Australian Combat 6 Willys jeep

[Local Chap]

Originally Posted by warren brown

Hello Brains Trust!
As I understand it, during the '50s and '60s Willys Motors had an assembly plant in Brisbane, Queensland - and as part of some local input agreement, there was some sort of requirement for Australian content - and a deal was struck with Ford Australia, fitting CJ5s with six-cylinder Ford Falcon engines (initially 144 ci OHV). These were linked up with specific bell-housings to the standard three-speed CJ5 jeep gearbox and drive train .

I don't know much about your brother's jeep other than what you have posted, but just wanted to add a bit more to the Jeep/Ford partnership. The "Jeep" parent company had a potted history, and at the time of the Combat 6 CJ5 was owned by Kaiser, the Australian operations of which went belly up in the late 60's. They were declared bankrupt while still owing Ford Australia payment for the Aussie-sourced engines. To recoup part of the debt, Ford took possession of Kaiser Australia's remaining stock of gearboxes, transfers and diffs/axles and used them to create 432 4wd XY Falcon Utilities.

Ford had sold standard 2wd XY Falcon Utes to the Aust Army and thought there might be a market to sell them a 4wd version. Unfortunately, the Aust Army had already discounted the Jeep vehicle in earlier trials and was not interested in anything using a Jeep drivetrain. They were sold on the civilian market, but were not a commercial success.

Following the collapse of Kaiser Australia in 1969, there was not a Jeep assembly presence in Australia until the then owner of the Jeep brand, American Motors, re-opened a brisbane factory in 1980.

There is one of these 4wd Falcons listed (and pictured) in a clearing sale already mentioned on this forum, the sale at Louth: http://www.landmarkharcourts.com.au/...gSales/View/29

Anyway, back to your brother's CJ5!

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Local Chap

There is one of these 4wd Falcons listed (and pictured) in a clearing sale already mentioned on this forum, the sale at Louth: http://www.landmarkharcourts.com.au/...gSales/View/29

Don't forget the pictures

[warren brown]

Too right Hanno - sorry I didn't put the photo up! Mike you're right - it is the smaller bell housing. My brother and I picked up a 170 (the Pursuit170!) motor on Saturday to rebuild. The old 144 that came with the jeep had been bored out so much the cylinders were outside the block. (well...). You're right about the earlier, smaller motors fitting the bell housing and Gordon opted to go more or less with a smaller motor - but a 170 is a better thing than a 144. I didn't know about the Gladiator gear in the Falcon ute - I've always liked the Gladiator - growing up with Daktari did it for me . But I've heard they have an abominable turning circle... (I have a C60X so I know about these things...)

[Ganmain Tony]

Just a punt Warren, but you may do better contacting Ford Motor Company. They are pretty good when it comes to records.

VIN numbers and engine numbers will help the process of course.

The 200ci 'Super pursuit' would make her go like a scalded cat

[warren brown]

Tony - I'm with you - but I'm a mere GMC straight six owner - not a flat-head Ford V8 owner. (but there's always room yet!) I'll talk to my brother and see what he thinks - and pass on your unmitigated enthusiasm to make the Combat 6 go like ....'whatever' off a shovel. Here's to blue and white!

[Ryan]

Here's a link to a discussion on the XY ute on Ford Forums with good pics of the ute including it's engine bay.

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11259746

[warren brown]

Ryan - that's unreal!!!!

[warren brown]

Sorry Tony - I left a bit off. Will follow up on the Ford archives. Many thanks.