UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay

Apparently, this is a Very Early Mighty Mite. Does that make it a VEMM?

“1961 M422A1 Mighty Mite
Serial #: 1484
Date of Delivery: 10-16-61

This auction is for a very early production M422A1, as indicated by the low A1 serial number and the date of delivery stamped on data plate (this was only done on the first 100 or less M422A1s along with the eagle inspection stamp).

The Mite still retains its original early “thin” windshield and has never been modified to the more common M38A1 style. Also, other early features include the early style fire extinguisher bracket under the cowling, M38A1 style parking break and tailgate chains. The tailgate chains were usually swapped out and a bolt was used to close the tailgate.

The tires are original to the Mite and are dated 1960 and 1961. They should be replaced if serious driving is planned.

This M422 is very original and complete with most of the commonly missing items. Electrical system works as well as lights (front and rear)

The vehicle runs and prior to running, the cylinders were bore scoped to check the cylinder linings. The cylinder walls were in just about perfect shape with no signs of flaking or other damage. Might starts with quickly and runs great.. Please see YouTube video by searching for “Mighty Mite #1484″.”

It needs work.

“I am selling my 1961 Jeep Mighty Mite. It is in very restorable condition and has very little rust. Possibly one of the most hi-tech Jeeps ever built, the Might Mite remains a little known enigma. The power plant of this little beast was an all aluminum air cooled V-4 engine. The engine was built by Wisconsin engine under contract for AMC. The 108ci engine would run on 80 octane fuel and would produce 55hp at 3600 RPM and 90 lb-ft at 2-3000 rpm. The engine drew air into the carburetors through intakes mounted on the side of the Jeep back by the cowl and often would have snorkels attached to give the Jeep a better fording depth. The engine had a mechanical fan that drew air through the front of the Jeep and over the engine while the exhaust gases were actually routed through the tubular frame and out a rear mounted tail pipe to expel the gasses from the chassis. The power from the engine was then routed through a 4 speed transmission with a “granny” ultra low first gear. Mated to the back of the transmission was a sort of splitter box to route power to the front with the flip of a switch. This box did not have a low range like many transfer cases do but it did have a sort of limited slip differential built into it to make sure that the power went to the axle that could use it. The splitter box did have a lever that had to be used to engage the front axle, other wise the vehicle operated in rear wheel drive. From there power went out to all aluminum Dana 27 center sections that were fitted with 5:38 gears and Power Loc limited slips at both ends. This impressive combination made the little Mite hard to get stuck off road. The brakes on this system were mounted in board up by the differentials instead of out at the ends of the axle and for it’s time this was very revolutionary. The power was fed through the center sections down to the wheels by CV style shafts which entered knuckles that were attached to the swing arm by a kin pin style knuckle. This design made the turning radius on the already very short vehicle super tight. The swing arms are supported by an odd suspension design that uses quarter elliptical springs to control the frame mounted spring arms. The springs are attached with u-bolts to the swing arms and then attached at the frame by shackles to allow the spring to flatten out at it flexes. The design is very effective if not some what unorthodox.

Today these little Jeeps are very rare and are not seen very often but if you are lucky enough to stumble across one, be sure to check it out and see what all the fuss was about! I have attached two images of my vehicle in it’s current condition as well as two images of a fully restored Mighty Mite for reference. I can be reached at 8609442659 anytime.”

http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/2534305223.html