Registration: 637 XUW
This Jeep was originally a lend lease vehicle left in France by the Allied Armed Forces end of WWII. It underwent a major overhaul in 1963 undertaken by the French Army.
During these types of overhaul batches of Jeeps were completely stripped down, all parts reconditioned or replaced and the end product being a batch of jeeps for all intents new vehicle status.
These Jeeps were then given an 'ITM' chassis number and reissued for service. These ITM Jeeps are in essence wartime vehicles and not to be confused with the French manufactured M201 Hotchkiss model.
This Jeep was sold by the French army C1981 and then used in agriculture and leisure purpose. It is believed it then stood around C1992 until being purchased for a full restoration in 2008, at this point it was then brought to the UK and restored to its present condition which is still superb in every detail.
Restoration has involved a full strip down to bare chassis. Axles then rebuilt, all suspension parts replaced with new components, gearbox and transfer case exchanged for a French army reconditioned unit, original engine had a cracked block so again a reconditioned exchange engine was sourced from France and fitted. The Jeep had a new body assembly, wiring loom, fuel tank, canvas trims and much more. Many more small components were replaced or restored.
The objective of its restoration was to reproduce the Jeep in an 'as new' condition practical for everyday modern use and the adaptions to 12 volt electrics complete with indicators.
