[{"id": 17867369, "authorName": "Blackhawk1984", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/blackhawk1984/", "bidAmount": 2500, "content": "USD $2,500 bid placed by Blackhawk1984", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749159957, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-05 21:45:57+00"}, {"id": 17867602, "authorName": "SweetieB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sweetieb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Good evening. Thanks for stopping by the Mighty Mite auction. I'm happy to answer any questions and provide additional information. \r\n\r\nA bit of background: The Mite was originally owned by a Vietnam Veteran. When he was sadly diagnosed with cancer, he gave the Mite to his brother-in-law, a police officer. I purchased it from the brother-in-law as he and his wife were retiring to Florida. Turns out - we had mutual friends in the police force - it was neat to meet him.\r\n\r\nThis Mite is all down to cosmetics - it starts up every time and runs wonderfully. It can be driven as is or cosmetically restored. The listing notes the trailer is 'worn and rusty'. True, but it is solid. There is no invasive rust. Leaf springs are good. The trailer brake functions properly. What the trailer needs is a good sandblasting and a coat of paint if someone wants to shine it up.\r\n\r\nI installed the waterproof fuse box over the original fuse block in case a buyer wants to revert back to that block. If not, I'm happy to remove the old block and permanently attach the new one.\r\n\r\nI purchased the converter for the jeep-to-trailer taillight hook up. I plugged it in - the trailer lights didn't come on. I've done nothing further - because I wasn't driving it at night - but the wiring appears intact. \r\n\r\nFor anyone who knows these jeeps and trailers, it's a rather rare find to have both with clean, transferable titles. I've driven the Jeep while pulling the trailer on various roads with no issues.\r\n\r\nI'll post updates throughout the auction. Thanks again!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1749160834, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-05 22:00:34+00"}, {"id": 17867792, "authorName": "austin_alfa", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/austin_alfa/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Semper Fi for this one. Never seen one before. Never knew they existed. when I initially looked at the cover photo I thought I was seeing a fancy kids military go kart of some sort but no. There are guys out there who collect military vehicles so I'm sure someone will be thrilled to have this in their collection.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1749161532, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-05 22:12:12+00"}, {"id": 17868052, "authorName": "CamJam", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/camjam/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Mighty Mites are cool. I often wondered why AMC never used this engine in a car to take on the VW and Japanese in the late 60s. Perhaps it was designed with Government money and they didn't actually own it?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749162992, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-05 22:36:32+00"}, {"id": 17868425, "authorName": "NickB", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nickb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The Mite is a fascinating, technically sophisticated machine. Unfortunately, extremely dangerous to drive. Keep it in the museum, please.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749166178, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-05 23:29:38+00"}, {"id": 17868983, "authorName": "CHS_Karl", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chs_karl/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Nick B. Your comment needs some explanation as to why it is so dangerous to drive. Only fair to the owner.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1749171573, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-06 00:59:33+00"}, {"id": 17869190, "authorName": "Matador75", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/matador75/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@NickB Having put a few 1000 miles on an old Army jeep that was considered \u201ctoo dangerous for the public\u201d and they cut mine (the Army\u2019s but the one I used almost daily) in half before DXing it, I am also curious why you call this \u201cextremely dangerous\u201d.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1749173477, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-06 01:31:17+00"}, {"id": 17869582, "authorName": "Frank_Barrett", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/frank_barrett/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have to take that \"AMC-designed\" description with a grain of salt. If I recall correctly (a rarer and rarer occasion these days), Porsche designed this engine. AMC may have gone to them when they realized a water-cooled engine would be too heavy. Must dig out a good Porsche book to check.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1749178041, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-06 02:47:21+00"}, {"id": 17870004, "authorName": "NickB", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/nickb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Matador75 I owned two Mighty-Mites and drove them quite a bit. I believe them to be one of the highest quality, technically sophisticated vehicles ever built. They were originally designed as tactical vehicle to be parachuted out of airplanes. The entire body and frame is constructed of aircraft grade aluminum. The air-cooled V4, 4 speed transmission, transfer case, enclosed front driveshaft, front differential, and inboard front brakes, are assembled as one compact unit. There is a matching rear differential, also with inboard brakes. Both diffs are lockers, meaning if you ever got it stuck it will spin four wheels. Wheelbase is only 6 ft, so very maneuverable. Suspension is fully independent, with long travel. The vehicle rides beautifully over rough terrain. Steering is quick and nicely weighted, so the whole thing is fun to drive. Unlike a jeep, the front end is very light, The whole machine weighs about 1700 lbs. \r\n\r\nNow, the problem is the vehicle has about a 50/50 weight distribution, and the footprint is almost square. There is no directional stability to speak of whatsoever. In even a slight turn, if the rear wheels hit some gravel or even grass it will go into oversteer almost instantly, and start to tip. \r\n\r\nI remember driving into a gas station one time and this man coming up to me visibly upset. He told me he was a retired Marine Corps officer, and that the vehicle was a \"killer.' He said many soldiers died flipping them in Vietnam. I was young and fearless and considered myself an expert driver, so didn't take him too seriously. But well, after almost tipping it twice I one day, I'd had quite enough. \r\n\r\nI assume the \"cut\" jeep you refer to is the M151. These had swing axles which had a tendency to tuck under if the wheel lifted. This is a different issue entirely.\r\n\r\nThese days I have a stock WWII Ford GPW. I really enjoy it. I dont think any Jeep made since then is an improvement.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1749186045, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-06 05:00:45+00"}, {"id": 17870353, "authorName": "Rob1953", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rob1953/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "M422 parts, in the year 2025, are near impossible to obtain. Do any (e.g. engine) parts accompany the vehicle?\r\nI spent my youth in Bel Air and conveniently live close enough to pick it up (wouldn't be a cross country trip).", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1749205850, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-06 10:30:50+00"}, {"id": 17870556, "authorName": "Reconjr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/reconjr/", "bidAmount": 5555, "content": "USD $5,555 bid placed by Reconjr", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749210963, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-06 11:56:03+00"}, {"id": 17870632, "authorName": "SweetieB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sweetieb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Rob1953. I have an extra hose clamp from when I replaced the air hose, but no other engine parts. Honestly, the Mite\u2019s engine doesn\u2019t need anything that I\u2019m aware of. It starts and runs as it should - every time. In terms of obtaining parts and accessories for it, there are several excellent sources, including D.L. Bensinger\u2019s in Pennsylvania. Take a look at their website. Dave and Lida are experts on these jeeps, and if they don\u2019t have what you need in stock, they can usually find it. Their are also active Facebook groups dedicated to these jeeps and M416 trailers and they are also great source for all things Mite-related - including a lot of knowledge and advice on how best to operate and maintain them.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1749212418, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-06 12:20:18+00"}, {"id": 17870871, "authorName": "SweetieB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sweetieb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I did a lot of research when I first bought the Mighty Mite - I think they are fascinating. This is an article I found particularly informative on these little gems.\r\n\r\nhttps://macsmotorcitygarage.com/a-mini-jeep-for-the-marines-the-1959-amc-mighty-mite/", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749215195, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-06 13:06:35+00"}, {"id": 17870880, "authorName": "SweetieB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sweetieb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "And @Frank_Barrett - you are correct, the original Mite engine was a Porsche flat four.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749215310, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-06 13:08:30+00"}, {"id": 17872711, "authorName": "rhd555", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rhd555/", "bidAmount": 5660, "content": "USD $5,660 bid placed by rhd555", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749227947, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-06 16:39:07+00"}, {"id": 17872847, "authorName": "rhd555", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rhd555/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Probably a dumb question but is it street legal. I imagine not ??", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1749228518, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-06 16:48:38+00"}, {"id": 17873318, "authorName": "SweetieB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sweetieb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@rhd555 - Both the Mite and the trailer are street legal. I don\u2019t know about the regulations in other states - some states require you to add certain safety features like seat belts - but they are legal here and I\u2019ve driven them on the streets many times.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749230056, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-06 17:14:16+00"}, {"id": 17877299, "authorName": "hipshot", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hipshot/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I was in Viet Nam from '67 to '68 and saw a number of these with our battalion. They were little workhorses and I never heard any concerns or complaints about them. Although, the last time I saw one it looked like a sieve from 82mm mortar rounds that landed nearby.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1749241654, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-06 20:27:34+00"}, {"id": 17878518, "authorName": "SweetieB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sweetieb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@hipshot - that is the word I hear most often in relation to these jeeps - workhorse. Thanks for your comment and for your service.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749244957, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-06 21:22:37+00"}, {"id": 17879778, "authorName": "Reconjr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/reconjr/", "bidAmount": 6000, "content": "USD $6,000 bid placed by Reconjr", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749250745, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-06 22:59:05+00"}, {"id": 17881026, "authorName": "Valkyrja", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/valkyrja/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I was going to buy one of th se a few years back, but passed because the engine was seized. Parts are available for them, but not readily available. They do make good woods trucks and are smaller than my M38.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1749267381, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-07 03:36:21+00"}, {"id": 17891383, "authorName": "SweetieB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sweetieb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I attach a short walkaround video of the M416 trailer. The paint is flaking, but there is no invasive rust or anything impacting the structural integrity. The video also shows the operable trailer brake. Thanks for looking!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749401631, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-08 16:53:51+00"}, {"id": 17897723, "authorName": "saberdoc2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/saberdoc2/", "bidAmount": 6500, "content": "USD $6,500 bid placed by saberdoc2", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749452225, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-09 06:57:05+00"}, {"id": 17899925, "authorName": "Reconjr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/reconjr/", "bidAmount": 6600, "content": "USD $6,600 bid placed by Reconjr", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749488404, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-09 17:00:04+00"}, {"id": 17899964, "authorName": "saberdoc2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/saberdoc2/", "bidAmount": 7000, "content": "USD $7,000 bid placed by saberdoc2", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749488545, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-09 17:02:25+00"}, {"id": 17900001, "authorName": "Reconjr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/reconjr/", "bidAmount": 7200, "content": "USD $7,200 bid placed by Reconjr", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749488697, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-09 17:04:57+00"}, {"id": 17905106, "authorName": "saberdoc2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/saberdoc2/", "bidAmount": 7500, "content": "USD $7,500 bid placed by saberdoc2", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749503669, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-09 21:14:29+00"}, {"id": 17906494, "authorName": "xstates", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/xstates/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I think this is a great jeep to buy and a great price. No smoke, out the tail pipe, no knocks, Barstow did a great rebuild. Shifts smoothly and tracks wells. No dents in the Aluminum front-end s a good sign. Including the M416 prices start at $1,000 and they are desirable. Daryl has all the parts on a website + few collector's. I have a 36' mil trailer full of NOS, including a crate engine. 1st Tanks had 50 Mites, and never a roll-over from 1965-1969. Then the Ford jeep replace it. 9th Marines drove them a Scout cars, and very successfully. Any roll-over's, M-151 Ford, are from driving too fast, say 50 mph, then a 90 degree turn. The Willy's do not have that problem, too slow and too heavy. + watch Jke bounce along the beach, on film, at Normandy with leaf springs.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749509223, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-09 22:47:03+00"}, {"id": 17910450, "authorName": "bfreidy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bfreidy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Among the amazing design attributes of the Mite is that it was designed to support a \"single use mission.\" That is, it could be dropped off by a helicopter and destroyed after one mission while the Marines were evacuated by helicopter or other means. Two well placed hand grenades, one on the engine block and one on the transmission housing rendered the Mite completely unusable by the enemy when it was left behind in the field. I have no idea how many of them were used in this manner but it was a cool attribute, nonetheless!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749570939, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-10 15:55:39+00"}, {"id": 17910871, "authorName": "Joe1165", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/joe1165/", "bidAmount": 8500, "content": "USD $8,500 bid placed by Joe1165", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749573764, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-10 16:42:44+00"}, {"id": 17913041, "authorName": "SweetieB (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sweetieb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Good afternoon. These items are mentioned at the end of the listing, but as a reminder - the military vest, helmet, and goggles from the original\nOwner are included in the sale. As always, I\u2019m available for questions or requests for additional information. Beautiful weather today here on the East Coast, so I will try to take a drive in the Mite today and post the video. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to view the auction, provide great comments, and/or bid on the Mite.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749580315, "type": "comment", "endDate": "2025-06-10 18:31:55+00"}, {"id": 17913494, "authorName": "Reconjr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/reconjr/", "bidAmount": 10000, "content": "USD $10,000 bid placed by Reconjr", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749581295, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-10 18:48:15+00"}, {"id": 17916716, "authorName": "saberdoc2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/saberdoc2/", "bidAmount": 10250, "content": "USD $10,250 bid placed by saberdoc2", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749590438, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-10 21:20:38+00"}, {"id": 17917317, "authorName": "Reconjr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/reconjr/", "bidAmount": 11000, "content": "USD $11,000 bid placed by Reconjr", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749591456, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-10 21:37:36+00"}, {"id": 17918330, "authorName": "rhd555", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rhd555/", "bidAmount": 11250, "content": "USD $11,250 bid placed by rhd555", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749593488, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-10 22:11:28+00"}, {"id": 17918360, "authorName": "Reconjr", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/reconjr/", "bidAmount": 12000, "content": "USD $12,000 bid placed by Reconjr", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1749593605, "type": "bid", "endDate": "2025-06-10 22:13:25+00"}]