Gifts and toys for men from 3 to 103 years old!

1:35 US M-151 A21 Ford Mutt - 1 figure

The U.S. Armoured vehicle test course is located in Aberdeen, Maryland, and is one of the most rigorous and demanding courses in the world. Early in April 1957, a familiar looking small vehicle was seen to be running over the course with comparative ease, and upon closer inspection, it turned out to be the replacement for the well known Willy's "Jeep", the new Ford M151. Outwardly this new vehicle loos very much like its older brother. Both are small, compact, rugged, simple to operate and maintain; however, the 151 incorporates all of the latest advanced features learned during combat operations in conflicts since world war II. Features such as the newly developed OHV engine, light semi-monocoque body and 4 wheel independent suspension systems allowed it to outpoint all other submitted replacement vehicles for the aging WWII Jeep. Development for this replacement vehicle was started by the Ford Motor Company were licensed to produce the vehicle and they delivered approximately 10,000 units a year to the U.S. Army, Navy Air Force, and Marines. Shortly after its adoption, it was selected by most of the nations of the free world as a replacement for their own light utility vehicles. Some of the advanced features incorporated into the M151 caused problems and defects were detected in the initial shipments, among the most serious was the strength and stability of the rear suspension system which was corrected and improved in 1964 and 1970. The M151A2 now in service has added safety features like stiffer rear suspension, large blinder lamps, and a two-step windshield wiper, safety glass, and an impact absorbing steering wheel. With its extreme versatility the basic M151 can be altered into a combat ambulance; radio communications vehicle; 105mm recoilless rifle transport and a launcher for the new tow missile system adopted in the late '70s. Combat experience in VietNam has shown that the Ford M151 Military Utility Tactical Truck (MUTT) is indeed very versatile go anywhere combat weapon and is likely to remain in service for years to come with military forces worldwide.