Hotchkiss M201: Jeeps from France

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Purchasing classics there

In the context of the liberation, now 75 years ago, we have a very interesting Jeep story in the planning. But there are also less interesting Jeeps. At least. They were until recently. They were seen as 'not real'. Still, the Hotchkiss Jeeps were and are quite real.

Hotchkiss: an American in France

The Hotchkiss M201 was the license-built Willys jeep from the French manufacturer Hotchkiss. After the Second World War, much American war material - army surplus - was left behind in Europe and was of course also used by the French army. First there was the Delahaye 'jeep', the Delahaye VLR, but this was not a success. After that Hotchkiss was allowed to build the original Willys MB jeep under license. Only a limited number of adjustments were made for the M201. About 1955 copies of this vehicle were made between 1966 and 28.000.

The roots in weapon manufacturing

Funny thing is that the French Hotchkiss was set up by the American gunsmith Benjamin B. Hotchkiss, who had sought refuge in the old world and started making weapons there in France. But already at the beginning of the twentieth century Hotchkiss started to make cars. The first Hotchkiss four-wheeler with four cylinders was presented in 1903. And the logo on the radiator? That consisted of the image of two crossed guns. Because the past was respected. After all, in the arms industry quality is seen as the norm? Until WWII, Hotchkiss did not get it wrong at all in the upper segment. But yes: then came WWII. Then peace came again. And so Hotchkiss stayed in the army corner, because there was patronage there.

As good as original

The M201 was virtually a copy of the original Willys MB. But the use of French parts was encouraged to get the industry back on its feet.

With the Go Devil block

The M201 had the 2,2 liter petrol four-cylinder Go Devil Willys engine. The only change was the electrical system, which had become 24 volts. Due to the extra battery in the French version, some parts under the hood had to be relocated.
Jeepland once believed that the Ford-made MB Jeeps were the Holy Grail. Also because the Ford logo was on bolt heads. Since those rare bolts are available as new again, there is a trend towards a preference for the jeeps made by Willys. And in the meantime the world has reached the stage where a beautiful and correct Hotchkiss is also appreciated.

"And what does all that cost?"

In Jeepland you can still drive a nice Jeep for a manageable amount. Or you can take the cut seriously and tick off over 30.000 euros for an authentic driving museum piece that is correct in every detail.

Originality?

'In the wild', originality was not given much attention. During their active service, Jeeps simply had to be kept running, be it Willys, Fords or Hotchkisses. The Hotchkiss in the picture belongs to our French famous Dominique Bard, the Dutch Jeep is a real Willys and the Nekafs are also starting to be appreciated.

Also read:
- Haflinger, small but brave
- Army vehicles and WWII
- Minerva TT
- GAZ-69 Jeep, with the 'Z' of 'zavod'
- The DAF YA-66: A kind of Méhari or Trabant Kübel?

On chic: The pre-war Hotchkiss

The original
Made in France

And a little later in the Netherlands, the Nekaf, the Dutch Kaiser Fraser

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10 comments

  1. After 1945 the American war industry was over and the country plunged into the civilian branch again en masse. But what to do with all that machinery, molds, and so on? The fact that France requested to be allowed to build the Willy's under license was grist to the mill for the USA.
    The story goes that the Americans have handed over all equipment to produce the Willy “for free” to the French. Hotchkiss actually made a much better version of the Willy, including upgrades to the engine and gearbox. The Hotchkiss is also much rarer than the MB with about 30.000 copies produced compared to almost 500.000 MB's I thought! External differences between the two cars are minimal. For example, the Hotchkiss jeeps did not have divisible rims, but pressed steel from one piece. The term “WOF” is written on the engine and box. Hotchkiss lacks the recess at the top of the dashboard.
    You can already see that the Hotchkiss is extremely popular and is increasing in value. But beware, it won't be long before the same thing will happen with the NEKAF.

  2. A few years ago I was able to see a Hotchkiss where none
    Go Devil engine was only a VW 1,6 diesel. Was I shocked?
    No, amazed. But he did drive. But that sound, though civilized, was
    simply not digestible. But again, driving, he did.

  3. I once bought such a completely new car, indeed for fl 30.000, -
    Technically completely fine, 12V and great fun to drive. But… .. rust prevention had not been applied; painted directly on the steel body!

  4. You are just not welcome at Keep Them Rolling, because only the Bantam, Willys and Ford GP are accepted there.

    And unfortunately you see that the trade is popping up, and many Hotchkiss jeeps are offered as a “real” for real money.
    The same applies here: do your homework! Avoid disappointment.

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