In 1940, as the Second World War gained momentum, the United States Army began to study and produce a number of vehicles standardized for its needs. In 1942, deliveries of the ¾ Ton Dodge WC54 ambulance began. Built by Chrysler on the same chassis and with the engine of the entire Dodge WC series, it has specific features specific to its destination as a rescue vehicle and casualty transport.
In all, more than 26,000 copies of the Dodge WC54 will be built during the war. Used by the US military and its allies, it will remain in post-war service in many countries including France. The Dodge WC54 ambulance is an iconic vehicle from this period, highly sought after by collectors. It is still possible to find on the market ambulances in varying states, more or less transformed. The restoration of a military vehicle requires great rigor. Its characteristics - parts, accessories, markings, etc. - meet precise military specifications.
This book presents in a detailed way all the aspects of this vehicle, by approaching all the subjects: chassis, cabin, electricity, accessories, markings… It explains the evolutions brought to the ambulance during the war, as well from a point from a mechanical or bodywork point of view, than from a markings point of view. Finally, it shows the differences between the Dodge WC54s used by the American army and those of the French army.
