New horizons for MVPA convention

A 1943 North American AT-6D “Texan” was joined by a pair of four-wheeled reinforcements in the outdoor display area at the MVPA Convention in Oshkosh, Wis. Military Trader & Vehicles

For three days in September, the country’s favorite destination for aviation enthusiasts became an olive drab feast for historic military vehicle fans.

The Midwest Military Vehicle Association (MMVA), an affiliate of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association-Historical Archives (MVPA-HA), hosted its 49th Annual International Convention in Oshkosh at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) grounds from Sept. 12-14. The location of the show at Wittman Field the MVPA-HA added warbirds to the 100-plus historical military vehicles that were on hand.

It was the first time the MVPA-HA held its big annual event in Wisconsin and EAA, the site of the annual AirVenture that attracts planes and aviation enthusiasts from around the globe. The MVPA Convention utilized two of the EAA grounds hangars for indoor military vehicle displays and vendor areas. Thursday evening featured a live MVPA Auction of military vehicle parts and accessories. The MVPA Awards Dinner was held Friday evening in the Eagle Hangar at the EAA Museum.

The 2025 Convention will return to the Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville June 5-7. The KILROY Chapter again be the host chapter. For more information, visit www.mvpa.org.

This solid 1961 Dodge M-37 was for sale near the front gate, ready to make a quick getaway for the right price. Military Trader & Vehicles

The Aviation Heritage Center of Wisconsin and EAA Chapter 766 are restoring the cockpit of this Lockheed T33-A training fighter, which first went into service in 1952. Military Trader & Vehicles

The Vietnam Veterans of America Oconomowoc, Wis., Chapter showed off this fantastic AM General M151 A2. Military Trader & Vehicles

It’s not every day you see a North Vietnamese cargo bicycle. This one was really heavily loaded — they were said to be capable of carrying up to 450 lbs. This one was built by the Thongnhat (“Unified”) factory in North Vietnam. Military Trader & Vehicles

It’s hard to find a flaw in this Dodge M42 Command Truck. It’s owned by Gil Snyder. Military Trader & Vehicles

Mules are always a hit at the MVPA meets. This 1959 M274 belongs to Bradley Holcomb. Military Trader & Vehicles

This amphibious 1967 V-100 Commando was developed by Cadillac Gage Co., in Warren, Mich. It is propelled by a Chrysler 361-cubic inch V-8 and had an impressive top speed of more than 60 mph on land. This example, nicknamed “Lemon”, is clearly not heading for combat anytime soon. Military Trader & Vehicles

1965 Ford F100 pickups are certainly hot on the collector market today. This one is being preserved by the Rowsam family in honor of the late James Rowsam, a 40-year U.S. Army veteran. Military Trader & Vehicles

The Rawsoms also showed off this stellar 1967 Jeep J100 panel delivery truck, complete with speakers and a movie projector for use in Psychological Operations (PSYOPs). Military Trader & Vehicles

Bradley Ackerman brought this awesome 1968 Kaiser Jeep M715 to the party, and it was looking very mission-capable. Military Trader & Vehicles

It didn’t do any swimming in Oshkosh, but Todd Sheehy’s 1943 Ford GPA still looks capable of tackling some waves. Military Trader & Vehicles

Tom Zatloukal’s Suzuki PK Police Kombi was looking factory-fresh, but it was actually built in 1970. It features a two-cylinder, two-stroke engine under than tiny hood. Military Trader & Vehicles

Larry Peterson brought out his rare 1945 Dodge WC-65 KD Ambulance for the event. Only about 25 are believed to still exist. Military Trader & Vehicles

Mike Mair had a very stoic armed guard keeping an eye on his 1952 Willys M38A1. Military Trader & Vehicles

Mike Niebuhr was barely able to squeeze his 1976 FMC M548A1 under the rafters. Military Trader & Vehicles

Mike Feathers had the only 1953 Dodge M56R2 Crash Rescue Truck at the convention, and it was hard to miss. Military Trader & Vehicles

Richard Opitz’s rugged and spartan 1942 Dodge WC21 would look great in any collection. Military Trader & Vehicles

When it comes to restoring or building historic military rigs, Mike and Joel Ponty can go by the book, which is the case with this 1942 Ford GPW. Military Trader & Vehicles

They can also go the way of a full custom! After restoring their 1942 Ford GPW, they pieced together a wild military-inspired Willys hot rod. Check out the story at our sister publication Old Cars here. Military Trader & Vehicles

John Bizal, of Midwest Military in Prior Lake, Minn., brought out a heavy hitter in his 1942 Bofors M2 40mm anti-aircraft gun. Military Trader & Vehicles

Oliver Plank was ready for Civil Defense duty with his neat 1953 Willys M38A1. Military Trader & Vehicles

Certainly one of the more unusual vehicles on display was this 1985 Bombardier Iltis belonging to Daryl Lehman. It was sort of Canada’s version of a Humvee. Military Trader & Vehicles

This 1917 FWD Model B Ammunitions Carrier was definitely one of the senior citizens at the show. It has been a long-running fixture in the FWD Seagrave Museum Collection. Military Trader & Vehicles

David Schwarz had his wonderfully restored 1967 Jeep M715 fully dressed for the occasion. Military Trader & Vehicles

Edward Zintherer’s 1943 Dodge WC55, complete with a .50-cal mounted in back, goes by the nickname “Buffalo Gal #12”. Military Trader & Vehicles

There were many impressive military motorcycles on hand, including this 1942 Harley Davidson WLA belonging to Luke Griesbach. Military Trader & Vehicles

The Excelsior Welbike was a light, folding motorcycle used by the British during World War II. This example belongs to Kameron Jones. Military Trader & Vehicles

Longtime MT&V contributor and author David Doyle runs a thriving military book business, and he had a huge assortment of titles on all things military at his indoor vendor space. Military Trader & Vehicles

The variety of information is staggering at David Doyle's vend space. Military Trader & Vehicles

It might take some digging and combing through racks and tables, but there were plenty of bargains to be had and treasures to discover at the many vendor displays both outdoors and in the EAA hangars. Military Trader & Vehicles