Hi,
I am English, but I have lived in central France for 10 year. I took a shine to a Willys jeep a friend had, and a few weeks later, on a whim, have just collected a 1961 Hotchkiss M201. I dont know much about ex military vehicles, but have owned very many classic cars, and generally repair them and restore them myself.
It has been used for many years in the forests of the auvergne collecting wood. It has a new french MOT, valid for 4 years for a vehicule de collection, and although a little tired , I drove it home over 100 miles. I found it very unnerving to start, but by the end of the journey, had already warmed to it, and really enjoyed the drive.
There are plenty of things to do to improve it, but most will be done over winter. I got it at a steal, I think, along with a set of 4 new Michelin tyres and wheels, full weather cover, and a huge bullbar and winch attached, but this im not keen on, so will be offering this for sale on some french sites.
I have a list of questions, being a total newcomer to the jeep, so will be a frequent poster.
Looking forward to getting my hands dirty again.
Paul