Uncut M-151A1. Desirable later MUTT with upgraded rear suspension and improved handling. Full radio equipment, .50-cal turret, safety nets, etc. Fully operational and ready for shows, parades, or re-enactments. So much fun to drive!
This particular 1966 M-151A1 has never been cut or sectioned and appears to have been a military police vehicle on an overseas base during the Vietnam War. It was returned to the US and promptly rolled into a New England military museum where it was freshened and restored to field condition and placed on display for the next 35 years. It was purchased from the museum several years ago and placed in a private collection where it was used for parades and special occasions where, obviously, it was always a big hit. The flat green paint is appropriate and in excellent condition and it feels indestructible and scratch-resistant, so if you want low maintenance in your hobby vehicle, this is a great choice. The white markings found on this M-151A1 are decals, so they can be easily removed to reflect a different division or regiment; the current markings reflect the 82nd Airborne Division. There are correct tools on the sides, an axe on the driver’s side and a shovel for the passenger, a fitted jerrycan strapped to the back, and a full roll cage with ultra-rare netting. This one also carries a real .50-caliber machine gun on a turret (obviously decommissioned) and a fully operational Army-spec siren on the front fender.
The vinyl bucket seats are simple and rugged and have probably been re-covered a few times given the slightly mismatched upholstery. Controls are simple, with a big kill switch that functions as ignition, a simple hand brake, and a secondary lever on the transmission tunnel that manages the 4-wheel-drive system. The gauges are all operational, including the ammeter that measures the condition of the 24-volt electrical system, and ALL the lights can be switched off (including brake lights) so you’ll have to familiarize yourself with their operation before driving. There are a half-dozen warning labels and signs throughout, advising young soldiers not to do anything stupid while behind the wheel, but we find it to be very user-friendly and the updates to the M-151A1 make it feel agile, not spooky. The heater works properly, the siren blows as loudly as you can stand, and with seat belts, even the kids are OK going for a ride. The various radios and electronic devices are still intact, including all their cables, microphones, and other accessories. We have not tested any of the electronic gear, but I wouldn’t be surprised to find that it works, and it even comes with original canvas covers for the radios.
With a featherweight 2300-pound curb weight, the 141 cubic inch inline-4 doesn’t have a lot of mass to move so performance is energetic. These were designed to be waterproof for the most part, and while this one does not have the deep water fording kit, the entire engine is sealed, from the heavy-duty air cleaner to the armored spark plug wires to the sealed distributor and carburetor. It shows 34,859 miles and we have no problem believing that’s a correct figure given the overall condition. The sturdy little four fires quickly and easily with some choke and a stab at the starter button located under the clutch and after that, it’s ready to party. It feels totally indestructible and pulls eagerly through all four gears, although you can ignore first gear on pavement because it’s just not needed.
The 4-speed shifts easily and clutch action is light, so it’s easy to drive for just about anyone. The exhaust has a nice 4-cylinder grumble and the little guy zips to about 50 MPH where it seems happiest. In fact, there’s a warning label indicating that 50 MPH is the maximum speed, although that was likely to protect those accident-prone rookie privates more than because of mechanical limitations. The undercarriage shows no evidence of having been cut and re-welded and it’s quite clean overall, just like the engine bay. The mil-spec tires are 7.00-16 Mansfields that look right, but they’re showing a bit of age so if you’re going to use this jeep for anything but parades and shows, a fresh set of rubber might be in order.
It’s energetic, fun, and durable, and there’s nothing like the looks you get from other drivers, particularly as they notice that giant .50-cal perched on top. For parades, re-enactments, and other veteran’s events, it’s an A-list celebrity and given the growing interest in military equipment and history, it’s an awesome addition to any collection. I can’t say enough good things about this neat little jeep because it does everything you want a hobby vehicle to do and it does them exceedingly well. Since when has history been this fun? Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
