I often have a Hotchkiss jeep available for sale , these jeeps are post war copies of the willys ww2 mb jeep, allmost identical in every way and 95% of the parts and pannels are isentical , they do have a few mechanical modifications done to all of them when manufactured between 1956 and 1964, this makes for a more reliable and durable jeep than the ww2 examples , they are also a little cheaper to buy as they dont have the ww2 provenance that seems to keep the values higher on the wartime examples , if its a jeep for driving that you want, you wont beat opting for a Hotchkiss, if its more for an investment and a trophy to look at then a ww2 examp[le will be advised
Americanising a French-built Willys Hotchkiss Jeep is relatively easy and rewarding work. Differences are very small but most of the cosmetic changes can be put back to WW2 spec. You will appreciate the difference of the Hotchkiss modifications- especially the mechanical upgrades. Although most body modifications can easily be changed to replicate WW2 design.
There are many small differences. To give you an idea of the most typical:
Wheels, tyres, bonnet blocks, gauges, steering wheel, seat covers and hood, air filter, wipers, mirrors, blackout light, horn, glovebox tags, these are easy things to change but some other small differences are a bit more tricky and a bit of fabrication may be nessesary. For example, the dash panel top lip on a ww2 jeep has a small square cut out just to the left of the handbrake lever also the left and right side heel frames are smoothly curved on WW2 Jeeps but have a defined angle on a hotchkiss jeep, some body and chassis welds are different. Not everything can be altered, so an expert will always know the difference between the two types of Jeep. People sometimes do it the other way around and modify an old tired WW2 Jeep with the upgraded French-built engine and gearbox - this gives the Jeep more reliability as it has a balanced crank shaft, improved starting, cam-shaft gears instead of stretchy chain, reinforced cylinder head, and the gearbox has larger bearings and upgraded handbrake. A WW2 Jeep will be the best financial investment and get the most attention at shows, but the French Hotchkiss will be more reliable and give a better driving experience
Some collectors keep a Hotchkiss for using regularly and a ww2 jeep for showing
Mostly French jeeps but 2 ww2 jeeps in the mix. Can you spot the difference?
