Aussie truck identification

Attilio · #1 15-07-05, 11:21

In the site of Australian War Museum i have found this photo:

the legend stated:
TOBRUK, LIBYA. 1941-09-06. A GUN CREW OF THE 3RD LIGHT ANTI-AIRCRAFT REGIMENT IN ACTION WITH AN ITALIAN BREDA MODEL 35 20MM CANNON, MOUNTED ON A CHEVROLET 2 TON TRUCK.
Is a chevrolet or a ford truck?

Tanks
ATTILIO

cliff · #2 16-07-05, 03:05

Chevrolet approx 1939. I also have this picture of it once again from the rear but I am sure it is a Chev and not a Ford. It is fitted with the Aussie 18inch combat rims so you cannot really tell from the wheels.

Keith Webb · #3 16-07-05, 23:58

The shape of the cab roof says GM... it's the early bonnet which makes it look a bit like a Ford as well as the wheels which are often seen on Fords.

Bill Murray · #4 18-07-05, 15:06

Morning gents:
What I present here is I think the right truck, right wheels and maybe wrong wheelbase. I vote for Chevrolet.
Photo is AWM courtesy of Cliff.
Cheers
Bill

David_Hayward (RIP) · #5 18-07-05, 15:30

I am bound to get this wrong but I vote for either Holden-assembled Chevrolet, 1939 or 1940 Models, with an outside chance on similar models assembled by GM Near East in Alexandria and taken over by the British and then loaned/sold to the AIF.

Bill Murray · #6 18-07-05, 15:34

I agree David but with no census number it is hard to tell how it got there. The prototypical Aussie wheels would maybe indicate a Holden vehicle. I forget if only these had the door vent windows or the other way round but Cliff will know.
Edit: Almost forgot, look at the louvres in the bonnet which are Chev, not Ford even if hard to see.
Cheers
Bill

Jeff Gordon · #7 19-07-05, 13:19

Supposedly only Australian GMH built cabs had quater vent windows in the doors. Jeff

Bill Murray · #8 19-07-05, 13:50

Thanks Jeff:
I want to be a bit careful here. I have blown up the photo as far as I could go and I cannot say positively the vehicle in question has vent windows which is a defining ID mark between the Aus Chev and the British one as far as I know.. Also, I played around with the louvre area and going back to look at dozens of Chev and Ford photos of 39-40, they are closer than I had remembered. I will continue to play with the photo.
Bill

cliff · #9 19-07-05, 14:22

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Gordon
Supposedly only Australian GMH built cabs had quater vent windows in the doors. Jeff

Plus most have small vents on the side of the cowl also

Bill Murray · #10 19-07-05, 14:37

Morning Cliff:
Precisely!! But you cannot see that on this photo.
This one is bugging me but I have to go to the store now.
What about shape of window in rear of cab, mounting of "park lights" and mounting of main headlamps. Any clues there??
You are the man on vehicles from OZ, Cliff, we are counting on you.

Bill

cliff · #11 20-07-05, 00:14

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Murray
Morning Cliff:
Precisely!! But you cannot see that on this photo.
This one is bugging me but I have to go to the store now.
What about shape of window in rear of cab, mounting of "park lights" and mounting of main headlamps. Any clues there??
You are the man on vehicles from OZ, Cliff, we are counting on you.

Bill

LOL such faith

OK Holden bodied Chev 1939/40!

WHY?

bonnet louvres are Chev.
shape of headlights is Chev
when I enlarge the pic I can see the shadow of the Quarter lite vent window in the door.
Wheels are Aussie 18in combat rims

and finally I know we shipped some of these with our troops when they went to bail out the British.

So please Bill don't worry the problem is solved and the expenses of making me use my brain this morning can be covered by another few model kits

cheers
Cliff

PS> I got to admit now though that when I saw the caption and only glanced at the pic I initially thought Ford too!

:

Bill Murray · #12 20-07-05, 00:26

Hi Cliff:
"Shipped with our troops" is a low blow, not available to the rest of us..
Due to HobbyTown Convention and arrival of new "In Law Family" posting of kits is a little behind schedule but should start up end this week or beginning of next.
Edit: And dear friend, I expect you to help me out on that Federal/Mack vehicle that I posted earler. Bonus for that
Bill

David_Hayward (RIP) · #13 20-07-05, 09:11

Quote:

and finally I know we shipped some of these with our troops when they went to bail out the British.

Quite so in both senses: and of course the British lent considerable numbers of vehicles that were acquired from Canada and the USA, and also domestic production, which were then 'sold' through London.

Of course the same applied with the NZEF and Indian Army.