Building a Down-Under MUTT

by Silvio Iacuone

The name “Larry Damour” is well-known in the New England historic military vehicle community for many reasons. For one, he has re-welded more than 60 previously cut M151 vehicles. Outside of the garage, he is a board member of the Merrimack Valley Military Vehicles Collectors Club. In addition, he is known for his unique M151 variants, such as his restored M151A1C recoilless rifle jeep that he displayed at the 2014 Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Currently, Larry is building a clone Australian M151A2. The Australian jeeps were right hand drive and had different data plates. Furthermore, the Australians did not demilitarize their MUTTs. Of the twelve they had in service, five are still known to exist. Larry has been in constant contact with an Australian M151A2 owner about the details of the vehicle.

Larry’s project is a M151A2 that he rewelded using parts left over from previously cut and rewelded jeeps. In a previous life, this MUTT may have been a recoilless rifle jeep because the back had been cut out, similar to gun jeeps. The finished vehicle will not have a heater and the four wheel drive and handbrake levers will remain on the left side, though the windshield wiper control will be moved to the right side. When the work is finished, Larry reports the “down-under MUTT” will be painted desert tan. We look forward to sharing future updates from the Damour Garage.