Why settle for an ordinary classic like a Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro? Instead, take vintage to new extremes with something from World War II. That’s the focus of this Auction Dilemma as we look at a 1943 Ford M8 armored car on Bring a Trailer and a 1945 GMC DUKW amphibious truck via an Ohio-based war surplus company.
1943 Ford M8 Armored Car
The M8 “Greyhound” often gets overshadowed by the original Jeep and the Sherman M4 tank, but this armored car combines many of the features of those better-known WWII stablemates. The M8’s 6X6 setup made it well-suited for light reconnaissance like the Jeep, while an armored body and 37mm main gun gave it some defensive and offensive capability like a tank.
The seller reports the M8 is non-running, and there is no information about when the vehicle last ran. Getting the Greyhound up and running may be a project, but think of the stares you’ll get at the next Cars & Coffee event. There’s also no word on the status of the main gun, but it’s safe to assume the system was disabled before any civilian got behind the controls.
The powertrain is based on a 320 cubic-inch Hercules JXD inline six-cylinder gasoline engine originally rated for 86 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed non-synchromesh transmission with reverse manages the wheels.
1945 GMC DUKW Amphibious Truck
While the DUKW amphibious truck shares a 6X6 configuration with the M8, that’s about where the similarities end. The 2.5-ton DUKW (Designed in 1942, Utility, “K” for four-wheel drive, and “W” for dual rear-axle) was penned by noted yacht designer Roderick Stephans in 1937.
The DUKW was the solution American military planners sought to deliver personnel and supplies from ship to shore quickly. The DUKW also played a significant role in the victorious crossing of the Rhine in 1945. More than 21,000 examples were built for American and Allied forces, and the DUKW would see duty with the U.S. military into the 1960s.
Seller-provided details on this DUKW are slim other than the vehicle underwent a complete restoration. Original models were equipped with a GM 270 cubic-inch straight-six gas engine and a five-speed manual transmission. Different transfer gears control either the axles or the propeller shaft. The DUKW could hit 50 mph on the land and 6 mph in the water.
Ford And General Motors Created The “Arsenal Of Democracy”
While Ford and GM remain domestic rivals, these companies (along with other automakers) helped create the “Arsenal of Democracy” that enabled Allied victory during the war. The Ford M8 Greyhound auction, which ends in one day, has a current $32,000 high bid. The GMC DUKW has a $95,000 asking price.
Sources: bringatrailer.com, nsjp.biz, militaryfactory.com, militarytrader.com