1941 Dodge WC V8 ½-Ton Pick Up (Restomod)

Launched in 1939, the WC series of Dodge trucks was to become a wartime staple within military transport circles carrying out numerous roles including ambulances, signals trucks or weapon carriers. Post-war, the truck came into its own as a sturdy and reliable workhorse, with many of the 250,000 built seeing use carrying out civilian duties.

This particular example was discovered some years ago peacefully at rest in the hot Arizona sunshine in a remarkably rust-free condition, and was purchased and shipped back to Florida where it received the full restomod treatment to turn it into an everyday usable classic. The build commenced in 2012 and the car's history file contains lots of photographs and details of the whole process.

After much research, a modern, low-mileage Dodge Durango SUV which had been involved in a rollover accident was purchased and the bodywork removed. The body from the WC was then expertly repainted in period-correct Stone Beige/Tampico Beige before being transplanted onto the Durango platform, the load area being lined in African Kiat hardwood. A freshly rebuilt 318ci (5.2-litre) V8 was slotted in, mated to a rebuilt 44RE automatic transmission connected via a custom balanced prop-shaft to the rebuilt Durango rear end with 2.42 final drive for relaxed highway cruising and fresh front disc/rear drum braking components.

The truck was completely rewired using the wiring harness and fuse system from the Durango, all neatly hidden under the passenger seat. It's fitted with electric windows which, although they look wind-up, are actuated by light pressure on the window winders themselves - a really neat touch. The original vertical Motorola radio is also still in place but cleverly wired up to a modern radio hidden under the dash. Air conditioning has also been discreetly fitted in the glove box and a new compressor installed under the bonnet (this may still need final plumbing-in to get it working). The custom seats were adapted from those on the Durango second row, cut down and recovered in a Saddle Tan leather with door panels to match.

Imported to the UK in 2019, the Dodge is correctly UK-registered complete with a V5C and accompanied by a fresh MOT Certificate issued prior to the sale. An outstanding example of 1940s Americana cleverly updated for modern use, a true ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’. If you enjoy country shows, militaria and commercial vehicle gatherings, then we can't imagine what else you could buy for this guide price that would be as much fun.

Professional images to follow shortly.