- 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…
Useless trucks for modern driving. Not bad for around the farm or off road. Never did understand the lure of these for modern drivers. For what this is going to eventually cost, you could buy one mighty fine wonderful road car that would plant huge smiles on your face. People need to think a little before they go crazy and quickly buy something.
You’d look pretty silly trying to carry a load over rough terrain in your “mighty fine wonderful road car”.
Like I said, good for off road or farm use. Most people today who buy these live in suburbia, as a status symbol or investment. Get old driving this there. Too bad they are not priced for actual rural use.
There is a guy that DDs one of these in the city where I live talk a glutton for punishment
Looks like the engine is probably a 318 and might be a poly really hard to tell but that would be my guess
looks like its poncho powered. great if you’re into off roading and it will pull a house down but other than that i see these as yard art
hairyolds68, I believe that you are correct. I lent a had to a family who had an estate sale. (Both brothers passed away within 6 months) one of these and 5 of the (I forget the military designation) CJ5 looking units. Plus 4,000 square feet of parts. Managed to get all the stuff sold in 4 days. I believe I was able to get about $3,500 in original (no mods) condition. It didn’t run either. It appeared to be in better shape than this one. Being here in Navada it had no rust. But the the paint was very tired. It came with a spare complete engine plus another in kit form. (As in all apart)
That engine bay does not look like an M37 engine bay. (as an owner of a V8 swapped M37) – that picture is out of place. Note the independent front suspension upper control arm seen on the far side of the engine bay. And the firewall mounted power brake booster in foreground does not align with the original brake pedal location seen in other images. Also inner fender is not M37
Ryan, you are 100% correct. That is a GM engine bay! Probably mid ’70s Pontiac. It looks like contacting the owner is in order.
The CJ5 looking units were the military version designated M38A1. They were built from 1952-1971 by Willys & Kaiser Corp. They had a 4 cylinder OHV engine and waterproof 24 electrical system. While absolutely no drivetrain components were interchangeable with the M37 3/4 ton truck, much of the electrical system including switches, gauges, lights were the same.
Tha ks for the reminder Cam. The water proof electrics were interesting. There were several new in box complete wiring harnesses and a couple of cases of 24 volt headlamps. Besides tons of other parts.The 2 brothers restored them. Sad to see them go. They had quite a setup and alot of clientele.
What engine is that? The distributor is in the back, but at an angle? Normally, I am good at engine iD. I’d put a Cummins in it if I were inclined to own it.
I believe that hairyolds68 is correct in that it is a Pontiac engine. Rear distributor, and gap between the valley and intake manifold. Valve cover looks like a Poncho also. Actually not a bad one to use.