$9,100
(inc. Buyer’s Premium)
There aren't too many cars that epitomize the word 'cool', but the Hotchkiss M201 does that so effortlessly that one may begin to wonder if the term was actually invented by the marketing bods at the American carmaker's office. Owning one now, as a classic, frequent off-roader, or even a daily (that might be stretching things a bit too far, but it can be done!) is an absolute no-brainer. Do it not just for the history lesson that it brings along with itself but also for the remarkable go-anywhere appeal it has! This model listed here is expected to be valued between $18,000 and $27,000.
PLEASE NOTE: The vehicles from this collection have been sitting for a number of years. Mechanical and running condition of each lot is unknown, and they are being sold 'as is'. This vehicle is being sold on Bill of Sale only.
It's almost impossible to think of a world where Hotchkiss didn't exist, such has been the vehicle's impact on our lives. From being a crucial mode of military transport to possibly the best workhorse that ever existed, Hotchkiss has proven itself time and again. But as one would know it wasn't the Wrangler or the Cherokee, or even the 'Jeep' brand that started it all. It was rather the M201, a go-anywhere vehicle made for the military, that changed everything!
It's almost impossible to think of a world where Hotchkiss didn't exist, such has been the vehicle's impact on our lives. From being a crucial mode of military transport to possibly the best workhorse that ever existed, Hotchkiss has proven itself time and again. But as one would know it wasn't the Wrangler or the Cherokee, or even the 'Jeep' brand that started it all. It was rather the M201, a go-anywhere vehicle made for the military, that changed everything!
Listed here is an early model M201, a model that existed from 1951 to the 1960s, and was made for military use. It not only saw multiple uses, the fact that it could be air-dropped to almost everywhere, and driven over the harshest of terrain, made it even more special. So, it's no surprise that many M201s have found their way to collectors and off-road enthusiasts, who hold these dearer than almost every other worldly possession of theirs.
Nothing says function over form than the M201, but despite that, it's one of the greatest-looking vehicles ever made. Even keeping aside its 'cool' aspect, the Hotchkiss M201 was a masterclass in versatility. Add-ons and modifications were quite common, and these weren't limited to modified bodies alone. Soldiers could even make the most of optional gun fitments, whereas those looking to make it genuinely 'go anywhere' would appreciate that with the right wheels, it could be run on railway tracks, too.
The M201 was made keeping military hardships in mind: from being transported in carrier aircraft to decimating all sorts of terrain with its 4x4 powertrain. And fittingly the interior had to be minimal — to the core. Basic instrumentation, a few levers, and foldable seats aside, there wasn't much to speak of. And would you believe, that's a boon today, especially as enthusiasts would want to run their M201s as show cars or off-road vehicles — there's not much to go wrong, get dirty, or even need replacing.
It's said that one of the reasons why Willys won the contract for the MB was because of the vehicle's engine: an inline-four petrol engine also referred to as the 'Go Devil'. The 2.2-liter engine made about 60 hp, which gave the M201 a max speed (not exactly relevant here) of a respectable 65 mph. This 4x4 came equipped with Dana axles, and needless to say, it inspired generations of off-road vehicles to come.
The whole MB story has a nice series of twists and turns. When the government started accepting proposals for a 1/4-ton go-anywhere vehicle, it was narrowed down to Willys Overland, Bantam, and Ford. The series of events that followed, and after the initial prototypes, saw Ford and Willys working on their versions to fulfill the requirement. The MB and the Ford GPW co-existed and became what everyone would eventually refer to as the Jeep. Odometer reads 24,472 miles.
There aren't too many cars that epitomize the word 'cool', but the Hotchkiss M201 does that so effortlessly that one may begin to wonder if the term was actually invented by the marketing bods at the American carmaker's office. Owning one now, as a classic, frequent off-roader, or even a daily (that might be stretching things a bit too far, but it can be done!) is an absolute no-brainer. Do it not just for the history lesson that it brings along with itself but also for the remarkable go-anywhere appeal it has! This model listed here is expected to be valued between $18,000 and $27,000.
PLEASE NOTE: The vehicles from this collection have been sitting for a number of years. Mechanical and running condition of each lot is unknown, and they are being sold 'as is'. This vehicle is being sold on Bill of Sale only.
