Dodge WC-51-USA 3/4Ton 4X4 Weapons carrier

[XC-351]

im just after some info and an estiamte value on this car its a Dodge WC-51-USA 3/4Ton 4X4 Weapons carrier, body no 0979-Z

some pics below...




some info ive found

http://www.robertsarmory.com/wc51.htm

WC51 WEAPONS CARRIER
INTRODUCTION
A need existed for a larger vehicle than the standard U.S. Army 1/2 ton truck developed prior to World War II. The 1/2 ton vehicle proved too light for most mission requirements and, in 1941, the Dodge WC 3/4 ton truck was born. Developed by the Fargo Motor Corporation (A subsidiary of Chrysler Corporation) the WC (weapons carrier) 51 is a 4X4 general purpose truck. The WC52 is identical with the exception of a winch. Other famous variations of the vehicle were developed including the WC53 carryall, the WC54 ambulance, the WC59 signal corps vehicle and the WC56 command car.
ENGINEERING CHARACTERISTICS
The 3/4 ton body was equipped with seats so that both soldiers and supplies could be carried in the back. Some WC51's had 37 mm cannon mounts, resulting in a somewhat ineffective tank destroyer. The vehicle is equipped with a non-synchromesh 4 speed transmission. The engine is a Dodge 6 cylinder, 230.2 cu.in. displacement, L head with 92 horsepower at 3200 rpm.
USAGE IN WORLD WAR II
The vehicle was utilized in a wide variety of roles in both the Army and Navy. It was used throughout all theaters of World War II and with other armies such as the British and French. Weapons carriers can be seen in historical photos carrying equipment on the beaches of Normandy, hauling supplies throughout Europe, servicing ships at Navy bases and loading ordinance onto aircraft. The WC51 remained in use with NATO countries and only recently is being retired after over 50 years of service. The WC51 was the predecessor of the M37 3/4 ton truck used throughout the Korean War.

[snappy]

have you tried redbook :

[XC-351]

lol thats at least i got a reply...

my mates dad passed away and were trying to clean out his house and we just dont know what to do with it or its value however a huge amount of work has gone into it

[Kryton]

id look up some military buffs/clubs/collectors and see what they think.
start with trying to find some Forums here in Aussie or hit up the nearest RSL and ask a few oldtimers.

[jaydee]

Yep there are various military clubs. I love these old trucks, the Ford Blitz wagon and the Reo Speed wagon are great, also the big 6wd (thats six wheel drive) Studebaker.
Have a look at the american ebay sight for a guestimate, from others I've seen over the years this is a particularly nice one and although they don't get big dollars it would be minimum 20 grand and probably closer to 30, very limited market so it's hard finding a buyer.
Keep us updated.

[snappy]

Could try here
http://www.ww2dodge.com/forum/

[schnoods]

There was one getting around WA.

Dunno if it was registered as a historic or not.


all honesty i'd say around the 30 mark. Its a standout and classic in one, as well as heritage.

[snappy]

Ive found this site it might help give you a idea from similar models 15k to 30k
http://www.milweb.org.uk/classifieds.php?type=3

[XC-351]

hmm thanks for the info so far, ive looked up a few forums but none are as active as id like... like this one..

anymore info please addd

[XC-351]

also if anyone know anyone with more info or interests in these vehicles could you please give me an email or some sort of contact

[Rev28K]

These guys may be able to help you:

Melbourne Tank Museum
456 Belgrave-Hallam Rd
Narre Warren North VIC 3804

(03) 9796 8188‎

[wodahs]

lots on google
http://www.surplustrucks.com/45WC51/45WC51.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_WC_series
http://www.olive-drab.com/idphoto/id_photos_wc51.php
and heaps more
had a mate that had a restored willies jeep and when he sold it bout 18 months ago he only got around the 4 thou mark

[chevypower]

That would be a perfect replacement for my dad's John Deere Gator!

[recoil]

Originally Posted by Rev28K

These guys may be able to help you:

Melbourne Tank Museum
456 Belgrave-Hallam Rd
Narre Warren North VIC 3804

(03) 9796 8188‎

The Tank Museum was closed up a quite few years ago, and everything was sold off. The guy tried to sell the whole Museum to the Government for a very reasonable price, but they wouldn't come to the party. I went to the clearing auction, but unfortunately wasn't able to afford anything.

By the way, thats a very nice restored Dodge. The non synchro gearbox would be a pain though.

[XC-351]

dam i was hoping to give them a call today and gather more info...

From what ive been told his dads owned it for a very long time, heaps of work has gone into it, and underneath is just as imac as the outside... all the wooden toolboxes have been remade, seats rehapolsted, it even has an original tarp thats been restored etc etc... all it really needs is a few little things from what i can tell, such as finish wiriing up the gauges, the rear tailshaft needs to be put on, exhaust looks to be all custom made and on but isnt hooked up in 1 or 2 spots...

it also doesnt have the original motor but has some holden v8 in it...

I Just wish i could find more info anbout them

[Buzz Box]

If you get this issue or the last issue of 'Unique Cars' there is a historic vehicle auction being advertised and maybe you could get it listed in there or at least see what some other military vehicles going for.

[XC-351]

thanks for that, ive emailed a few military car clube, we shall see what happens, if anyone know more info please keep adding

[XC-351]

Found a lot of info, if anyones interested it is now for sale, pm for details

thanks