Chev C60L Three-tonner
Please click on the photos at left (as applicable) to jump to large-scale copies
Marc's 1944 C60L Marc Montgomery's perfectly-restored 1944 Chev C60L. These vehicles were the workhorses of the Canadian Army Overseas and many other Commonwealth armies as well. There were some 209,000 three-tonners made by both Ford and General Motors, with more than a dozen a dozen different box styles, ranging from General Service (as above) to wrecker, through dental, machinery, battery-charging, office, fuel - almost every mundane application one can think of.

Powered by the standard 216ci straight-six OHV Chev engine developing 85 HP, this class of vehicles shared the same cab as all other CMP trucks, but with a 158-inch wheelbase (there was also a shorter, 134-inch wb version known as C60S). They were big and dumb and slow, but the essence of reliability.

The Fords were little different, but came powered by the 239ci flathead V8.
Rear Profile A left rear profile of this same vehicle, showing the tail gate and original mudguards, complete with attached [exact] copies of the original canvas mudflaps. Note the rollers between the civilian taillights; this is a rare version of C60L equipped with the same PTO winch as was found on the Field Artillery Tractors (FATs).

This vehicle is a regular driver, and has been equipped with taillights/turn signals for safety, and to satisfy licensing requirements.
In Service The same, shown here with tow rope and camouflage net as might have been equipped in northern Europe through '44-'45. The tarp over the original GS box was reproduced from an original pattern. It weighs over a hundred pounds by itself.

These vehicles were rated for a 6000lb load, but could easily exceed that.
Front Quarter Another view. Note the yellow bridge class sign; the '9' signified this vehicle could cross any bridge rated for 9 tonnes and above.

The U.S. NDCC tyres seen here are a modern expedient - originals just don't exist any more.
Ottawa, May 1995 The same seen at Ottawa, Ontario during the VE celebrations in June 1995. The blackout headlamp is clearly visible on the vehicle's left side, as is a modern civilian turn signal. The latter is mandatory for licensing up here.

The perfectionist will note that this view shows two significant pieces missing; anyone have any idea of what they might be?
Ottawa, May 1995 Mr. Montgomery, standing tall in the uniform of the Perth Regiment (5th Canadian Armoured Division) for the VE Day celebrations in Ottawa, Ontario, May 1995. This vehicle is the next best thing to brand new.
Victory! The Double Vee says it all, again!  Marc's C60L sits in front of the Canadian Parliament buildings in Ottawa, Ontario. Showing his enthusiasm in the roof hatch of the truck is one  Major F. Dion, who as a member of the Regiment de la Chaudiere, commanded a universal carrier thoughout the campaign in northwest Europe, '44-'45. Little else need be said!
C60L Another C60L, this one originally a 'LORRY,  3-TON, MACHINERY, "I-30"' (battery-charging truck). The mud on the [original] tyres is from some careful but entertaining cross-country work!

This vehicle is an earlier version, as evidenced by the radiator overflow can mounted above the left front fender; after 1943, this can was relocated underneath the body.

We once changed the transmission on this truck out in the middle of a sodden, mosquito-laden field similar to this one... and drove a hundred miles home afterwards!
C60L Full frontal shot of the same truck, some years later. This vehicle now belongs to the Oshawa Military and Industrial Museum, which is an adjunct to the Oshawa Regiment militia unit, located in Oshawa, Ontario - the home of General Motors of Canada, and the birthplace of this very vehicle in 1943.

Note the offset bridge class sign; this position was a substitute standard authorized in 1944.

This shot also shows a good view of a very nice set of original 10.50 x 20 directional tyres. These are impossible to find nowadays, and any vehicle equipped with same is NOT driven excessively.
C60L The same vehicle from the front left. 
C60L Yet another C60L, captured in the waning light of a late summer sun, August 1998. The round instruments were standardized in 1944, replacing a modular square civilian-type panel such as seen on the Ford in the 15cwt pages. 
11 Feb 00 Back to CMP Softskins
Forward to Field Artillery Tractors
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