Motion Pictures What the heck is it? - Ford, yes, but...

I was watching the 1943 movie Reveille with Beverly last night, and in a scene set at an Army camp entrance, this rolled by:

Obviously based on a '35-'36 truck chassis, it's some kind of Army staff/command car; anyone know more? (Edit: Reloaded better image)

 

Looks like a Marmon Harrington 4WD conversion they did for the Military.

 

It looks more like a 1933-34 Fordor body.

 

I believe it would have been referred to as a Staff Car in Army terms.

 

It might be a coach built body....it sure doesn't look like a Fordor.

 

It is a Staff Car based on the '33 '34 fordor custom stretched by a coach builder for a Field Grade officer and his staff.
Back in the days prior to WWII Generals and higher ranking officers especially those assigned stateside would purchase their own transportation. Sometimes they would be shipped overseas with the Generals to accommodate their elevated status. Kind of like General Patton and his pearl handled Colt .45's. Totally forbidden today with the formation of NATO post WWII and their requirement to provide for "Humane Killing". Ever see a wound made by a soft lead Long Colt .45 Cal. compared to a fully jacketed .45 ACP?

 

The body looks like it's based on a 35 or newer commercial body, rather than a 34 car body.

 

35 36 body .

 

And a truck grille

 

And it appears to have dual rear wheels.

 

Prototype Excursion?

 

I want one?

 

Finally the right answer!

 

Marmon Harrington 4WD for the Army.

 

Expedition prototype?...................................................................................

 

It sure looks like ‘35-36 truck/commercial based. I once saw a vehicle like this that was similar up to the B pillar but had more van like sides and rear doors. It was a retired paddy wagon on a truck chassis.

 

Those wheels are Marmon Harrington specific 16x5 wide 5 wheels with floatation tires for mud travel. I have a pair

 

Plenty of one off army experimental vehicles were made back then.

 

Possibly a early production of a Gaz (Russian built) officers car? HRP

 

makes me wanna watch the movie