The Dodge M37 was an American military vehicle that was used during WWII. With a 3/4 ton capacity and 4-wheel drive, they are capable haulers. The example at hand appears to be largely original and very rugged. Its mileage seems to be unknown. It is on eBay for auction. The bidding ends Wednesday, November 18th.
The exterior is in rough condition which is expected for a retired military vehicle. The paint is in okay condition all things considered. A white star is present on the doors and hood. A large grill adorns the front of the truck. It is definitely intended for utilitarian purposes and isn’t made to be “pretty.”
The interior is in rough condition. Again, as a veteran vehicle, it should be expected. The seats are finished in a no-frill metal with small seat cushions. There appears to be some rust present but no completely rusted-through areas are apparent in the images. This is likely an extensive restoration project for whoever takes it on.
A 230 cid 6-cylinder engine sends power to all four wheels via a manual transmission. The engine bay has certainly seen better days and lots of rust appears to be present. The car is said to run and stop. This could be a very extensive project for the right collector, or it could be left as is and driven. It would be neat to see someone put in a powerful engine as the engine bay appears to be large enough to accommodate something else. For the interior, some heavy attention to the rust would need to happen. Something I’ve never seen but always wanted to is military-style seats refinished in something nice while leaving everything else original. Overall, this is an interesting vehicle with a lot of potential. If you’re interested in calling it yours, bid one eBay.
Not nearly as stupid expensive as the early WC series flat fenders are! Would enjoy this one but it needs some serious love and attention.
Love the Military 4wd and 6×6 vehicles. Almost bought a 1Ton Surplus Chevy 4×4 w full time 4wd, 6.2L non-Turbo diesel. 400 Trans. My love of stick shifts was too strong, so ended up with a Ford 4×4 w 5spd..
But the surplus Chevys were going pretty cheap at the time. Most owners adapted the front to be unlocked.
Sorry Sara,
The M-37 did not serve in WW2. It was produced long after WW2, and served in the Korean War,and Vietnam War ,and up into the mid1970s.
Thank you.
Also, pardon me being a nit picker- but it’s not a “car”
Dude ww2 ended in1945,do a little research…
Rw, you make me go huh, and scratch my head.
Try dandruff shampoo
We played on one of these in a field as kids. It was longer and was a Power Wagon but resembled this. Same type of steel seat housings. The shifter was at least 3 feet long! Had a serial number on each side of the hood and a star on each door. It was about 3 shades darker green than this and in much better shape. Someone towed it out of there back in the late 70’s and I never saw it again.
As noted by David above, the M37 3/4 ton saw service in Korea and Viet Nam, replaced in the late 60’s by the M715 5/4 combat vehicle although many remained in national guard units well past that date.
Interesting, email bids ended a month ago but I just see this today????
I own a 1954 version. Found it through Barn Finds. They are great vehicles – if you do not need to drive over 35 mph – as they are geared very low – even in High. The steel is incredibly thick on the body so surface rust should not be an issue. Wiring is very simple, though 24v was standard. Bulletproof is not an exaggeration here. Great project for short money.
Fifty, sixty years ago 4 wheel trucks were much more of a rarity. Now they are everywhere. Back then the options were limited, maybe a Willys, or an International, Dodge was marketing a “Power Wagon”, but the monster was the Army surplus 4×4. We had two of them, one like this one with the stars and all, plus an ambulance, and they were both essentially unstoppable on even the worst road imaginable (which was our 17 mile driveway). Really big wheels, low geared. You had to put up with a very stiff suspension, if there really was one at all, and the steering wheel would wear you out in an hour or so. But great trucks for what they were designed for. Off road, guaranteed to get you there.
I spent a fair amount of time with these about 55 years ago. This one has a hard top and what appear to be armored seats, ours had soft tops and bench seats. As someone else pointed out, they were geared very low. Open the windshield to get some breeze blowing, because you wouldn’t stir up much of a breeze otherwise.
I all ways get these mixed up w/the M715. Not usually w/the more prevelant WC, no sure why. They all look the same, could be described the same in general conversation.
There are very few that would have this for use. The bulk, i6 (low rev tq), speed, etc is only of use commercially today, or for the wealthy w/a large estate (think of the turning radius alone) they need Some space ! And so that’s where we see them in my local (3?) One guy uses the M715 for wheelin. Ck the dodge power wagon site for more, I wont append my usual link (sompin goin on w/puter today). Shows chart w/all the models, when each was produced, etc.
Thnx Sara~
Author,
You are confusing the Korean War era M37 with the WW2 era WC51 weapons carrier. The look similar.
Had occasional use of one in beautiful Downtown Vietnam. One tough bird
!