Chevrolet C60L Office Lorry
IBG35041
IBG-Modellbau
1:35
- scale 1/35
- photo-etched parts included
- box-body with interior
- doors can be built opened or closed
- not built, not painted
- paint and glue not included
| You can get more kits from IBG Modellbau's Chevrolet C60 series here*1: *1 if in stock |
The Chevrolet C60L "Office Lorry" was a specialized staff and mobile office variant of the Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) truck family, produced in large numbers by General Motors of Canada during World War II. The vehicle was based on the Chevrolet C60L, an off-road capable, 3-ton truck featuring four-wheel drive (4×4) and a long wheelbase of 158 inches (4.01 m). CMP vehicles were developed as part of a joint British-Canadian standardization program aimed at providing Commonwealth armed forces with uniform, easy-to-maintain military vehicles. In total, around 800,000 CMP vehicles of various types were manufactured, including more than 200,000 three-tonners.
The C60L featured the distinctive "cab-over-engine" (COE) design, with the driver's cab positioned well forward. This configuration reduced the vehicle's overall length, improved the approach angle, and facilitated transport by ship. Another characteristic feature was the forward-slanted, two-piece windshield, which reduced distracting sun glare and made the vehicle less conspicuous from the air. The Office Lorry was powered by a robust Chevrolet inline-six OHV gasoline engine - displacing 216 cubic inches (3.5 liters) and producing approximately 85 hp - which transmitted power to both axles via a four-speed transmission and a two-speed transfer case. Off-road capability was enhanced by rigid axles, leaf springs, large 10.50×20-inch tires, and high ground clearance. Depending on the load, the top speed was approximately 65-70 km/h.
Unlike standard general-service trucks, the mobile office truck featured a fully enclosed, insulated steel body with a plywood interior lining. Designed as a mobile office, the body provided workstations equipped with desks, map racks, cabinets, and lighting, as well as an independent power supply. Depending on the specific mission, equipment such as typewriters, telephone and radio systems, map tables, or encryption devices could be installed. This made the vehicle suitable for use as a mobile command post, map center, or administrative office just behind the front lines. Many vehicles served divisional and corps headquarters, particularly within British and Canadian intelligence units. Similar body configurations were also used for radio stations, telephone exchanges, survey teams, and meteorological units.
During the war, the Chevrolet C60L mobile office truck proved its worth across nearly all Commonwealth theaters of operation—from North Africa and Italy to Northwest Europe. Its robust construction, ease of maintenance, and high reliability made it an indispensable part of military command and communications infrastructure. After 1945, many vehicles remained in Europe and were adopted by various armies; for instance, the Dutch Army continued to use the C60L until around 1960 before it was gradually replaced by more modern vehicles. Many CMP trucks also entered civilian service or were preserved as museum pieces and collector's items.
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