1942 Dodge

The Dodge WC-series was a prolific range of light 4WD and medium 6WD military utility trucks, produced by Dodge / Fargo during World War II. Together with the ​1⁄4-ton jeeps produced by Willys and Ford, the Dodge ​1⁄2-tons and ​3⁄4-tons made up nearly all of the light 4WD trucks supplied to the U.S. military in WWII – with Dodge contributing some 337,500 4WD units. Contrary to the versatility of the highly standardized jeep, which was mostly achieved through field modification, the Dodge WC-series came in many different, purpose-built, but mechanically uniform variants from the factory, much akin to the later family of High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. The WC-series evolved out of, and was part of a more extended family of trucks, with great mechanical parts commonality, that included open- and closed-cab cargo trucks and weapons carriers, (radio) command cars, reconnaissance vehicles, ambulances, carryalls, panel vans, and telephone installation and mobile emergency / field workshop trucks.

The WC-56 Truck was a command and reconnaissance vehicle akin to a large Willys Jeep. It was wider and much shorter than the ​1⁄2-ton command cars, giving it squat proportions with a soft-top which included side-curtains, for better weather shielding.

Accepted by the ASI register as seen by its bumper plate, this military vehicle has been the subject of a thorough restoration, yet still presents as a very original and unmolested example, with patina fitting to a vehicle that has served in the war.

Offered at No Reserve on 18th May 2019 at Chiswick House.