1952 Commer Q2 Superpoise Military Truck

Description

• UNSOLD at auction June 2023 
• Nut and bolt restoration 6 years ago
• One of just 150 Built in 1951/52
• Humber 4.2 Petrol Engine
• Immensely Collectable Classic Military Truck
• Very rentable in the TV world

The Commer Superpoise range (Q-series) was introduced in 1939, with both semi-forward and full-forward control options.  These newer models were more streamlined and modern in appearance and adopted an American International-like front end.  The line included trucks of 1+1⁄2 to 6 ton capacity, powered by 6-cylinder petrol or diesel engines.

With the outbreak of the Second World War, special conversions for military use and more rugged off-road abilities helped build stronger trucks. From the lessons learnt during six years of war, advancements and performance of post-war vehicles followed. A new Superpoise range with payloads of between 2 and 5 ton was introduced that had six-cylinder engines.

The Truck

This particular Commer Q2 comes to market from our collector who would now like to pass it on to its next custodian.

It will be supplied with:

• The current V5 in our vendor’s name
• Original Commer Instruction Book
• Original Workshop Manual
• Original Military Number Plates

Fitted out as a personnel carrier and one of only one hundred and fifty produced during 1951/52.  The Rootes Group was commissioned to build the Chassis and Cab under military contract number 6598 and the wooden body was manufactured by Park Royal Vehicles in London under contract number 6973.

What a fantastic piece of historic information.

Originally this Commer Q2 was  found in quite a state over six years ago, our vendor undertook a two-year journey to restore the vehicle and as you can see from the images the truck is still in fantastic condition. Used sparingly since then the Commer Q2 has held up extremely well and shows no signs of rust or obvious damage anywhere.

The underside is in just as good condition with no rust or holes anywhere on the chassis. As you would expect, there is very minor surface rust on the leaf springs and prop shaft but nothing that would create concern.

The new, at the time, canvas is in great condition with no rips or tears. All the lights look in great condition.  The minimal brightwork and badges are all in position and present well.

Inside the cab you will see that the bench seat base and back are lovely in their brown vinyl covering. The door pads and kick panels in the contrasting chocolate are also in fantastic condition. The roof lining is very presentable, and the dash and steering column are painted to match the exterior.

The only real thing to note is that there has been some spare carpet fitted to the cab floor with a view to protect the floor pan.

The six-cylinder 4.2 petrol engine is running fantastically and starts on the button.  It has a stainless-steel exhaust that looks in perfect order and the running gear and suspension are emitting no unusual knock or clunks.

Our view

It is very rare to see a Commer Superpoise Q2 military about these days and even rarer to see one in this condition.

It is an impressive size and is an incredible piece which is just steeped in history. A rare survivor of military background and a remarkably clean and tidy truck that will impress in any collection.

Although running perfectly we do suspect it will be snapped up by a collector, or even rented out for use in the TV world as these stunning trucks often are.

Very sensibly priced, the buyer will be mightily impressed and will very likely make it earn for them at the same time.