- Seller: Neal V (Contact)
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Mileage: 0 Shown
- Chassis #: 80052841
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: V8
- Transmission: Manual
This 1953 Dodge M37 is about as honest as they come. Built as a ¾-ton military truck, the M37 wasn’t designed for comfort, style, or convenience—it was built to work, take abuse, and keep going. This one still looks like it understands that job description. It’s being offered here on Barn Finds and is located in Chicago, Illinois.
The truck shows plenty of age but appears largely complete. According to the seller, the engine turns over, and the truck retains its manual transmission and 4×4 drivetrain. It hasn’t been restored or prettied up, which is exactly what will appeal to the right buyer. The mismatched paint might suggest the bed was swapped at somepoint, or that a previous owner decided to paint the cab but never got around to the bed. Who knows?
The most significant change from the original spec that we see is the engine. This truck was originally powered by a flat-head inline-6, but appears to have been upgraded to a V8. There’s no word on the engine’s size or specifications, but it’s likely considerably more powerful than the original 78-horsepower engine. Hopefully, getting it running won’t take much work.
One thing that stands out here is how much is still intact. The frame is described as solid, the dashboard appears complete, and the truck still has its drop-down windshield and removable cab roof—two of the M37’s most recognizable features. Inside, it’s as spartan as you’d expect, with simple gauges, exposed hardware, and nothing that doesn’t absolutely need to be there.
Out back, the pickup bed still carries military equipment, including a shovel and tools to free it if it ever were to get stuck, along with spare tires and parts. The seller also notes an extra set of fenders, wheels, and tires, which is a nice bonus for anyone planning a restoration or long-term preservation.
The truck is being offered with a clean Indiana title. Mileage is listed as unknown, which is no surprise given the era and intended use. This M37 isn’t pretending to be something it’s not. It’s rough, it’s real, and it looks like it’s been sitting just as it was when its working days were over. Whether you decide to restore it, preserve the patina, or turn it into a serious trail rig, this Dodge offers a solid starting point. It’s now being offered as a Barn Finds Auction. Have a look at the photos and let us know what you’d do with it.
Salute soldier,,,at ease. I certainly hope people don’t tire of my military references, it can’t be over said how lucky we are, we owe a lot to this truck. Being a 1953, this was one lucky truck. Since Korea ended in 1953, this unit was probably surplus and never shipped. If it was, most were blown to smithereens ( with occupants), or dumped at sea on the way home. Yep, they really did that. The V8 is an okay touch, but I think the flattie 6 was more suited for such abuse. Again, limited uses, I’m sure one of those warning stickers says “not for highway use” and I think the seller will have no trouble selling it, it’s just that cool. Relax, soldier, you dodged a bullet by even being here. Amen.
Over my 50+ years of owning/repairing/restoring and driving military vehicles, I have had several M37s. I currently have a restored WW2 version (Dodge 3/4 Air Portable Truck), which has an open cab, and similar (some parts same) drivetrain.
M37s are Slow. While this is partly due to the engine HP, the axle gear ratio (5:83) is more of a factor. The steering is also manual, and requires significant effort at low speed. The brakes are manual (4 drums) , and are just OK if set up properly. The original brakes may not be suitable with more HP. While these are strong, heavily built trucks, the axles break easily with even mild abuse.
These trucks have two separate followings: Military vehicle enthusiasts that want to keep them original, and 4 x4 enthusiasts that want to modify/upgrade or restomod them.
I consider the truck for sale here to be less of a candidate for restoration to milspec, and more suitable for further mods.
There are a number of US companies that provide parts and services to upgrade brakes, steering and drivetrains. There are also others like Vintage Powerwagons that carry a full range of OE and repacement parts.
There were many M37s built, and it seems there is always one or two available within an hour of where I live.
There’s a few of them out west. They’re either split between staying original or being modified. Personally, I prefer them original but I’ve seen some getting modified that show some promise. I know I’d be fairly careful when considering installing a V8 or even a more powerful six as there are a lot of pieces in that driveline that will show their strengths or weaknesses when they start getting stressed.
I know a guy who repowered his Dodge Power Wagon with a Cummins 4BTA 3.9. Scratch one pair of front axle outboard U-joints and axle shafts. And that’s with a 3.9 with maybe 150 hp. I have no doubt that V8 could contribute to a plethora of loud, expensive noises along that driveline. But it would probably be a blast to drive up until that moment…