GMC CCKW 353 B2 cargo overhaul
After UNIVEM move in its new location, we saw that the GMC cargo suffered a bit during the moving. It was decided to overhauled it. (from 2005 to 2007)
Pinguins in our garage?
The preservation of polar exploration vehicles of famous French explorer Paul-Emile Victor included a sequence at UNIVEM where they got prepared for the big yearly exhibition in Paris : “Retromobile” big vehicle is a “modern” « Hotchkiss » HB40, the small one is a WWII Studebaker Weasel M29C (see “Association vehicles”) Paul-Emile Victor hears in 1947 that…
Locomotion en Fête 2007
UNIVEM was again present for this big gathering of vintage vehicles in the south of Paris: “La Locomotion en Fête”.
Inauguration of our Satory premises in 2005
January 14, 2005, has been a milestone in the history of our association : we were inaugurating our new premises in Versailles-Satory. Extensive real estate business in our previous location led to UNIVEM being forced to move from Issy-les-Moulineaux. There, many who had never pushed our door knew us though : we were on the…
A special load
In late 2004 / early 2005 we had to leave our premises in “Issy les Moulineaux” to move to the new ones in “Versailles- Satory”. Everything had to follow. One item was very special : the “Aerotrain”. We transported it with our International H542 and the 40′ trailer from the “Trailer Co. of America”
Replica of the Jeep GPA « Half Safe » (2004)
During the 1950s, Ben Carlin has been the first adventurer (and still the only one) to go round the globe with an amphibian vehicle. His choice : a 1942 Jeep GPA (General Purpose Amphibious) that he named “Half Safe”, a daredevil program or a statement of belief, your choice ! A UNIVEM member replicated it,…
UNIVEM on the stage at the Paris “Palais des Congrès” (2004)
For the 60th celebration of the Liberation of Paris, the glenn Miller Orchestra played in Paris, at the Palais des Congrès (Convention Center with a large auditorium). UNIVEM was selected to bring a few elements of scenery. When the music swings, it’s great. But when a Jeep and a Dodge WC56 flank the orchestra, it’s even…
60th commemoration of Paris Liberation
It has been a spectacular celebration for which the City of Paris had hired a producer and director. We did several rehearsals at night. Many collectors participated with their vehicles. The finale with a big official parade in front of the President on the town hall place, and a parade on the Champs Elysées made…
60th D-DAY in Normandy
For the 60th D-Day Anniversary in Normandy, UNIVEM held a camp in Vierville-sur-Mer, next to Omaha Beach. The association came with a dozen vehicles: Pacific M26, Ward La France M1A1, GMC DUKW, Ford M8, Scout Car, Half-Track or Dodge Command Car, among others, besides all the private vehicles from our members. Thanks to the “5ème…
Artistic experience in 2000
UNIVEM cooperated with artists in April 2000 and liberated a lot of space in its garage, then still at Issy-les-Moulineaux. But more important, we gave permission to wrap completely the vehicles with aluminium foil. An astonishing result, but rather convincing, even if there was no link whatsoever with our “pledge to remember”! A field of…
Paris Liberation, 1999 commemoration at the Jean Moulin museum in Montparnasse
An unusual sight : our vintage vehicles in the modern landscape of the Montparnasse railway station in Paris, with the magnificent garden covering the tracks below. These buildings host the Jean Moulin museum, a historical figure of the French Resistance during WWII.