Curbside Classic Outtake: The Ultimate 2CV Antidote – Cryptic Symbology Edition

Paul Niedermeyer
by Paul Niedermeyer

At TTAC we take the “fair and balanced” slogan seriously; just not necessarily in any given post. I do tend to go a bit off the deep end, especially after a long week. We’ve had three small cars and one big one this week; the Camaro is in a special category of its own. So we need some serious counterbalancing at the last minute, lest we offend some of our more “big iron” oriented readers (it seems like I’ve managed to offend pretty much every camp this week). Folks; CC is meant (hopefully) to have a modicum of entertainment value, so don’t take anything I say too seriously, ever. Here’s my peace offering: an ex-military machine with a cryptic symbol on the door. Does anyone know what it stands for? Are chicks attracted to it?

Paul Niedermeyer
Paul Niedermeyer

More by Paul Niedermeyer

Comments
Join the conversation
2 of 20 comments
  • ChuckR ChuckR on Jan 23, 2010

    The interior shot reminds me of the wheelhouse of a commercial fisherman's small boat - bluff, upright and boxy. I have always liked the the looks of its cousin, the 1940's to 1960's flat fender Power Wagon. Unfortunately, my back wouldn't like the seating arrangements very much. In either model.

  • Martin Albright Martin Albright on Jan 26, 2010

    Yes, the M37 was truly a great vehicle. Descended almost directly from the WWII Weapons Carrier, it added a dual-speed transfer case, a separate cab and cargo area (the WWII vehicle was basically a 3/4 ton Jeep) and a slightly updated engine. Believe it or not, I actually saw an M37 still being used by the US Army - in 1993! Keep in mind that this is long after the M37's replacement, the M715, and the M715's replacement, the M880 (a civilian Dodge pickup from the 1970's) were retired from service. It was at Fort Huachuca, AZ, and the M37 was being used by the Directorate of Engineering and Housing, basically the maintenance staff of the post.

  • Lou_BC "That’s expensive for a midsize pickup" All of the "offroad" midsize trucks fall in that 65k USD range. The ZR2 is probably the cheapest ( without Bison option).
  • Lou_BC There are a few in my town. They come out on sunny days. I'd rather spend $29k on a square body Chevy
  • Lou_BC I had a 2010 Ford F150 and 2010 Toyota Sienna. The F150 went through 3 sets of brakes and Sienna 2 sets. Similar mileage and 10 year span.4 sets tires on F150. Truck needed a set of rear shocks and front axle seals. The solenoid in the T-case was replaced under warranty. I replaced a "blend door motor" on heater. Sienna needed a water pump and heater blower both on warranty. One TSB then recall on spare tire cable. Has a limp mode due to an engine sensor failure. At 11 years old I had to replace clutch pack in rear diff F150. My ZR2 diesel at 55,000 km. Needs new tires. Duratrac's worn and chewed up. Needed front end alignment (1st time ever on any truck I've owned).Rear brakes worn out. Left pads were to metal. Chevy rear brakes don't like offroad. Weird "inside out" dents in a few spots rear fenders. Typically GM can't really build an offroad truck issue. They won't warranty. Has fender-well liners. Tore off one rear shock protector. Was cheaper to order from GM warehouse through parts supplier than through Chevy dealer. Lots of squeaks and rattles. Infotainment has crashed a few times. Seat heater modual was on recall. One of those post sale retrofit.Local dealer is horrific. If my son can't service or repair it, I'll drive 120 km to the next town. 1st and last Chevy. Love the drivetrain and suspension. Fit and finish mediocre. Dealer sucks.
  • MaintenanceCosts You expect everything on Amazon and eBay to be fake, but it's a shame to see fake stuff on Summit Racing. Glad they pulled it.
  • SCE to AUX 08 Rabbit (college car, 128k miles): Everything is expensive and difficult to repair. Bought it several years ago as a favor to a friend leaving the country. I outsourced the clutch ($1200), but I did all other work. Ignition switch, all calipers, pads, rotors, A/C compressor, blower fan, cooling fan, plugs and coils, belts and tensioners, 3 flat tires (nails), and on and on.19 Ioniq EV (66k miles): 12V battery, wipers, 1 set of tires, cabin air filter, new pads and rotors at 15k miles since the factory ones wore funny, 1 qt of reduction gear oil. Insurance is cheap. It costs me nearly nothing to drive it.22 Santa Fe (22k miles): Nothing yet, except oil changes. I dread having to buy tires.
Next