had "Chevrolet" script. In reality, it is a GMC with Chevrolet engine. Call it a "Chevrolet" and everyone knows what it is! Louis Chevrolet was of course Swiss-born! In other markets it would be a "GENERAL MOTORS TRUCK" with GMC engine.

[Bill Murray]

Zimsi: Thanks for the new photo, much better than the first.

David: I quite agree, it is a GMC although I could not comment on the engine. The photo does look retouched to my eyes, for whatever reason. The side panels don't look particularly realistic nor do the doors.
In any case, the grille is definitely GMC, not Chev.

Zimsi, when I lived in Sweden, I seem to remember a history book published in Switzerland on Langenthal AG, the coachbuilder that still exists today. You might see if you can find it, if I am correct, or contact the present owners of Langenthal to see if they maintain any sort of historical photo archive.

Bill

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Bill, I suspect it's a Chevrolet-engine truck hence it's a "Chevrolet" although built in Pontiac Truck Plant using GM parts. This would make sense as GM Suisss had supplied Chevrolets to the Swiss Army, and several hundred 216-powered cars were assembled in 1938 and then 1939. Other than that it's a GMC, but the same thing was done by GM of Canada...yoiu could gave a Maple Leaf or GMC, and both would use the same engine!

[zemsi]

... here's a pic in higher resolution from the 1st posting. If anybody want's it in very high resolution, drop me a PM.

[Kuno]

Have you be at the museum? Wanted to go again this weekend but was too lazy... will try the next.

[zemsi]

I think it's time to open this thread again. I just acquired the 5 following pics. Date and place are unfortunately unknown. The only thing which is written on the back of the pics is "Agfa".

Unfortunately, the quality of those pics isn't very good but it gives you a good impression of what the Swiss Army had in the early 40's.

Swiss officers (could possibly also General Guisan) is standing in that Command Car this thread is all about. Possibly that very same vehicle as I don't think there would have been a lot around.

Greetings
Chris

[zemsi]

... here's a detailshot of that car

[Kuno]

...are there truck-mounted guns on pic no. 1 (right side of the pic)?

[zemsi]

@Kuno

Yep, looks like light AA (Flak) to me.

[Kuno]

Cool. Did not know that such was available then....

[Bill Murray]

Chris:

Thanks so much for these new photos.

Note in the third the row of Peugot umbau cars, never seen these before.

Are there any Swiss historical sites on the Internet that could offer more photos of pre WWII and WWII softskin vehicles??

I spent a small fortune on the only three Swiss books I could find on the subject and they were very lacking in photos of the 1935-1945 era, very disappointing....

Anyway, thanks again.
Bill

[zemsi]

... Here's the official information from the army file. Every car ever in the Swiss army has (should have) such a file. Luckily, I've got now access via a good friend.

This car M+7114 is a Chevrolet 4x4, built 1939, first date of homologation January 12 1940, Engine 19/80 HP, 6 cylinder. 90.49x96.8 mm ACK 101-002, 4 seats, Weight 1'930 kg. Body most likely built by Carrosserie Langenthal.

Hope this helps.
Greetings
Chris

[zemsi]

Originally Posted by zemsi

I think it's time to open this thread again. I just acquired the 5 following pics. Date and place are unfortunately unknown.

The unit covered in those 5 pics is the "Mot HP Bat 1" (motorisiertes Bataillion der Heerespolizei). It means "1st motorised batallion of the military police". It was directly under the command of General Guisan.

The Peugot's in the pic are DK5, the Swiss had 60 of them in 1942. They were brougth in by detained French troops and acquired by the Swiss Army. They were actually paid and not just "taken over".

Greetings
Chris