I know some of you experts out there can help me with this, I have a soft spot for Jeeps, probably since I own 2 Anyway while searching through Google I came across this awesome looking armored 6 wheel Jeep and was hoping someone could shed some more light on it for me, here is the pic



It looks like it would be a fairly simple scratch build but this is the only pic I can find, any help. Thanks in advance.
Best Regards,
Robert

Wow, thats different. I have never seen anything like that before. Sorry, no answers, just more questions. Was it actually used, or a prototype? Or is it a vehcile someone cobbled together, maybe a movie prop. Just never seen anything that strange anywhere before.

That's cool. Very reminiscent of the Israeli armored cars based upon the M3 Scout and the 3/4 ton Doge, although neither had six wheels like that one.

Hi Gino,
It was used mainly as recce, from what I have been able to find though only in limited numbers, apparently it was too tedious to produce. You know the US flood the market with simple and easy to manufacture weapons.
Regards,
Robert

Also notice the middle sets of wheels, looks like it is raised a bit, maybe operated on a lever or pneumatic system, or it could be it is just up on chalk blocks on the trailer.
Robert

Heres one with no armor, its called a "Willies MT TUG"

I have one more pic if your interested.

Hi Bruce,
Thanks, are you familiar with the vehicle, if so am I right in guessing the middle wheel was retractable, as it looks in the armored version. Yes I am very interested in more pics. Thanks.
Regards,
Robert

All I know is it is a 1942, 1 ton, 6x6 and heres another view of the armored version:






enjoy
Bruce

Thanks Bruce, great pics.
Robert

I think that this prototype was built by an american company called Smart. I've got a book with a picture of the 4x4 variant and the front part of the vehicle is almost identical....

Just my 2 cents
Frenchy

Info update :
The vehicle on Robert's picture is a T-24 Scout Car built by Willys with the help of Smart (which was specialized in civilian armoured cars and trucks) in the beginning of 1942. This prototype was based on the Willys MT-Tug chassis. It has a 3 man crew and was armed with a single .50 cal MG. It weighted 2 472 kgs. The 4x4 variants were called T-25, T25E1, E2, and E3 (this one shared some body parts with the T-24). None of these vehicle were accepted by the US Army...
I've found that in Jean-Gabriel Jeudy's book " La Jeep, un défi au temps"

Frenchy

No the middle wheel is not retractable. The rear suspension is the same as a 6X6 truck with centre of the spring being the pivot and the axles sitting on each end of the spring. This allows a lot of movement up and down for each set of wheels.

Thanks everyone for the additional information.
Robert