Two other factors were to add to the growing confusion of parts on jeeps leaving la Maltournée. In mid 1960 Hotchkiss introduced the definitive 24 volt M201 model which would in turn add another variable into the rebuilding programme. The second factor was that an increasing number of WW2 / ITM jeeps built in the 1940s and 1950s started to turn up at la Maltournée in need of a second rebuild.

For a period the la Maltournée works continued to produce batches of either 6 or 12 volt rebuilt jeeps but by mid 1963 these were joined by batches of 24 volt models. This system of rebuilding on a like for like basis continued until 1965 when the first batch of 24 volt jeeps was produced from what had previously been 6 volt jeeps. To achieve this 6 volt body tubs were modified and converted to the new 24 volt specification. It is common to see these adapted tubs with  floor starter switch holes welded up, twin aerial brackets at the back etc.

From 1965 onwards all 6 volt jeeps were upgraded to the full 24 volt M201 specification as part of the rebuild programme apart from an occasional small batch of 6 volt models where these were required by a particular regiment. The factory continued to rebuild 12 volt jeeps in batches until 1968 but from 1969 onwards all jeeps (MBs, GPWs, ITMs and M201s) rebuilt at la Maltournée left in the 24 volt 'Hotchkiss' format. This continued to be the case  until the factory finally closed in 1978. It is therefore not surpising that many MBs, GPWs, ITM and early Hotchkiss jeeps all ended up looking pretty much the same and often being wrongly described as 'Hotchkiss M201s'.

One final point about the activities of E.R.G.M at la Maltournée is that the rebuild programme included the conversion of standard jeeps to carry weapons like missile launchers, anti tank guns etc. Again this was carried out in batches. As early weapons systems like the SS11 and ENTAC became obsolete these jeeps were converted to later systems like MILAN. The final output of jeeps in 1978 consisted of MILAN missile launchers like the example below (which has had the launching post removed). Its registration indicates that it was produced during the final year of la Maltournée. In all, a total of 39,256 jeeps (including Delahayes) were rebuilt at La Maltournée.

La Maltournée VLTT production Period   No.   Period   No. 1948-50   4941   1971-72   2387 1951-55   3208   1973-74   2103 1956-60   7704   1975-76   1345 1961-65   9998   1977   363 1966-70   7020   1978   187

The closure of La Maltournée meant that all jeeps were now sold at auction as they were withdrawn from service. These included good examples that had been withdrawn as well as accident damaged or worn out examples. A sale in January 1978 included four lots each containing 10 tonnes of dismantled scrap jeeps.  It seems likely that these had been dismantled ready for rebuilding but with the end of the rebuilding programme in sight they were abandoned as scrap instead.

 Case Study 1: ITM 0016913

Based on its ITM serial number this 12 volt jeep was originally 'created' from a refurbished Willys chassis and other recycled WW2 parts at la Maltournée in about 1949 / 1950. By 1965 it was in need of rebuilding and passed through the la Maltournée works for a second time (see rebuild plate below left) but it remained a 12 volt model (main data plate). The photo shows the location of the additional battery box between the front seats that forms part of this conversion.

I am grateful to Wallie G Fryer in the US for providing the photos of his ITM jeep. If you are wondering how a significant number of French army WW2 / ITM jeeps ended up in the US then I believe this to be the result of Lend-Lease terms under which jeeps 'loaned' to the French at the end of the war. Ultimately jeeps had to be returned in good working order. I doubt that they actually got the same jeeps back though!

Case study 2: MB 326052

Based on its chassis number this Willys MB jeep was originally made in 1944 and after the war passed to the French army. The fact that it retained its MB chassis number throughout its use indicates that it was in good condition and did not need an immediate rebuild otherwise it would have become an ITM jeep. It did, however, require rebuilding by 1967 when it passed through la Maltournée (see plate below). It was then rebuilt as part of a batch of jeeps that were retained as 6 volt models.

MALT PLATES

All jeeps (MB / GPW / ITM & M201) passing through the rebuild programme at la Maltournée received a works number which was recorded on a plate welded to the chassis. The location of this plate is shown below. If the glovebox data plate has been removed from your jeep then it is still possible to work out when it was rebuilt from this number using the data I have collected so far.

Photo and location diagram - JLM

MALT   Year   MALT   Year     23842 - 1963   35632 - 1971     24063 - 1964   35964 - 1971     25987 - 1964   36909 - 1972     26360 - 1965   37114 - 1972     26813 - 1965   37916 - 1973     27847 - 1966   38396 - 1973     29305 - 1966   38928 - 1974     30623 - 1967   39201 - 1974     32457 - 1968   39543 - 1975     32787 - 1969   40276 - 1975     34149 - 1969   40871 - 1976     34260 - 1970   41215 - 1976     35039 - 1970   41337 - 1977

IMPORTANT MESSAGE!

Much of the information about dates and numbers that I have included in this section of the site has been gleaned from a database that I started six or seven years ago and my thanks go to all who have provided me with details of their jeep. If you own an ex-French army jeep (MB / GPW / ITM or M201) you could help make this section even better. Please contact me and I will explain how you can help. Thanks.