Heavy Utility Computer (HUC)

Michael Burne’s

Built in July 1943 by General Motors at the Oshawa Plant in Ontario, the C-60S was shipped to the UK and issued to a REME regiment within the Canadian Army
Although not totally authentic, the markings are those of the 61st Field Regiment Royal Artillery, 59th (Stafforshire) Infantry Division – they pay tribute to a family member killed in Normandy while serving with the unit
A spare wheel is carried recessed in the bodywork on the right-hand side of the vehicle
The Chevrolet badge mounted on the typical diamond- shaped pattern grille. Other CMP manufacturers, such as Ford, used a square pattern grille
The Cab No 13 layout allowed access to the engine from the outside, thanks to a small bonnet located above the front grille. Simple spring clips, one either side, held it shut

“For a long time, I had a hankering to get a military vehicle and, back in the 1990s, I’d been looking at various Bedford WDs. It had to have four-wheel drive,” Michael Burne recalls of his early days searching for a suitable project. But he realised that the Bedfords were not four-wheel drives and a conversation with a friend instead pointed him in the direction of a CMP Chevrolet C-8A HUC that was for sale not far from his home. Michael is happy to admit that ‘it was love at first sight!’

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