Geological Jeep: 1961 Mighty Mite M422A1
Military vehicles almost always generate some sort of innovation or technical marvel that finds its way into production vehicles. The AMC Mighty Mite seen here was full of them, from an aluminum body to a full synchromesh gearbox. However, relatively short-lived production means they are few and far between today. Find this solid project-grade example here on eBay as a classified listing with a $5,000 Buy-It-Now.
In addition to the features mentioned above, the Mighty Mite also had limited slip differentials front and rear and fully independent suspension. The engine was air-cooled and capable of propelling the short-wheelbase military-spec 4×4 to a top speed of 65 m.p.h. The fully-synchronized transmission is my favorite, enabling on-the-go shifting from 2WD to 4WD. This particular example is a non-runner, but the 1.8L four-cylinder is said to spin freely. The seller notes it rolls and stops with good brakes and the transmission finds each gear with ease.
The main goal of the Mighty Mite was to create a capable 4WD that could fit within the payload restrictions of Vietnam-era helicopters. Although it did this, changes in helicopter performance – primarily the debut of the venerable Huey, with its higher cargo limits – meant the Mighty Mite was effectively obsolete before it saw mass use. But the innovations lived on, with the extensive use of aluminum a common weight-savings tactic in many vehicles today. Obviously, this example will need new seats, but the interior is otherwise extremely spartan.
Interestingly, this Mighty Mite may not have seen combat duty but instead been used for far more mundane tasks in the U.S. This faded hood graphic indicates the compact Jeep was used for a “Geological Survey,” an expedition that would likely have appreciated the Mighty Mite’s robust off-road abilities and compact size for maneuvering through tight spaces. They don’t come up for sale all that often, and the Buy-It-Now price seems fair for a solid starting point of a rare Mighty Mite 4×4.
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Comments
Missing driver side front inner fender. Electrical wiring harness is unplugged at the firewall, with extra connectors loose as well, which is probably why it isn’t running. Not the way it is currently.
Body is in good shape. Seats are easy to get redone. This really doesn’t look that far from being able to spend a couple of weeks to rebuild and be a silly and fun local vehicle. I like it.
To me it looks like a mini Jeep with a Land Rover front end. I like it.
And yet another vehicle I never knew existed until I saw it here on Barnfinds.
I keep saying I’m going to quit looking at this site because I have come way too close to grabbing something I see here, then you guys come up with something like this.
A buddy of mine has one in NZ that he’s restored. It’s a pretty cool li’l machine.
That looks like a lot of fun. It seems to me that the engine was made by Wisconsin. I wonder how many parts interchange with the other offerings by WI.
No, the engine was AMC designed with nothing else like it. A few years ago I owned one and engine parts depending on what you wanted could be a real challenge to find. I actually considered swapping in a Wisconsin VH4D but with the extremely close proximity of the bell housing to the front differential it would have required modifications and adapters beyond my abilities.
A guy offered more for it than I could refuse so it is gone. Now kind of wish I’d kept it however . . .
Hi NM. Thanks for the clarification. I’m curious as to where I might have heard that it might be a Wisconsin engine. So much information traveling back and forth on these pages it’s impossible to keep up.
“The main goal of the Mighty Mite was to create a capable 4WD that could fit within the payload restrictions of Vietnam-era helicopters”
We used these in the Marine Corps while I was in during 60-63. No way these were created for the Vietnam-era. Hell, we never heard of Vietnam. We were worried about Cuba.
I read, these were expensive, like $5 grand apiece. A lot of money the military pissed away for something that never saw actual combat. ( I don’t think)
What a fun toy this looks to be. Does it come with a GI Joe with Kung Fu Grip?
The U.S. Geological Survey isn’t a particular mission, but a bureau of the Department of the Interior. It was created in 1879 and its work has been ongoing since.
Looks like a fun little machine.
Very nice. I’d rather have that than a normal military Jeep.
It is a military jeep Derek. These were issued to the Marine Corps in the early sixties.
More than likely the USGS got it from the military. Although I came along a little later the old timers on the US Coast and Geodetic Survey had plenty of stories about how the ex-mil Powerwagons could do things no other truck could and how they missed them after they went away. This little rig looks like it would be a lot of fun.
Back when I was working for the government I did a lot of geological surveying in S.E. Asia. Didn’t have no fancy Mighty Mite. All I had was an entrenching tool. They did give me a pair on size 91/2 jungle boots for transportation. Believe I saw some of these in a motor pool somewhere. (Ft. Lewis??) If I remember correctly they sounded like a riding mower going down the road. Any Barnfind readers know what they sound like?
Vietnam era actually was called the ten thousand day war …but didn’t actually last as long as 27 years … US involvement was shorter than that although advisors where sent in as early as 1959-60 … so vietnam era is correct for this truck
Yeah that vehicle was not configured for external sling capability. Also a UH-1 couldn’t have stowed it internal. Now CH-47 Chinook could have taken 4 internal during Vietnam. But by then the Army and Marines had already upgraded to the MUTT- M151A1 by the time they got busy in Vietnam. http://www.ebay.com/cln/analog-surf-1963/m151-mutt-m151a1-151a2-ford-kaiser-am-general/74680043012 Backin the day though the military flew H-37 Helicopters it had a clam shell doors on the front that could be used to load these Mighty Mites. The Navy and Marines had developed the H-3 which was more rubust and could haul bigger payloads. This vehicle is a post Korean War utility vehicle. The helicopters of that time were smallish and under powered, they could carry troops and supplies but not much else. Airmobile was not even a thing yet, that didn’t start till around 1965 ish thanks to Lt Col Hal Moore. This one though is in pretty good shape compared to most you would find not already restored.
that’s what I thought it wuz @ 1st, either an AM or ford -MUTT- but
this looks smaller?
‘S a new 1 on me…
Here is a Mighty Mite in action. You can hear the sound and see it drive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVuAsEjtRGI
Looks like another one made its way to ebay recently. How have I never heard of these until recently???