Maintenance on our Renault VBL
A leak developped on the diesel fuel pump : a challenge to fix it because the vehicle, a prototype, has been constructed around the engine ! The accessibility is at its worst…
Pinguins in our garage ?
The preservation of polar exploration vehicles of famous French explorer Paul-Emile Victor included a sequence at UNIVEM where they got prepared for the big yearly exhibition in Paris : “Retromobile” big vehicle is a “modern” « Hotchkiss » HB40, the small one is a WWII Studebaker Weasel M29C (see “Association vehicles”) Paul-Emile Victor hears in 1947 that…
TV channel “RMC Découvertes” relies on UNIVEM
A documentary about the geopolitics of petroleum during WWII led the TV channel “RMC Decouvertes” to ask for UNIVEM participation. A WWII historian was interviewed in our garage. Moreover, the logistics of gasoline delivery being largely discussed, UNIVEM offered to organize a convoy with the vehicules that were used in the famous “Red Ball Express”…
“Retromobile 2016”
Like every year, UNIVEM is present at this famous show that takes place in Paris at the « Parc des Expositions, Porte de Versailles ». For the 2016 event we had on exhibition two WWII vehicles of the U.S. Navy : Jeep Willys and International M2-4. We are always teaming with the “Musée des Blindés” of Saumur…
Monthléry Vintage Market, 2016
Once again UNIVEM participated in this event located at the world famous and historical Monthlery speedway. Built in 1924 by architect Raymond Jamin, under the impetus of the industrialist Alexandre Lamblin, it has been recognized “Heritage of the twentieth century.” The loop, measured on its central axis, develops 2550 meters (8366 feet). A thousand tons…
Commemoration of mai 8, 1945 at Jouy en Josas and at Les Loges en Josas
We had the most delightful weather for this celebration of the allied victory over Nazi Germany. It was an impressive convoy waiting for departure in Satory with our three half-tracks, our Diamond T 969A, our GMC CCKW 353 H1 tipper, the many Jeep and Dodge and our military field kitchen for which it was the…
Stoumont 2016, Battle of the Bulge
Historical week-end about the « La Gleize » pocket and battle. 130 participants in 40 vehicles have been welcomed by the organizer : “Indian Head”.
Ford M8 Light Armored Car
History In July 1941, the US Ordnance Department launched a call for tenders regarding a 6 wheel armored car, able to replace the antique M6 Farco. Three companies competed : Ford, Chrysler and Studebaker. In april 1942, Ford T22 prototype won the tender, with performances very close to those of its nearest competitor. The 37…
GMC CCKW 352 B1 artillerie prime mover
History With a total of 562 500 units produced, the GMC CCKW is the WWII emblematic light truck, released in numerous variants : cargo, gasoline tanker, water tanker, workshop, artillery tractor, compressor, tipper truck, amphibious truck etc…. There were two wheelbases, the short Model 352 (145 in / 368 cm) and the long Model 353 (167 in /424 cm) The…
Diamond T 969A “Wrecker”
History The company’s name was created when Charles Arthur Tilt’s father, shoe maker, chose as quality emblem for its products, the diamond. The T of Tilt was included in a diamond originally painted gold. His son who grew up in a workshop environment with machines everywhere built his first car in 1905. When a loyal…