First WW2 MCPs

[David_Hayward (RIP)]

I am just about finished with my book editing of volume 1 of the series. However I realised that I have no evidence as to which were the first Modified Conventional Pattern, or 'Commercial Chassis' as I have seen them described, trucks for the Canadian DND. I have seen a photo of 1940 Chevrolet ambulances lined-up..these were 1500 Series 2-ton chassis and from my tables of '40 Models these would be Model 1543, and photos I have show that there were also GMC versions, Model 9543 in theiry with the same Chevrolet engines!

However additional information suggests that there were also 1940 Ford C01Y 1-ton 122-in. wheelbase and C091T 1½-Ton 134-in. wheelbase. Can anyone confirm/add to this list please?

Incidentally I found that GM of Canada supplied imported US GMC AC-704 178-in. wheelbase chassis for fire-fighting vehicles [for RCAF]. I had not noticed before that GM of C imported Pontiac-built chassis as well as engines.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by David_Hayward
However additional information suggests that there were also 1940 Ford C01Y 1-ton 122-in. wheelbase and C091T 1½-Ton 134-in. wheelbase. Can anyone confirm/add to this list please?

Attached goes a pic of the Ford MCP 3-ton 4x2 truck, designated C098T (or C098TF), as far as I know. The picture of this "Three-ton Army Truck" is printed in Fighting Machines for Fighting Men, "presented by Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited". This must have been published very early on during WW2, as it only shows (modified) civilian types and Cab 11 CMP's.

Last year I compiled a web page about Modified Conventional Pattern vehicles, using some of the data posted by you on this forum. In the early war publication FORD TRUCK INSTRUCTION BOOK - Instructions on Maintenance and Repair of Ford Trucks Supplied to Defence Departments of the British Commonwealth (Third Edition). S.E. 29A. , I also found a listing of the following 122" and 134" wheelbase trucks:

• C21D 122" 3/4 Ton
• 21Y 122" WB One Ton
• 21T 134" WB Regular Truck
• C29T 134" WB Regular Truck

HTH,
Hanno

[Tony Smith]

Hanno, I have the 2nd edition of the same book and it also lists the following additional trucks:
21C: 114"wb 1/2 Ton
C29W: 134"wb COE 3 Ton
218T: 158"wb Regular Truck
218W: 158"wb COE Truck
C298T: 158"wb Regular Truck
C298W: 158"wb COE Truck
C11AD: 114"wb Truck Type Stn Wagon - British War Dept
C098TFS: 158" British War Dept 3 Ton

In the specifications on the C098TFS, it is described as a 4x2 fitted with a two speed rear axle, PTO tyre pump and 10.50-16 12 ply tyres, in other respects the same as a 1940 3 ton Regular Truck.
Note that some of these trucks are Canadian models and some US.
In David's listing, I can only see the C098TFS listed under SM2252 to India and SM2356 to South Africa.