Winning bid
£7,500

1979 Chevrolet C30 Water Tanker - EX USAF

Highlights

• Only 2923 miles from new (Fully documented) 
• Ex US AF water tanker
• 5.7 litre Chevy V8 demineralised water tanker 250-gals capacity 
  • US Air Force type: A/S32A-24 MCLEOD /CC31003
  • ENGINE S/N: V0124TFTUS Air Force Reg No: 80L52 
  • Number of owners: 1 (Apart from Military)VIN: 
  • VIN: CCL 339V13 7454

The Background

The Chevy C30 Pick-up truck was a stalwart of the American truck industry from 1960 all the way up to 2002 with 4 generations being produced in that time in huge numbers.
Being a basic pick-up truck platform there were all manner of variations produced so its no surprise this strong base was ideal for a military vehicle in 1979 when this 3rd generation was produced.

The History

The vehicle was manufactured in 1979 and was accepted into active service, post its custom modifications, in 1980.
It is a Chevy Pick-up with custom water bowser/tank and pump system allowing it to carry and dispense water to aircraft and other receiving vehicles.
It was typically used to dispense demineralised water to B52 bombers as part of the system used to boost engine power on take-off. 
Usually the military never release paperwork but the current owner with his then close connections with USAFE was able to obtain the original vehicle records. They are fully detailed and show all the maintenance that was carried out and the historic mileages.
  1. 1980.02 Acceptance from the manufacturers and placed in storage.
  2. 1982.09.16 Andrews Air Force Base DCANG Mileage:114
  3. 1986.01.01 Athens & Hellenikon AFB Greece APO 09223. Mileage: 1817
  4. 1991.01.22 RAF Upper Heyford. Mileage: 2164
  5. 1993.09.16: Acquired by present owner
When delivered the current owner put it into dry storage and is has sat there for the last 30 years until this year when it was brought out, recommissioned and registered with the DVLA.

The Paperwork

There is a full history file of military documents with the vehicle showing is history, transfers and maintenance. The V5 and documents pertinent to its registration with the DVLA are also present. The new V5C shows it as an historic vehicle exempt from type approval. So all the paperwork and hassle of registration has been completed! Various receipts for parts for the recommissioning are also in the folder.
In addition, there are several original Chevrolet workshop manuals some inches thick! And the US Air Force “Technical Orders” as their manuals were called; these are never released but going with the vehicle will be TO36A12-23-8 and -11 and 14. These cover the vehicle's special equipment.

The Interior

The interior is standard and very basic pick-up truck style as to be expected with a utilitarian vehicle. It would benefit for a deep clean, there is little wear to the large bench seat however it does have some stains with some wear the driver’s side and passenger side floor/carpet/mat. This is largely due to it being parked on the flight-line in Greece in the heat! It has automatic transmission with column shift.

The Exterior 

The exterior of the vehicle remains in its original USAF colours and signage, the paint work is mainly solid with a nice patina/weathering to it.
There are a few areas that will need attention, mainly on the water tank cladding as pictured. This has acquired some extensive rust. No work has been done to the tank and ancillary equipment.
The whole body and chassis have recently been coated in a waxoyl type product to preserve it.

The Mechanics 

The truck starts runs and drives and sounds quite beastly as is typical with the Chevy V8s of this era. It changes gears smoothly and ticks over perfectly fine.
Due to being laid up in dry storage for some while the brakes needed attention and various items (front discs/pads etc) have already been replaced as part of the recommissioning process.
Please note, the brakes will need attention as two of the brake lines have corrosion, new front stainless steel brake lines and stainless proportioning valve for the front and rear brakes are provided with the vehicle and can be seen in the image of the interior on the front seat. There is a new wiper motor to be fitted

The vehicle is provided with extreme cold equipment including switchable dual voltage 12v 110v coolant heater etc. There are outlets on the vehicle into which the power supply cable can be inserted. The original cable comes with the vehicle.

The Tanker

 
This comprises a 250 gallon insulated tank originally for potable or demineralised water. Centrifugal pump. Filtration system and flow meter. Retractable hose on a reel and control switch panel. Lighting. Dual 12v 110v system. Removable access panels. Note: the tanker and it’s equipment is quite corroded and sold “as is” but, if retained, we were intending to completely restore which would not be a difficult project.

The Appeal

This type of vehicle typically ends up in the hands of those that military vehicle collectors or part of the military re-enactment scene. The tanker body could be removed for it to be converted to a regular pick up if preferred.
It's an unusual and unique vehicle with very low mileage and overall, its solid however it will need some minor works to bring it back to its former glory. 
For a vehicle of this type with such a low mileage and history to be offered for sale is almost unheard of!
If big American trucks and specifically American military vehicles are your thing then this could be a really fun vehicle to own and use.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here
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Auction Details

  • Year1979
  • MakeChevrolet
  • ModelC30 USAAF Tanker
  • ColourGreen
  • Odometer2,923 Miles
  • Engine size5700cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • CountySomerset
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

29 Bids

anthony••••
Bid
£7,500
08/03/22
Sibton••••
Bid
£7,000
08/03/22
anthony••••
Bid
£6,600
08/03/22
Sibton••••
Bid
£6,500
08/03/22
anthony••••
Bid
£6,400
08/03/22
Sibton••••
Bid
£6,300
08/03/22
anthony••••
Bid
£6,200
08/03/22
Sibton••••
Bid
£6,100
08/03/22
anthony••••
Bid
£6,000
08/03/22
Sibton••••
Bid
£5,900
08/03/22

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