Weighing a half-ton less than a contemporary CJ (Civilian Jeep), the military Mighty Mite answered the need for a small and capable vehicle that could be air-dropped into combat and other sticky situations. This 1962 Mighty Mite 422A in Chino Valley, Arizona comes to market on Facebook Marketplace in restored condition, according to the seller. The asking price of $18,499 is perfect if you promised someone you wouldn’t spend more than $18,500 on your next toy. With a surprisingly sequential 12,345 miles on the odometer, it’s barely broken in! At least the price isn’t $1234, because that would be truly uncanny. For more information on the history of these little four-wheel-drive gems, check out this article on MilitaryTrader.
Form follows function in the military issue Mite. Either this vehicle is larger than it looks or someone stole these seats from a local preschool. You have to admire the Marine Corps’ confidence, showing its soft side with an upholstery flap that might have stitched up by my Grandma Audrey. If she had anything to do with it, you’ll find hats and mittens under the seats as well. I recommend not stopping short unless you want “Speared by Steering Column” on your head stone. A two-seater in normal operation, they can carry up to six total, in Land Rover fashion, with two sort-of bench seats in the back.
Sadly the original wheels seem to have vanished, replaced by these somewhat ridiculous-looking oversized meats. Perhaps options for this hub size are limited. It certainly beats dragging it around on the belly pan. Like more common military and civilian Jeeps, the Mighty Mite comes with four-wheel-drive, according to Wikipedia.
Though not especially interesting, this shot bests the remaining photos, none of which show the engine or drive train. I’ve never seen an AMC (American Motors Corporation) V4, but here’s one on MilitaryTrader. The 107.8 cid (1.8 L) V4 made 52 BHP and 90 lb-ft of torque, adequate for off-road purposes and a top speed of 65 MPH. Chalk up another unusual vehicle for the AMC memory banks. Delightfully quirky, the little Mite deserves a new life where it can be enjoyed and driven. Had you ever heard of the aluminum-bodied Mighty Mite?
I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a hardtop like that for one of these. Not many on the road. Chino Valley would’ve been the perfect place to enjoy this rig 35 years ago before it grew by leaps and bounds.
Wow- very interesting! How come I have never seen one before?
Sounds like what it cost the taxpayers, military pricing, you know, $900 toilet seats, etc. Actually, I read, at $5,000 each in 1959, it was considered expensive, but it won out in tests thanks to it’s IRS, and lightweight, something the dated Willys couldn’t compete with. I don’t think these ever saw any kind of service, I read, by Vietnam, helicopters had gotten so advanced, there was no need for these, plus, as expected, they were horribly underpowered. Like all early 4×4’s then,( Scout, CJ, NAPCO, etc) speed was not a concern, getting there was. I think this would be great to go from one side of your sprawling ranch to the other, something a modern ATV could do a lot better for a lot less, but where’s the fun it that, eh? Cool find, 5 figure novelty is about it.
Hopefully a real 4wheeler gets it for a fair price and uses it off road or for hunting.
Cool little 4×4, looks like a fun ride. Todd, great job on the write-up, your comments made me laugh out loud. I really liked “It certainly beats dragging it around on the belly pan.” Nice work!
Interesting find but for $18,500 I will just buy a jeep, Collins brothers jeep in Texas is going to be selling off some real nice ones soon
The V4 engine was being considered for use in an updated Metropolitan in the early 1960s had there been an updated Metropolitan.
Camp Pendleton … I was on light duty from an injury so for 90 days I was the company runner. My Mite had a canvas top and a heater. The Mite at Regiment HQ had a Hardtop as pictured with a roof mounted A/C, and a heater. Regiment C.O. drove himself most places so he had “chilledout” MightyMite. These were go most anywhere Rigs, they would go places the Jeep could or would not. Very Small and very Light made them great.