・Retains a wealth of original, period correct features
・An original right hand drive model
The Background
The Mowag T1 was produced specifically for the Swiss Military between 1953 and 1991. The vehicle benefitted from a modular design enabling Mowag to produce seven different body configurations from the same platform. A total of 1,600 of these sturdily built 4x4’s were produced in total and, today, represent one Europe’s rarest Cold War era military vehicles.
This T1 was registered to the Swiss Army in 1963 and served as a field ambulance for the duration of its service. As can be seen from representative photographs in the paperwork bundle, the original configuration included a canvas topped cab and a white painted rear cabin with a prominent red cross.
As is common with many peacetime military vehicles, this Mowag appears to have been very lightly used making the indicated 4,154 miles odometer reading entirely feasible in our opinion.
The Mowag is believed to have passed into private hands in 1999. In the intervening years the vehicle passed through a number of private owners. At some point during this period the original canvas cab roof was replaced with an aluminium one and the vehicle was repainted in its current military grey paintwork.
The current owner has had the Mowag for around four months and bought the vehicle at auction. The owner had planned to convert the Mowag to a military themed coffee wagon in tribute to their own military service. Plans have changed due to a change in circumstances and the owner is now keen for the Mowag to find a home where it will be used and shown so others can enjoy this rarest of sights.
The paperwork includes some interesting proof of provenance and a number of example photographs and specification sheets detailing the military heritage of this historic vehicle. There is also a fascinating (and laminated!) copy of the vehicle’s original discharge documentation from the Swiss Military.
The Mowag is currently registered in the UK as a historic vehicle, and we have full V5 documentation on file. As such the vehicle is understood to be tax and MOT exempt.
The cab of the T1 gives a characterful flavour of the cold war era. Seats are vinyl covered and laced up underneath the frame. They are in very good condition given their age with just one professionally applied patch to the driver’s seat back (see pictures). Floors appear to be in good condition and chequer plate has been fitted at some point in the past to provide additional protection.
The dashboard is annotated in German so has previously been marked in English to provide a quick description of the key switches. The speedometer is in MPH and sits centrally on the dash. The roof has been lined in felt-like material and is in good condition.
There are some endearing original features in the cab including a bulkhead mounted first aid kit, original plaques detailing controls and shift patterns and two canvas panniers, one on the bulkhead and one on the passenger door.
The rear cabin is accessed via very sturdy double doors and a fold down chequer-plate step. The pace is open and versatile with two side windows and a window into the cab providing a good level of natural light. The floor is constructed of heavy-duty hard wood with inset equipment channels. Later decking timber benches have been fitted to provide seating.
Condition of both cab and rear cabin appears to be very good and underscores the belief that the vehicle received very light use during its military career.
The exterior appears to be in a very solid condition and the quality and fit of the panels seems to be commensurate with the world-renowned engineering prowess of the Swiss. There are no obvious dents or bends or areas of corrosion. Bumpers appear straight and true and all light lenses are clear and undamaged.
The paintwork is a military grey and has been applied either at its discharge from the military or whilst in private hands. The finish suggests it has been spray applied. There are some small areas of peeling paint on both sides of the rear cabin. The paint finish on the rear cabin roof appears to have some peeling to it but nothing unreasonable for the age of the vehicle.
The Mowag T1 is powered by the legendary Dodge T-137 straight six, 3770cc petrol engine. The T-137 was originally rated at 103 hp and was also widely used in American military vehicles of the period. The engine is encased in the centre of the cab and was only visible and accessible through the side inspection panel. The parts of the engine that could be inspected appear to be in well maintained order.
The four-speed gearbox, low ratio transfer box, engine, suspension and brakes are all reported to be in good working order by the owner. Being an accomplished off-road vehicle means the running gear can be easily seen and the condition (see pictures) appears to be very good.
This Mowag T1 represents a fascinating piece of cold war history and one that should be used, seen and enjoyed. It is one of those rare occasions where the word “unique” is fully justified. The overall condition of the vehicle smacks of a regularly maintained and lightly used military vehicle. The quality of the engineering really does credit to the reputation of the Swiss as world leaders in that field.
The rear cabin of the vehicle represents a blank canvas and will present the new owner with a host of options as to how the Mowag will spend the next phase of its life.
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1963 Mowag T1 4x4
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