BUT WHO EXACTLY ARE THESE STRANGE PEOPLE AND THEIR WEIRD MACHINES ?

Of course not what one would think at first glance ! They are neither people joining together in an armed corps, nor backward children playing soldier games, not more people longing for the return of war fighting. Bridging the generations, they are people of all ages motivated by patrimonial preservation and fascinated by odd mechanics. They are, as they like to call themselves, "mechanics of the impossible" who spend their leisure time in often dilapidated garages, striving for resuscitating old rusted vehicules under the guidance of their elders. Quite often they begin by the recovery of the rusted wreck of a long forgotten vehicule, or put their savings into the purchase of a completely worn out one. Then, they spend months, sometimes years, at fixing everything, from the body to the engine, in what looks like a rebirth process. Eventually comes the blessed day when they can hit the road to participate in public events and proudly show their vehicule. Take part into the enthusiasm of these mechanics and watch them with affection : they are the survivors of a rich past of clever craftsmen rebuilding and renovating these old vehicules. Forgive the dirty hands, distinctive sign of their dedication to the survival of these old pieces of mechanics. And if some wear the combat uniform that matches the vehicules, it is only to honor those who, years ago, led them towards a victory that would bring along freedom and happiness.

ASSOCIATION'S OBJECTIVES

Organized according to the French law concerning the non-profit associations (known as "loi de 1901"), the UNIVEM Paris Ile de France (ex MVCG Paris Ile de France)  has as a main objective the preservation of the heritage that are the ancient vehicules having participated in the last wars, especially WWII. Our group cares for about 40 trucks, tractors, armoured vehicules and tanks. Additionnally, dozens of members vehicules add to the list. UNIVEM Paris Ile de France is a living museum, working at fostering the memory of a certain historical and mechanical past deserving preservation.

MEMBERSHIPS

About 120 members participate into UNIVEM Paris-Ile de France. They are of all ages and social origins. They are usually the owner of one or more vehicules reconditioned by themselves. The association operational capacity hinges only on our members' goodwill. Our resources are limited, so only time invested, enthusiasm, synergy of competences can ensure the reconditioning of historical vehicules and the maintenance of the fleet.

OUR ACTIVITIES

Our main activity concerns the restoration and maintenance of the vehicules that participate regularly to commemorations, celebrations, parades, and sometimes to big media events like for example the 50th and 60th anniversary of Paris liberation and D-Day. UNIVEM Paris Ile de France is always proud to present to the public their vehicules loaded with glorious history, whether that public be composed of civil authorities, military ones, townships, or plain citizen. The appearance of these vehicules always rises a huge interest, especially with the very young and curious, and with the older ones moved by the emotion of remembering their youth one way or another.

UNIVEM Paris Ile de France (ex MVCG Paris Ile de France) FLEET OF VEHICLES

Any military vehicule is welcome in UNIVEM Paris-Ile de France, whatever its countrry of origin or age. Most of them however is coming from WWII allied armies, hence making a fleet of immense historical value. The fleet is very diverse, spanning most of WWII production from the Jeep to the amphibious GMC-DUKW, from the armoured Pacific tank recovery (with its giant trailer) to all sorts of GMCs (cargo, workshop, gasoline, dump), from French Lafly V 15 T artillery tractor to Dodge 4x4 and 6x6, not to mention a Studebaker M29, White and International half-tracks, Diamond T 969A and Ward La France wreckers, an International H 542 tractor, an armoured car Ford M8, two Sherman tanks M4A4 and some other vehicules as well.