Ford Photos

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

The F60H chassis-cab reminded me that I had a photo of a unique version. I am certain that is the same as the sole F60H trialled in England, and evidently bodied with a gantry body to compare with British lorries of the time. I wonder if it is the same vehicle, or can soemone better-sighted than me point out the differences?

The Mechanical Engineering Establishment at Farnborough, Hampshire, then tested a Ford F.60H loaned or seconded to the Ministry of Supply: reputedly serial CMD 4903, a Pilot Model, Engine/chassis number 1C3685F. M.E.E. Report No. B.571 dated 31 December 1940 referred to a trial of the truck between 15 August and 28 November 1940, under Ministry of Supply file 257/Veh/956 [Census Number H 4141706?]. The report stated that a Ford 6-wheeled chassis with driven front and middle axle and trailing rear axle as supplied to the ‘Canadian Military Department’ was received for test. The truck was trialled over 947 road and 201 cross-country miles, total 1,148 in order to ascertain its suitability for W.D. use. However, the test revealed that the steering was very stiff at slow speeds in either 6 x 2 and 6 x 4 drive; The front springs bottomed badly on rough roads; the driver’s seat was too low for an average man and it was impossible for him to see the road properly or gauge the width of the vehicle which made driving down narrow roads hazardous [raising the seat 3 inches made a considerable difference]; the windscreen wiper was useless when accelerating, and the exhaust tail pipe grounded. The truck was then to be subjected to further trials: 7,500 road and 2,500 cross-country miles. A copy of the report found itself in the hands of the D.N.D. in Ottawa and was referred to in the negotiations for the development of a 6 x 6 truck.