Did Dodge make military vehicles?
Yes. Dodge, the brand that was part of Chrysler, produced a substantial line of military vehicles for the U.S. and Allied forces, especially during World War II, and the lineage continued into the postwar era with robust trucks such as the M37 and the Power Wagon.
During World War II, the Dodge Division built a wide family of trucks and support vehicles under the Dodge WC designation, supplying ambulances, cargo trucks, troop carriers, and specialized equipment. After the war, Dodge continued to evolve these designs, resulting in durable postwar models and continuing influence on off-road and military-adjacent civilian vehicles. This history is a notable chapter in Dodge’s long-running role as a supplier of rugged, utility-focused vehicles.
Scope of Dodge’s Military Production
What kinds of vehicles did Dodge build for the military? The lineup ranged from frontline transport to field ambulances and specialized support trucks.
- Dodge WC-series trucks: light- to medium-duty 4x4 and 4x2 vehicles used as cargo haulers, troop carriers, and reconnaissance units.
- Ambulances and staff cars based on the WC platform, such as the WC-52 and WC-54 variants.
- Special-purpose and engineering variants derived from the WC family, including utility and recovery roles.
These vehicles played critical roles in Allied operations by enabling mobility, logistics, and medical support across multiple theaters of World War II.
Postwar Continuity and Legacy
After the war, Dodge extended the wartime design’s life into the postwar era, creating durable 4x4 trucks that served military and civilian markets and inspired later off-road capabilities.
- Dodge M37: a 3/4-ton 4x4 utility truck produced from the early 1950s into the late 1960s, widely used by the U.S. Army and allied forces.
- Dodge Power Wagon: introduced in 1946 as a heavy-duty 4x4, initially aimed at civilian markets but sharing the wartime lineage and capability with the WC family.
- Legacy and influence: postwar 4x4 designs influenced both military and civilian Dodge trucks for decades to come.
In the modern era, the Dodge brand is part of a larger corporate family (now under Stellantis) but retains a storied history of producing durable military- and off-road-capable vehicles that continues to interest collectors and enthusiasts today.
Conclusion
In short, Dodge did make military vehicles, especially during World War II, and continued to contribute rugged, capable trucks into the postwar era. The WC family, the M37, and the Power Wagon stand as enduring examples of Dodge’s military production and its impact on automotive design and military logistics.
Summary
Dodge’s foray into military vehicles is a well-documented chapter: WWII-era WC trucks and ambulances, followed by postwar workhorse models like the M37 and the Power Wagon, which cemented Dodge’s reputation for durable 4x4 capability and influence on both military and civilian off-road design.
