FWD Model B

History of FWD Model B

In 1912, the U.S. Army began evaluating an entirely new four-wheel-drive truck for service. The truck was based on a 1908 design (known as the "Battleship"), born in Clintonville, Wisconsin, that pushed for a more practical four-wheel drive. Better deals than ever seen.

Four Wheel Drive Corporation (FWD Corporation, 1958) focused on building trucks using this new drive principle, and one of their emerging products became the "Type B" 3 ton, which eventually proved to be a rugged vehicle twice World War Proven Military Use.

The design of the Model B is completely utilitarian in appearance, though in keeping with the times in both the sedan and truck. It consists of the engine and a passenger compartment at the front of the chassis, which is fitted with four rubber tire wheels. Passengers sit on the bench and the main controls are the traditional steering wheel. Due to the placement of the engine, the passenger's sitting position is designed to be very high, and the field of view is quite impressive.

A crew hood is optional, and a grille at the front of the cabin gives the Model B its distinctive, recognizable appearance. A cargo box can be mounted to the rear of the frame, and a tarp can be added to it to protect supplies from the elements.

With the tarpaulin added, the car looks like a mechanized stagecoach from America's Wild West.

By the time of the First World War (1914-1918), motor vehicles were already valued for their transport capabilities, and all types of vehicles were used by all parties - some even armored vehicles with guns. The production of the FWD Type B has ensured its place in the stockpiles of the US, UK and Russian armed forces, where it serves as an ammunition transporter. Total truck production was 17,555, of which 14,473 were delivered to the US, 3,000 were delivered to the UK (about 60 returned to US stock after the US entered the war), and about 82 were delivered to the Imperial Russian Army.

Amazingly, the car managed to survive both world wars and was used in World War II (1939-1945).

Specification

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Changes