1953 Dodge M37: Military Grade

1953 Dodge M37

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If seeing Bob B’s Dodge Powerwagon gave you a hankering for a military grade Dodge truck, this M37 might be of interest to you. It isn’t as cheap as Bob’s truck, but it is in better shape and is even running already. Robert R found the listing here on craigslist in Walden, New York. While the $4,200 asking price is considerably more than Bob’s truck was, it seems reasonable considering how much work has already been done. It’s still going to need a lot more to be a solid driver. Being 11 years newer, this truck isn’t as historic and likely never played any significant military role. On the upside, these trucks didn’t change much over the years and is still an interesting piece of military machinery. So what is your favorite old military vehicle?

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Comments

  1. geomechs geomechsMember

    Nice truck, and worthy of a restoration. Hope it goes to a good home. My personal choice for a military vehicle would be divided between an M-37, just like this one, and a ’42 Ford Black-out staff car. I saw one at a show one time and was immediately attracted to it.

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  2. fireman dan

    I have 2 of these and a 66 ambulance. Got the trucks from Aspen Ski Company. In Colorado 30 years ago. Keep one on my ranch and one at the cabin in Gunnison Co. Always start cold or hot thay were Semper fi in the Corps they are still Semper fi today. ….and will be for years to come. Just think of there history where they were and you gotta love the American spirit and ingenuity . Proud to fire me up drive through a river or down town they turn heads a lot of vets come up with a good story!

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  3. Vince Habel

    These were used in the Korean War. They were still using them in Korea when I was there in the mid 60s. We also had the Studebaker 2 1/2 ton trucks.

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  4. DT

    I was gonna say that these are Korean war vintage.This is what I was saying about collecting military vehicles,There are so many variants. I had a 1951 Dodge pick up I used as a daily driver for many years,I always loved that truck. These m37’s are great trucks.Most military trucks that survive are trucks that were left behind, stateside, during the wars. Many.many thousands of Jeeps ,these type of trucks,2 1/2 tons,5 tons were pushed,off the sides of ships after the war ended,making the survivors even more rare.This truck is modified,but it would make a great workhorse.

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  5. JW454

    I attended a car show late last fall where there were about 2 dozen ex-military vehicles, of all types, being displayed. It was a special feeling knowing that they, and many like them, saw action and were instrumental in helping the U.S.A. in it’s endevors around the world. The red, white, and blue waiving in the air above each one of them made it all the better.

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  6. 1969Deuce

    I saw this truck for sale last in April 2013. The owner was traveling, communication and scheduling a time to see it was difficult. We lost touch and the ad disappeared. I thought it had been sold.

    From my notes (but check me on this): It had a 2nd life doing golf course maintenance. The stock M37 dump feature is manual and very rare. I’m pretty sure that this has a civilian modification, as is the spotlight, plow and power steering. The LU-4 was rebuilt but not installed at the time (compare photos provided on craigslist), and the rear cross member install would be essential (note list to passenger side from the rear.)

    I since bought another ‘survivor’ M37, but I’m pleased to see that this one didn’t suffer the fate of a parts truck or rat rod. I hope it’s found by a restorer who gives it its due, or just keeps it as found and well-maintained. They’re great trucks and as one acquaintance says, ‘They’re tougher’n chicken lips.’

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  7. Cameron Bater UK

    Personally if I were going to go for something like this it’d have to be one of these a classic looking Power Wagon.
    I think the largest car in the world is styled on one of these.

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  8. John Hummel

    the power wagon is the civilian version of the M-37. A M-37 is not a power
    wagon…if you get the drift

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  9. John Hummel

    the m-37 is not a power wagon…power wagons are the civilian version of the
    Military M-37…the M-37 is a 3/4 ton cargo truck..

    Like 1
  10. Sheri Cagle

    Anyone on here looking to buy? Have a ’53 (not restored) we’ve thought about selling.

    Like 5
    • Michelle

      Has this been sold?

      Like 0
  11. Joe Robbins

    Looking at old ads do you still have this truck and where are you located.

    Like 0

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