The Kaiser Jeep M-725 was the ambulance variant of the M-715 U.S. military truck. Approximately 3,700 M-725s were produced from 1967 to 1969 and were used extensively during the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, the Army deemed the M-725 to be unreliable for wartime use and production was stopped in 1969. Each ambulance could carry up to 5 stretcher patients or 8 walking wounded. The standard military design included a surgical light, air ventilators, double rear doors, gas heater, and a sliding door separating the driver from the patient compartments.
This vehicle was obtained by the current owner in the summer of 2024 and has a clean Texas title. It is a 4-wheel drive vehicle equipped with the Jeep "Tornado", 230 cu. in., in-line six-cylinder engine with overhead cam, Borg-Warner, T98A, 4-speed manual transmission with 2-speed transfer case and Dana axles. It has a 24-volt electrical system and is fully operational. It starts, runs, shifts and stops appropriately with no fluid leakage from engine, transmission, transfer case or axles. All electrical, including headlights, turn indicators, surgical light, patient compartment ventilators and spotlight are fully functional. It includes four standard U.S. Army canvas litters (stretchers). New batteries, new tires & tubes were installed and the fuel pump rebuilt in 2024. A battery master "cut-out" switch was installed in 2025. The vehicle is driven and displayed often by the owner in car shows, parades, static displays, etc.
The vehicle reportedly came from the Albuquerque, NM area, where it was stored inside at the region’s low humidities. There is little to no rust on the vehicle. The vehicle has been repainted once previously. The history of the vehicle has been lost due to the death of a previous owner; therefore, Army unit markings were added by the current owner to represent the 95th Evac Hospital at My Khe, South Vietnam, which was called “China Beach” by American troops.
The vehicle will need to have the tailpipe replaced at some point in the future. The sliding door between the drivers and patient compartment is missing. No attempt has been made to start the gas-powered patient compartment heater, and it is unknown what repairs may be needed, if any. The front drive shaft has been disconnected due to use solely on paved roads but is included with the vehicle.
