That is incredibly ugly

[norseman]

My father used to teach driving in Diamonds and other big trucks in the REME in the 50s. I imagine they would take a bit of getting used to. Maintained them as well. Also used to parachute Willys jeeps out of aircraft.

I imagine they did, the model 980/981 tank transporter had a 4 (or was it 5?) speed 'box, but 3 gear ranges.
I think the last ones were cast (sold out of service) in the mid 'seventies

As for the air-drop Jeeps I think they lost a few there, but then Ford & Willys between them made over half a million.