Autocar U-7144 wrecker

For posting personal or other photos of the relevant US MV's for this Forum
Post Reply
Goncalo Mendes
G-Corporal
G-Corporal
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:03 pm
Location:

Autocar U-7144 wrecker

Post by Goncalo Mendes » Thu May 02, 2013 8:46 pm

Hello,

While searching my files, I found this photo of a Autocar wrecker. As this subject seems to be rare in information, I tought to post it. Note the rear winch and the absence of the 5th wheel. Unfortunatly I don't know the source or the date, but I think it has only a few years, maximum.
g-xxx_24.jpg
g-xxx_24.jpg (62.48 KiB) Viewed 4020 times
It is very similar to the one in a famous Tarawa photo, (dated March 1944).
Image

source: http://images.google.com/hosted/life/9d ... 71aa4.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This could this be a later civil adaptation, post-war, but is also possible that a few more existed than previously considered. I have read in other forum that the navy bought several Autocar chassis to serve as recovery wreckers, but I tought they had U type cabs.

Image
Source:http://www.trucksplanet.com/catalog/model.php?id=1930

I always had read that it was a "one-off" truck, maybe for Naval or Marines aviation, however there are photos of similar wreckers in Torokina and Vella Lavella airfields at the same time frame:

Torokina December 1943
torokina autocar wrecker 12_1943.JPG
torokina autocar wrecker 12_1943.JPG (27.39 KiB) Viewed 4020 times
(quoted original source: USMC)

Vella Lavella airfield (December 1943), see the wrecker in the image center
Image
source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/konabish/7238054210/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Engebi airfield, 18 May 1944.
Image
source: http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.o ... 36#p129711" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Note that this one don't have the rear 5th wheel.

More information and images welcome, feel free to post!

G_Mendes


Goncalo Mendes
G-Corporal
G-Corporal
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:03 pm
Location:

Re: Autocar U-7144 wrecker - U-70/90 cab?

Post by Goncalo Mendes » Thu May 02, 2013 8:49 pm

Just a updat, it seems that one of the U-70/90 cab type wrecker survived, despite a rusted state...! If it was a prototype, it still exists (at least in 2010)!
Restored, it would be a fantastic unusual display truck!

Compare this:
Image
source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunsetsailor/5793476752/

larger: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunsetsail ... otostream/


A front view, look at the top of the crane/boom frame:
Image
source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunsetsailor/2521285600/

Whith this:

Image
Source:http://www.trucksplanet.com/catalog/model.php?id=1930

From other photos, its seems to be in a wooded area, with a lot of old trucks from the 1940 early-1950. All civiliam type cabs, Sterlings, Diamonds, Autocars, Internationals, etc.

G_Mendes

Goncalo Mendes
G-Corporal
G-Corporal
Posts: 25
Joined: Wed Jun 25, 2008 6:03 pm
Location:

Re: Autocar U-7144 wrecker

Post by Goncalo Mendes » Thu Mar 04, 2021 1:44 pm

Two more images.

The b/w is from a russian site, it is refered as a u-90 model. it really look a civilian model just with the garwood crane attached.

http://www.gruzovikpress.ru/article/110 ... soyuzniki/

The other image of the U-90 wrecker, is the one in the "Haul of Fame Museum". Seems to be taken in 2016. It would be great if someone restored it, looks to be a rare one. The image is a frame from a youtube video, by Anthony Lucibello, dated 06/01/2016.

source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeDHdVJCf_M
Attachments
19 utocar crane.jpg
crane.jpg

70th Division
G-Lieutenant General
G-Lieutenant General
Posts: 5638
Joined: Thu Dec 03, 2009 5:29 pm
Location:

Re: Autocar U-7144 wrecker

Post by 70th Division » Sat Mar 06, 2021 10:15 am

Hello Goncalo,


What a great contribution to the G your posts are !!!
Thanks for doing this great research on a rare, historic, and good looking WW2 wrecker !!!

I hope someone can save that one that you pictured. It appears to be at the Haul of Fame Museum
of Construction Equipment that you linked with the youtube video.
It is in New England, located in Canterbury Connecticut, USA.

That museum looks like a great place to visit someday, highly impressive and loaded with early vehicles !!

This truck appears to have been used as a snow plow truck, from the 2 extra added head light buckets, and metal frame added to the front grill. It was probably very effective at that job :D :D

I wonder if there are many or any of these Autocars restored ??

Best Regards,
Ray


Post Reply

Return to “- PHOTO GALLERY -”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 34 guests