Mighty Mites Research Archives

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1953 Photo of Mighty Mite w/Helicopter

• CATEGORIES: Features, Mighty Mites, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This photo appeared in the August 19, 1953, issue of the Dayton Daily News (Ohio). Interestingly, the original press photo does not have the helicopter in the background …

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PHOTO CREDIT: August 19, 1953, issue of the Dayton Daily News (Ohio)

Here’s what appears to be the original photo:

View all the information on eBay

“Photo is 10″x 8″in size.”

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Testing The Mighty Mite

• CATEGORIES: Features, Mighty Mites, videos This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: These various photos show the early testing of Mighty Mites.

(02/29/2020) This photo appears to show one of the prototype Mighty Mites. It’s hood number (179849) is 3 numbers away from another Mighty Mite (179846) that appeared in the press video at the bottom of this post.

“1954 Sikorsky S-56 Helicopter Backing Jeep into Cargo area … Press Photo”

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Here’s the Mighty Mite press video:

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Originally Posted May of 2018: The hood and windshield on this jeep are different from the standard Mighty Mite. This may have been an early prototype. See the photo at the bottom for another view of a vehicle that may be one until earlier than the vehicle in the press photo. (the one in the press photo is #179849).

“1954 Press Photo Jeep being loaded into Sikorsky XHR25 helicopter, Connecticut. This is an original press photo. Three loaded jeeps or 26 men can be carried by a new giant helicopter demonstrated at Bridgeport, Connecticut, Monday. The Sikorsky XHR25 is being built in quantity for the armed forces. It has twin engines, retractable landing gear and rotors that fold, making it easy to handle aboard aircraft carriers. It will fly faster than 150 miles an hour. (Aero-Helicopter) Photo measures 10 x 7 inches. Photo is dated 01-19-1954.”

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This is #197848 (from G503): http://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?t=195524

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Originally Posted September 2018: Cool, but odd photo, given the roadway behind it. Lots of competing visual angles.

“This is an original press photo. Light enough to be airlifted by helicopter but tough enough to pull through knee deep mud, the mighty mite is to be produced by American Motors Corp. for the military forces. The mighty mite weighs 1,300 pounds less than the jeep and is 43 inches shorter. It is capable of climbing an 87% grade and can do 57 miles an hour on the highway. Its powerful aluminum die cast, air cooled engine enables the vehicle to carry a payload of 500 pounds while towing another 1,000 pounds over rough terrain. United States – Army – Equipment – Vehicles Photo measures 9 x 7.25 inches. Photo is dated 12-05-1954”

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1962 Mighty Mite Stuarts Draft, VA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8000.

(11/28/2019) Runs. Seller has an additional rolling chassis (sounds like it is not included in the price though).

“Engine runs, needs transmission work (has replacement just install) Has several additional parts as well as additional rolling chassis available. And new windshield. Will need to be picked up or shipped.”

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3 Mighty Mites in Eastern Oregon **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5000.

The metadata suggests these are in Cedarburg, Wisconsin; However, the description states these are in Oregon (the state, not the town of Oregon, Wisconsin). The terrain suggests these are in eastern Oregon.

“3 m422 mighty mite for sale In Oregon”

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1959 M-422A1 Salt Lake City, UT $12,250

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Price dropped to $12,250.

Seller believes there are only 12 Mighty Mites in driving condition in the US, but that seems like a low number based on what I’ve seen.

https://cars.ksl.com/listing/5701558?ad_cid=19

“M422 Mighty Mite $12,250 OBO Excellent condition Run & Drive only 12 left in the whole US driving condition independent suspension all original (((air-cooled engine))) 24 volts. All aluminum, weighs less than 1100 lb it does great in Moab definitely a head-turner for sure one and only in the state of Utah”

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1960 M-22A1 Mighty Mite Longmont, CO **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Status Unknown. Was $4500.

Dave spotted this former Ranch vehicle that may have been driven by recording stars.

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“The M22 Mighty Mite is a Lightweight 1/4 ton 4X4 Tactical Jeep, suitable for Airlifting and manhandling

My Jeep still has the Air Lift Hooks and all Military Equipment on it…

Only 2500 were Built and most are Gone…

This was also used at the (Caribou Ranch Recording Studio)
A lot of Famous Rock Stars drove this Jeep when they stayed at the Recording Studio…

{ Own a peace of Colorado History }

This Jeep still has all the Caribou Ranch ( CR ) Logos still on it…”See Pictures”
Continue reading

 
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2 Mighty Mites Wheeling, IL **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3700.

(06/05/2019) A couple Mighty Mite projects.

422-422a1-wheeling-il1 422-422a1-wheeling-il2

“The body metal on these vehicles is aluminum, so there is no body panel rust.

The blue Mite is an M422. It is very complete, and really only needs seats and a pintle. A driver’s seat and pintle hook are on the other Mite, so those could easily be swapped over. The windshield is technically incorrect, as it is the M38 style. However there are two correct Might Mite 2nd pattern windshields included in the sale. (The most noticeable difference is where the windshield wiper arms protrude in relation to the windshield hood bumpers. On the M38 ws they are centered within each bumper. The correct Mite ws has the wipers protrude inboard of the bumpers.)
The body number is 440
The frame number looks to be 1727
I cannot read the engine number

The silver/aluminum Mite is an M422A1. Included is a correct windshield, a voltage regulator, and a generator. The front-end body aluminum panels are complete and included. This Mite would need some suspension work, as well as some front-end steering/suspension pieces to be complete in that area. Because it is missing some minor suspension components and the front aluminum body pieces have been removed (but are included) it simply looks like less of a vehicle. It is missing the front right wheel and suspension parts. There are also some spare/extra parts included, including a spare engine.
The body number is 3408
The frame number is 3248
The engine number is 1769

The Mites are located just north of Chicago. Both Mites have titles. The internal condition of all three engines is unknown. Please PM me with any questions or offers. I’ll do my best to answer your questions, but I’m not a Mite guy, so my knowledge is very limited. I am not willing to part these out. The M422 is almost 100% complete and would be an easy enough restoration on its own, but paired with the A1 you’d probably only need a passenger seat, rear seats, (and if you so chose) top bows and canvas to complete it.”

 
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1961 Mighty Mite Poestenkill, NY **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4500.

“1961 mighty mite,Viet Nam American motor serial #1730, 4108 miles, 3000 made, body great condition, aluminum body. I have too many projects. $4500.00 firm, already lost shipping charges. Needs the starter repaired will not start.”

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1963 Mighty-Mite-VW Modesto, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites, VEEP (VW Jeep), Scamp, Others This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1000.

(03/08/2018) I’m thinking there’s a lot of project left on this.

“This is an Original Mighty Mite Army Jeep . Produced by AMC This one has been converted to Volkswagen power. It is not running and is strictly a project. It has an all aluminum body.”

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Mighty Mite Body on CJ Chassis Center Township, PA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000.

John shared this one, which seems to be an unusual combination of a CJ chassis and a Mighty Mite body.

“Not yet sure of the year. Not title available.”

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4 M-422 Mighty Mites Rathdrum, ID **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5000.

Need Mighty Mite parts? Here’s a unique opportunity.

“I have 4 jeep mighty mites they are unrestored and need work. 3 of them are the m422a1 and 1 is the m422. Aluminum body, These were marine Corp only and are smaller then a willys jeep. They are powered by a 4 cly air cooled motor. Pretty neat rigs and fairly rare. I want $5000 for all 4 of them plus all the parts I have for them. I will sell separately price will depend on which one and what parts you want included. Make a resealable offer on one or all four and I may just take you up on the offer”

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1961 Mighty Mite Salina, KS **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD**. Was $4000.

Has bad engine.

“Very rare 1961 mighty mite its the short one and that’s the hard one to find its a military jeep made mostly of aluminum very light has a AMC motor but I only have the block and corisponding parts trany drive train all good just bad motor”

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1960 M-422 Mighty Mite Atkins, AR **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5000.

(01/08/2017) Needs an engine.

“1960 M422 Marine Corps Mighty Might 1/4 ton 4×4 aluminum jeep, only 1250 of this version were produced. This one is #20.
New tires, good paint job, missing motor, front two propeller shafts, rear drive shaft.
Motor is a: AMC AV-108-4 V4 engine developed by American Motors. The air-cooled 107.8 cu in (1.8L) developed 52 bhp and 90 lb ft of torque, which propelled it to a top speed of 65 miles per hour.”

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1960 M-422 Mighty Mite Pemberton, NJ **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6500.

I wonder if the toy jeep is included.

“1960 M422 MIGHTY MITE for sale,$6500 #366 12/20/1960,complete jeep,has correct early windshield frame and and glass,missing canvas seat bottoms,solf top and bows,sorry no title,bill of sale,motor complete,never tried to get it started,comes with a NOS FUEL TANK AND DEEP FORDING KIT,has all 5 correct rims,jeep located in Pemberton NJ next to Fort Dix 08068”

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Military Vehicle Auction Havelock, NC

• CATEGORIES: Auctions, GPW (Ford MB), Mighty Mites, Other 4x4s This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: I’ve been informed that there may be twenty-one jeeps for sale. I don’t see any others added to the auction list.

Mark spotted this auction. Bidding is live and bids will be accepted through October 24th.

“Bidding Now LIVE. The Estate of the Late Bill Barrington – MVPA #11020. Lifetime Collection of Restored WWII Military Vehicles. INSPECTION Dates & Location: Thursday Oct. 19 & Friday Oct. 20, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 8002 US HWY 70 West, Havelock, NC 28543. Bidding ENDS October 24 @ 2:00 PM”

https://bid.houseauctioncompany.com/view-auctions/catalog/id/16804/

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1961 Mighty Mite Myrtle Creek, OR **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4800.

(05/04/2017) Seller has a lot of text, but doesn’t actually describe the one for sale.

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1962 M-442A1 Mighty Mite Mt. Airy, NC **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **Status Unknown** Was $3850

(04/04/2017) Craig spotted this one.

“-1962 AMC M422A1 Mighty Mite USMC Military Jeep
-Only 2,672 of these jeeps were built for the USMC
-VERY RARE
-All Aluminum Body
-4×4 with High/Low
-Only weighs around 1700 lbs.
-Has an Air Cooled AMC V4 Engine “AMC AV-108-4″
-This jeep needs total restoration, has not run in years
-Complete Jeep, most all parts are on the unit
-Parts are easy to get on-line, would be an easy project to restore
-Call or text me with and questions that you have”

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Year? Mighty Mite Anthony, NM **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $8500.

Mark listed this nice Mighty Mite at warjeeps.com.

“American Motors, #2518. Complete, less than 500 miles on rebuilt engine and tires. New Mexico clean title.”

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1962 Mighty Mite Brentwood, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Was $8000. **SOLD**

(10/25/2014) Great condition?

“1962 Mighty Mite all aluminum Army jeep, collectors item. only 3900 made, great condition $8k”

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Year? Mighty Mite Vina, CA **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: This likely sold. Was $5600.

Steve spotted this one. Looks like a good price. Did these come in orange originally?

Mighty Mite body in excellent condition with no dents or damage. Original Paint. Engine runs. New set of tires not mounted.”

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Military Jeep Collection **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: M-151, M-170, M-38, M-38A1, MB, Mighty Mites This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Was eBay. **SOLD**

Pascal forwarded this unique collection for sale on eBay. It includes, an MB,M38,M38A1,M170,M151A1,M422A1. Lots of pics.

“Description
Up for sale is a unique collection of the span of the military jeep generations. Our founder has been collecting these Jeeps for decades and has decided to sell his collection in its entirety.

Over the past decades, our founder collected the cream of what came by our doors, and stored them away in his personal collection. As we are also one of the biggest Jeep Parts distributors in the USA this was a relatively easy task, both to find these jewels and to refit them with whatever parts that were needed. Part can be found at Jeeps Surplus in Oroville, CA. The only vehicle in this collection not running is the “1960 AMC M422A1 MITY MITE”, which hasn’t had any engine work.

The purchase price for the entire jeep collection is $100,000.00. We will not be selling these jeeps individually.”

 

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The “LIST”
1945 WILLYS MB JEEP
THE CULMINATION OF THE WW2 JEEP. THIS COMPLETE FRAME OFF
RESTORATION HAS ALL NEW OR REFURBISHED PARTS. INCLUDES A NEW
CANVAS MILITARY SUMMER TOP AND ORIGINAL WW2 SCR-610 JEEP RADIO SET
AND ANTENNA.
Continue reading

 
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Photo of Mighty Mites Ready for Transport on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Mighty Mites, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Marc found this great photo.

“Newly printed photo poster on the highest quality photographic paper . Photo poster size is 16 inches x 20 inches , image size may be slightly smaller . Please see scan for exact image . This beautiful poster is a great item to frame and display on your wall! It will fit in a commonly available 16 inch x 20 inch frame.”

View all the information on ebay

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1960 Mighty Mite Lafayette, LA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Was $8500. **SOLD**

it appears solid.

“1960 Mighty Mite Jeep for sale. Good condition,Running,new tires, All Aluminum Body, Seats to be installed (I have the seats) Great Classic clear title will post pics
this weekend.”

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Year? Mighty Mite Staples, MN **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $9500

“mity-mite jeep for sale overhauled motor otherwise original all aluminum body runs good clear title you could not find a nicer military jeep”

 

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1960 M-422E1 Atlanta, GA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Mighty Mites • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay

The seller indicates this is an experimental Mighty Mite? I don’t know enough about them.

“This auction is for a very rare M422E1, the general consensus is that only 10 were lengthened by 6” and became the basis for the M422A1. This was referenced by the August 1960 issue of Leatherneck. The article stated that “10 Mighty Mites are being prepared at the Detroit factory for specialized work. “They will have a six-inch longer wheelbase,” Capt. McPherson said, and will be able to handle specific communication gear.” This M422E1 was equipped with a MRC-83 radio (Serial number X1) as indicated by data plate. Also has very rare and fully functioning early tail-gate with built in seats. Jeep starts and runs well, see video on youtube by going to:
http://youtu.be/fuXTnoDFM2s

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