Military vehicles have long been a niche-market segment of the Automotive world, and limited-production units like Mighty Mites are an even more narrow slice of that pie. Here, we have not one but TWO project Mites, together for sale on eBay out of Elk Horn, Iowa. Let’s have a look and see what’s up with them!
Conceived just after World War II, the MM-100 was created by Benjamin F. Gregory and his Mid-America Research Corporation (MARCO), including four of the engineers who worked on the original Bantam BRC jeep. Its original, forward-thinking configuration had an aluminum body, an air-cooled Porsche flat-four engine, independent suspension with inboard brakes, and 64-1/2-inch wheelbase. America’s Marine Corps needed lightweight, capable offroaders that could match the capability of the GPW but be lighter and smaller overall. MARCO’s concept fit that bill, weighing in at only 1.700 lbs.
Eventually, the MM-100 became the M422, and later M422A, and was built by AMC in the old Hudson factory. It featured an American Motors air-cooled AV-108-4 V4 1.8 liter (107.8 cu. in.) engine, producing a little over 50 horsepower and 90 lb-ft of torque, then fed that through a manual gearbox, synchromesh transfer case for shift-on-the-fly 4WD, and limited-slip differentials. Top speeds of 55-65 mph were achievable, and it did what it was designed to do.
When all was said and done, Mighty Mites had elements that were advanced for their time, and did well at their duty, but they were never meant to be much more than a limited-scope, limited-run deal. Between 3000 and 4000 units were ever made, and only 2,000 or so were A2s like these in the advert. There are neat videos here on YouTube, and a second also on YouTube which give you an idea of their size and capability.
Now that we have the back story, let’s look at this lot-of-two a little closer. The seller tells us, and we can see, that there are two units in very different states of completion, with one engine and a collection of spare parts. We’re not given a whole lot else to go on, so the few pictures have to give us their proverbial “thousand words”. We can see that one is much more together than the other, but neither of them looks to be in that bad of physical shape. We can see what looks like rust under the windshield of the one that’s all apart, a seemingly complete engine on a frame, and four spare rims – but other than than, we can’t say for sure what other parts come with.
All that in mind, I personally like the idea of having a vehicle like this. As cool and I find it to be, though, it’s worth noting what owners of them have to say. One of our readers, Steve, pointed out in a comment last year that: “The engines are very problematic. The chrome lining flakes off of the cylinders and destroys the bearings and crank. If this happens the engine cannot be repaired because no undersized bearings are available for a ground crank. Other parts are very hard to find. The missing seats are almost impossible to find…It generally takes three to build one.” So, taking all of the above into consideration, what do YOU think of the Mighty Mite? Would YOU take on the challenge of making two into one? Let us know in the comments!
IMHO, at the very least: build one as a runner with whatever drivetrain would be appropriate for it-hopefully enough parts to build original, but at least have a running model available for Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Independence Day remembrances. You quoted Steve as saying the engines were problematic with engine issues (might be just another of many reasons for the short length of time they were built), which makes me think that more than a few of these probably wound up with another drivetrain of some kind there..it’d be interesting to find out what worked best.
The other should be completed (running or not) as a static display for The National Vietnam War Museum in Washington, D.C.
Two words: LS swap!
(Couldn’t resist)
Kelvinator should have stuck with making refrigerators.
Sorry couldn’t resist, but they couldn’t even get a lawn mower engine right!
Cheers
GPC
Didn’t these have an Austin connection ?
Or am I confusing them with the Champ (?)
The Marines should have just copied the design of the German WWII 4×4 car, it was even amphibious. I saw a few of them in military museums, and they impressed me because of their size, and the excellent reputation it had with the Germans.
Here is the link with pictures:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Schwimmwagen
land version
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_K%C3%BCbelwagen
Bob
I think I’d build one as original and correct as I could and sell it. Then I’d replace the missing motor with a VW TDI unit and never, ever stop driving.
A small four cylinder diesel is the way I’d go!! These were never very fast only about 45 mph top speed but a diesel would give you a ton of torque!! The body’s look solid enough that a buff and polish might get it looking pretty good!! Just my thoughts!!!
Oh wait isn’t the TDI Volkswagen motor a diesel???
They also have VERY limited legroom. Not at all comfortable to get behind the wheel if you are over 5’10”, if that.
can’t C a thing in these pic…went to fleebay, no better.
Only sales to folks very experienced w/these? pretty limited mrkt then…
Plez (U C this all the time) if you REALLY wanna get rid of something –
Uncover it (totally), take a min of 4 quality pic (4 sides).
if you don’t care? don’t list it.
Designed with the US Marines in mind. Well..OK..with the idea that a small light weight vehicle would be ideal for fast amphibious landing and airdrops. The problem would be that you were giving them to…Marines. No disrespect! I worked with a wonderful retired Marine Master Sargent who had a bumper sticker on his desk that stated “When you absolutely, positively have to have it destroyed overnight. US MARINES” He chuckled about it one time and said “Yup, almost as much of our stuff as THEIR stuff, some days…” Ask a Marine to break an anvil and he will politely ask “How many pieces, Sir?” ALL of these would have led a rough life…
Late father-in-law, late brother-in-law, and current (living) boss all Marines. I love that bumper sticker you mentioned, Steve ! We actually had some light-weight “Jeeps” in the Army during the Viet Nam/Cold War era that regularly got stuck in fairly shallow mud. The good thing was the “light” part as easily retrievable, even by a couple of strong-backed troops. (Who didn’t mind get totally filthy…LOL)
That’s not true. Marine EQ is valuable, if you break a Dodge Truck or AM General HumVee, that Marine is walking. 2nd time: he is carrying an M-240. There are thousands of Marines in Motor T maintaining all vehicles. Spare parts are the bottle neck, if any? I was in Marine tanks, during combat operations, we had 100% running and firing. I do like the bumper sticker, a little wordy, unless you drive an AmTrac. rick Ontos