1942 Dodge Military Vehicles

This 1942 Dodge WC-23 Command Car is a ½-ton truck that spent time in Florida before it was moved to South Carolina in 2003 and refurbished. Work was completed the following year, and it was acquired by the seller’s father-in-law in 2012. The truck is finished in olive drab over brown vinyl upholstery, and power is sent to the rear or all four wheels via a 230ci flathead straight-six paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and a single-speed transfer case. Equipment includes a canvas soft top, a folding windshield, and a side-mounted spare wheel. Service performed under current ownership included a cleaning of the fuel tank. This WC-23 is now offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner with a 1943 Ben-Hur Model 41-120 1-ton trailer, tools, gas cans, and a clean South Carolina title in the owner’s name. The truck is said to have received bodywork during the 2000s refurbishment before a repaint in its current olive drab. Features include US Army markings, tools, and door straps. Evidence of body filler is noted by the seller. The painted steel wheels are mounted with military-style bias-ply tires. A matching spare wheel is mounted on the left running board. The passenger compartment features two bench seats upholstered in brown vinyl, a steel dash with reproduction identification plates, and front and rear folding desks. Period canvas door covers are included in the sale but are not usable according to the seller. The three-spoke steering wheel frames a 60-mph speedometer and gauges for water temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and amperage. The five-digit odometer shows 2,400 miles. Total mileage is unknown. The speedometer needle is said to bounce. The 230ci flathead straight-six was a Chrysler design modified for truck use and features a single carburetor. Power is sent to the rear or all four wheels via a four-speed manual transmission and a single-speed transfer case. The fuel tank was removed and cleaned under current ownership. Corrosion is noted on the exhaust. The 1943 Ben-Hur 1-ton trailer features wood slat sides and a canvas top and is sold on a bill of sale. The trailer’s brake lights do not work. Photos of the truck taken before and during the refurbishment can be seen below.