Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
20th September, 2023 10:00
1943 Fordson 15 Cwt WOT2 Light 'Radar Truck'
Ex-RAF 'radar truck' used during World War 2
Estimate
£14, 000 - £17, 000
Registration No: 420 XUR
Chassis No: BB18F1751369
MOT: Exempt
Subject to an extensive body off restoration some years ago
One of only two believed to survive
Supplied with a replica radar mast
Painted in period ‘Mickey Mouse’ camouflage
The Fordson WOT was a military truck produced by Ford of Britain during the Second World War. From 1939 to 1945, around 130, 000 units were produced at the Ford Dagenham plant with almost half being the WOT2. Five models, WOT1, WOT2, WOT3, WOT6 and WOT8 were produced. The WOT1, 2 and 3 were rear-wheel drive and had the cab behind the engine; WOT6 and 8 were all-wheel drive with a cab over the engine. The same engine was used across the range - 3. 6L Ford side-valve V8 petrol engine delivering 85hp at 3, 800rpm. The transmission was a four-speed manual with an additional reduction gearbox for the four-wheel drive models.
The vehicle for sale here is an WOT2 RAF ‘Light Warning Truck’. These vehicles were designed for use by radio location units with heavy anti-aircraft regiments for the approximate location of enemy aircraft within a range of 20 miles and the communication of that data to anti-aircraft gun batteries by cable line. The special body was built by Morris-Commercial, with entry by the rear door. Equipment included light radar warning set, plotting table, and 'chore horse' battery charger. The vehicles were posted throughout the world with the RAF and were used anywhere. Currently, there are thought to be only two left in existence, with one being in the Shuttleworth Collection.
‘420 XUR’ was built by Ford of Britain in 1943 and supplied to the RAF as a Light Warning Truck complete with the Morris-Commercial built box body. As per usual with most military vehicles, little is known of the campaigns that it would have taken part in, however, these trucks are known to have been used in various theatres of combat throughout WW2 to effectively “fill the gaps” between radar stations. The vendor, who is a collector of military vehicles, acquired the vehicle in early 2023, having bought the vehicle fully restored. There is a folder present with photographs of the restoration down to the bare chassis and there is a stack of records that the previous owner had kept during his research about the vehicle for the correct fitments etc. The vehicle comes with a number of very rare original manuals to help with ongoing maintenance. The vendor has advised that the truck runs very well and that the running gear has been maintained to a high standard. The bodywork is very good thanks to the restoration of the vehicle and the ‘Mickey Mouse’ camouflage paint presents very well, but don’t expect ‘shiny’!
