The Blitz Diaries 22nd March 2010

Ok it’s not WW1, but towing our horses to events in an authentic vehicle WW1 would not be a recipe for relaxation and enjoyment even if we could find one. Besides, I am sure many of the 22nd Light horse soldiers ended up driving these types of vehicles when they gave up their horses in 1943.

The opportunity to buy Mitch the Blitz came on Saturday 13th February 2010. Was it love at first sight? Yes. An interesting choice for an 18yo’s first car. We are not yet sure of it’s history. Alan the previous owner has some paperwork he can get us; and the previous owner, when we can contact him, may know some more. Mitch has spent the last 10+ years living on the ridges above the Huon river overlooking the town of Franklin, in south-west Tasmania.

The ID plate over the instrument panel is missing. There are a couple of job number plates; one on the passengers side dash and another under the hood on the driver’s side. We’ll get some photo’s of these when we relocate our camera. In the meantime we know he is a C15A with a winch. It’s driveable (Alan drove it to our place which was just down the road), but the brakes leaked and required some pumping. It’s powered by a holden 186 and with no muffler, just a 6 inch pipe straight out of the exhaust manifold, he wasn’t quiet. This is a learning experience for us, and won’t be a quick rebuild. The aim is to restore Mitch to an original appearance, with perhaps a slightly more powerful engine to allow us to pull a horse float (after we learn to double declutch a little more smoothly). He should add a little to the skill-at-arms displays and parades. Mechanically he seems quite sound and intact. We can’t yet get him out of 4WD or engage the winch. But we won’t do too much until we’ve checked and replaced all the various diff, gearbox and engine oils ands give him a bit of a tune. We will probably them learn to dive him and operate all the bits and pieces, prior to restoration. The cab is probably the main concern as there is considerable rust, especially around the window frames. As we progress we’ll upload details and photos; any and all advice welcome.