The Original Gladiator (Military Version )

[Junker21]

Just bought my 2021 Willys edition when it dawned on me that I was the assigned driver of this truck . I drove a survey crew all over West Germany . So glad I didn't have to ride in the back . I did get complaints when the road got rough and I the guys got tossed all over . Ha ! That's me at 19 in 1973 . I'm thinking this new truck was meant to be .

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[Junker21]

 

[FlyingShark]

Terrific pics. Thank you for your service and for sharing here!

 

[Junker21]

I wrote the name I gave it in the dirt on the door . Lumpy Runner .

 

[timwiller]

I wrote the name I gave it in the dirt on the door . Lumpy Runner .

that's a 715. this is a Gladiator!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

that's a 715. this is a Gladiator!

OK, I'll bite - granted your pics ARE Gladiator - definitely, but the other - isn't one a military version - or not? Will things like doors, fenders, etc. interchange?

BTW - love that blue truck - no matter what it's related to. I love those things.

 

[ChrisK]

Awesome post and thanks for your service. Really cool looking old Jeep to boot. Too bad you couldn’t have kept her! Love to see your new Gladiator as well and congratulations on it! ?

 

[LaterGator]

The M715 series was built between 67-69. It was the first military truck to be based on a civilian design truck, the Gladiator (Dodge M880 and Chevy CUCV came later). So many of the body parts are interchangeable with the Gladiator trucks, J-trucks, wagoneers and cherokees.

M715 -5/4 ton cargo truck
M725 - Ambulance
M724 - cab/chassis usually in a maintenance truck configuration
M726 - Telephone truck

You can learn more about these trucks at M715 Zone .

 

[spectre6000]

I used to have an M1009 CUCV. The M715 are my all time favorite though. Never did get my hands on one of those... Super purposeful and utilitarian.

 

[Junker21]

The M715 series was built between 67-69. It was the first military truck to be based on a civilian design truck, the Gladiator (Dodge M880 and Chevy CUCV came later). So many of the body parts are interchangeable with the Gladiator trucks, J-trucks, wagoneers and cherokees.

M715 -5/4 ton cargo truck
M725 - Ambulance
M724 - cab/chassis usually in a maintenance truck configuration
M726 - Telephone truck

You can learn more about these trucks at M715 Zone .

Yeah, I thought so . I figured they had to be related . I do remember it had an overhead cam six and geared very low .

 

[LaterGator]

And it does have a lumpy ride unless you put 2000 lbs in the bed. Then the ride smooths right out.

One of the vets on the zone has a pic of his M715 in Germany doing 90+ on the autobahn. There was a reason the M715 got a governor in the last year of production. Too many 18-19 yo privates blowing up engines.

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