1939 Matford F917WS 🇫🇷 A French Powerhouse with American Soul

In 1939, as France prepared for war, the Matford F917WS rolled out of the Poissy factory — a unique collaboration between Mathis and Ford that brought American V8 power to French engineering. This 4×2 cab-over truck was compact, sturdy, and built for endurance, carrying loads up to 4.5 tons (9,921 lb) across France’s muddy roads and narrow towns. Powered by a 3.6-liter flathead V8 producing 72 horsepower and 186 newton meters (137 lb-ft) of torque, the Matford F917WS could haul almost anything the French Army demanded — fuel, ammunition, or even field kitchens. Its cab-over-engine layout maximized cargo space and gave drivers excellent visibility (though not much comfort). Only about 1,000–1,200 units were produced before the fall of France in 1940, and many were captured and reused by the Wehrmacht, painted gray and pressed back into service. Despite this chaotic fate, the F917WS earned respect for its reliability and clever design — a truck that bridged two worlds: French craftsmanship and American engineering. With its distinctive silhouette, thumping V8 soundtrack, and unmatched practicality, the Matford F917WS remains a symbol of endurance — a machine built for work, not glory, but one that carried the weight of history itself. 🔔 Subscribe for more stories about rare, fascinating, and forgotten vehicles that shaped the roads, wars, and industries of the 20th century. Support the channel and get exclusive perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7zVVuW-og_tIafEDiHuORQ/join #MatfordF917WS #Matford #FrenchTruck #WW2Trucks #VintageTruck #ClassicVehicles #FordV8 #MilitaryVehicles #WWII #FrenchEngineering #HistoricTrucks #MatfordTruck #TruckHistory #CabOverTruck #PoissyFactory #V8Power #WarVehicles #OldTrucks #VintageEngineering #AutomotiveHistory

Added 13 May 2026