Why I Do It – Mel Gabel’s love of Military Jeeps

07/03/2025

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~ Sent to us by Mel Gabel

I got started in the MV hobby when my parents gave me an army Jeep for Christmas, just prior to my 17th birthday. The Jeep, a 1953 Willys M38A1 CDN, came from one of the early public auctions at Downsview. Buying the Jeep was clearly my Dad’s idea, and that started us on a journey together that has lasted 44 years and counting. We’ve been to three MVPA conventions (Oakland, Dayton and Louisville) and many other MV related events in Ontario and the US.

Canadian Jeeps had a Canadian Forces Registration number (CFR) that was painted under the doorway on either side and under the data plates. The first two numbers are the year of the vehicle, followed by a five digit number. It’s like a license plate for military vehicles. There were also two actual license plates, front and rear, that had only the last five digits of the CFR.

*Dad beside a Staff Car at the MVPA convention in Oakland. He is older than the car.*

My Dad has been my biggest helper when it comes to sanding and cleaning parts for painting. He did all the wheels on my deuce and half, and those wheels are very heavy to handle. He has helped to turn wrenches and to provide an extra set of hands when I needed them. We’ve been on vehicle scouting trips where his opinion reflects sober thought and judgement to temper my blind enthusiasm.

We have also driven my vehicles together in many Remembrance Day parades and Santa Claus parades. My Dad usually drives a Jeep. At 6’ 4” tall, getting in and out of a Jeep is often a challenge, especially with the canvas roof and side curtains on. The doors are always off, so my Dad is exposed to the elements. It is usually cool in November, but downright cold during the Campbellville Santa Claus parade, which runs the last Sunday before Christmas.

The Remembrance Day parade in Milton is particularly rewarding for both of us because we each have veterans in the vehicles and there is usually a large and appreciative crowd lining the main street from the Legion to the cenotaph. We have a chance to talk with the veterans in our vehicles and lots people are waving and taking pictures in addition to their cheering and clapping for the vets.

*Dad driving my jeep to a Remembrance day service at our church. At 6’4″, my Dad found that getting in and out of my jeep wasn’t the easiest thing to do when the top was on.*

As we drive home after the parade – me in an M37 following my Dad in a Jeep – there is a feeling of great satisfaction and enjoyment that we can do this together, and that the veterans and the people on the street appreciate our efforts