The M247, known as the Mechanical Mule, was developed in the 1950’s by Willy’s as a light weight cargo carrier to replace the 1/4-ton Jeep and 3/4-ton trucks in infantry and airborne infantry battalions. They were used throughout the Vietnamese conflict and other U.S. Military operations until the 1980’s as platforms for carrying men, supplies, and various weaponry/ammunition. Being able to carry a load of 1,000 lbs, it became the first cargo carrier able to carry more than its own weight, and it was quickly accepted as a valuable tool.
I recently visited a car show and came across this great looking M274 owned by Ray Collier in Vista CA. Ray’s M274 is just one of many variations of the Mule and you can see more pictures and info in the pictures below.
