In late 1940, after testing the Bantam prototype BRC (the Mark I) for one month, the Quartermaster Corp Technical committee was impressed enough to ask Bantam for 70 additional pilot versions to test (these would be the BRC-60 or Mark IIs). They also asked Willys and Ford to submit prototypes. While Willys submitted a two wheel Quad for testing (they made another prototype: a 4 wheel steering Quad), Ford built 2 prototypes: one is the Pygmy (still exists) and the other was a Pygmy/Budd prototype called a Buddy. (Note that I attempt to use the same designations for pilot/prototype that Frederic Coldwell uses in his Preproduction Civilian Jeeps book.)
While the Ford Pygmy was submitted to the Quartermaster for testing, the Pygmy/Budd hybrid was not. The history is hazy, but the original Budd disappeared into the California desert at some point. Miraculously, it was relocated by Jeff Polidoro in 1998. The rumor is that is sold for $50,000 and was restored in 2005- 2006 by owner Fred Smith. There’s more about Fred Smith and his restoration of this vehicle. The Buddy is now located in the UK.
The biggest difference between the Pygmy and Buddy, to the best of my information, was that the body was built by the Edward G. Budd Manufacturing and looked fairly different from the Pygmy. Below are pictures I’ve collected across the internet about the Budd. Apparently, Budd also designed the KubelWagon body prior to WWII. And, apparently, Budd had a role in designing the M151.
Here’s before and after pics of the Pygmy/Budd that I’ve found across the net:
Before Restoration:
Pic below found here on the CJ-3B site
There’s been a variety of updates to this MB, including the rear bumper, the later model windshield, the radiator, the wiring and more. I’d have to agree with the seller that this might make a good platform for a restoration project based on the pics.
