1942 Harley Davidson WLC

1941 U.S. Army needed a motorcycle for its combat divisions. Harley and Indians motorcycles completed 2 different models. U.S Army required 550 cc horsepower engines. Indian motorcycles met their requirements. Harley had a 750cc model already in production, with a few minor changes to meet U.S. Army needs. When tested, the soldiers liked the Harley over the Indian. The Army had both companies build their motorcycles. Over 13,000 of the 42’ WLA were produced, even fewer of the WLCs were produced in Canada for the America army. Today only a handful remain, this model is the rarest to remain, only a handful exist, most are in Europe in collections or museums.

John Lind is the proud owner of this motorcycle. The bike was sold from the 4th Armored Division museum in Germany. After a restoration period this bike again runs and takes part in many historical events. During WWII this bike belong to the 82nd AB Division, and took part in Operation “Market Garden” in Sept.1944. Damaged during the battle, the bike was repaired and returned to service with the 4th AD, taking part in the “Battle of the Bulge”. This motorcycle was placed in the 4th AD museum for over 40 years.

1942 Willy's JEEP

The museum proudly owns this 1942 Willy's Jeep complete with mounted bazooka. In 1939 the U.S. Army invited 135 companies to submit proposals for a new military vehicle to replace its aging fleet of motorcycles and Ford Model T trucks. Only three companies complied: Ford Motor Company, Willys-Overland, and American Bantam Car Company. The initial contract went to Bantam, but their vehicle proved to be a failure under rigorous testing. New prototypes were then ordered from the other two companies. Willys ultimately won the contract in July 1941. Ford agreed to build from Willys' plans and Bantam built trailers for the Willys vehicle.

The Ford entrant in the design competition was called the "GP," which in Ford parlance stood for "Government 80 inch wheelbase Reconnaissance Car." (Willys called their design the "MB.") When slurred, "GP" led to the name "jeep," which stuck to the small four-wheel-drive vehicle even though the Willys design actually won the competition and Ford ended up building the Willys design.

The Willys Jeep was powered by a four-cylinder engine that could run at 4,000 RPM for 100 hours straight. The transmission was a three-speed manual, with a four-wheel-drive transfer case with high and low gears. The vehicle featured a fold-up cloth roof. The Jeep could run 60 miles per hour, climb a forty degree slope, turn around in a 30 foot circle, and tilt up to 50 degrees to either side without tipping over. It could even run under water, with special attachments for air intake and exhaust.

Over 350,000 Jeeps were built to fight in World War II. The Willys assembly line turned out one every 90 seconds. Following the war, public demand was so high that Willys continued producing the Jeep in tremendous numbers, re-designated as the "CJ-2A" ("CJ" for "civilian Jeep"). The vehicle was produced for the Army in continually improved versions until 1981, when it was replaced by the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (the "Hummer").

1943 Chevy 325 class Fire Truck

This truck, one of the last remaining version's still in service was built by Chevrolet and was sent to Howe Fire truck Company for completion. It is a hybrid between (2) different fire trucks. May 1944 this truck was shipped from New York naval yard to England and was issued to front line fighter squadron's where it stayed and was later moved to France in support of front line airfields. Its last known duty station was the Frankfort airfield in May 1945.
Shipped back to the states in 1945, it was going to be a display along with other USAAF units; this truck was put in storage and sold to a local fire company in Lakeside, Co. It serviced for 50 yrs only making few fire calls. Mr. John Lind purchased it in 2000 and after a restoration project; this truck is once again running and in its formal great shape. This truck is marked in honor of the 362nd fighter squadron; it serviced many different units in its tour of duty traveling from front line airfield's in France and Germany. This truly is a "Crash Truck". Waiting at the end or sides of the runway, these trucks would spring into action to chase wounded fighters and bomber's to put out fires and aid in the medical treatment of their crews. Most forward runways were made in great haste and the area around them would be muddy or soft, these trucks were 4x4 drive and could plow through where others couldn't. Upon the crash site men would spring into action with water that they carried and medical personnel. Countless crew members were saved by their brave actions.

 

1942 Cadillac Limousine

Our 1942 Cadillac limousine was one of the fleet staff cars for General Dwight D. Eisenhower. This car was General Einsenhower's staff vehicle while he was stationed in England and further in Germany at the end of the war. Our vehicle was in the European theater of operations from 1942-1945. The car tours with our other museum pieces to public events throughout the year. The vehicle is owned by a friend of the museum.