Vehicle Description
When challenges during the 1960s sent procurement personnel looking
for a replacement for the military's aging Dodge truck fleet, they
settled on this M715 1.25-ton model based around the civilian Jeep
Gladiator. The example offered here harks back to those days. This
example was one out of a run of 30,500 units created on the
Kaiser-Jeep assembly line in Toledo, Ohio, for a brief time between
1967 and 1969-it has been given a restoration, created for utility
rather than armored or combat use, the M715s were non-combat-role
support vehicles used in Vietnam, Korea and other locations the
U.S. military maintained a presence, both stateside and overseas.
Beneath the hood is the Jeep 231 CI OHC Tornado powerplant, rated
at 133 HP and based on an under-square design for optimal torque
generation at low RPM levels. This was backed by a 4-speed manual
transmission. Being brought back to a military-equipped level of
detail, this M715 uses the correct four locking-hub 4-wheel-drive
arrangement and a 24-volt electrical system. This unit has been
converted two 12volt for the radio and turn signals everything else
is 24v, the cab utilized a removable soft-top cab design and had a
front windscreen similar to earlier military Jeeps, which fold
forward down over the hood; it uses bucket seats as the battery
boxes are also in the cab area. The civilian-design Gladiator
fenders were modified to accept the larger extreme-duty tire. This
utility application version also features a folding bench in the
bed, with Dark Blue metalic paint that is very nice and the soft
top in black and new. Up front, the custom grille is highlighted
with the Jeep name in bold letters. The final touch is tools, bed
slating for higher loads and assorted other equipment. Believed to
have 14,000 original miles, there are not a lot of these left. With
its presence as a piece of military history, this M715 could become
a parade, utility or display vehicle, or you can just get in and
enjoy it. Excellent paint w a few blems as seen in the photos, not
rusted, new interior w carpet upgraded modern stereo, power
windows, full roll bar and covered to match interior, This Jeep had
a recent motor rebuild w less than 1000 mile added, it drives as
well as an M175 can and reaches 55 mph.....
