The 1/2-Ton 4x4 was Dodge’s first vehicle designed exclusively for military use. Developed in the build-up to full mobilization for World War II and produced from 1941 to 1942, it proved invaluable to Allied logistics and operations. It was available in more than 30 variants, including closed-cab chassis and pickup, open-cab pickup, command car, radio command car, carryall, ambulance, panel truck, telephone maintenance, winch models, and other specialized configurations. Replaced by a 3/4-Ton variant in 1943, the WC-12 1/2-Ton remains popular with military vehicle collectors for its ease of use and manageable size.

Riding on either a 116- or 123-inch wheelbase, the 1/2-Ton was equipped with a 230-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine, single-speed transfer case, and a 4.89:1 axle gear ratio. The body featured a rounded front, vertical-bar grille, and forward-sloping hood with side louvers and rectangular stamped metal “Dodge” nameplates on either side. Production included three distinct series, denoted by a four-digit engineering code as the first part of the engine serial number, stamped on the left side of the block, just below the head. Second-series vehicles, such as the example offered here, bear the T211 code and were produced from 1941 to 1942, while the preceding and subsequent series were only built during one year or the other. Distinguishing features include civilian square gauges, front fender-mounted blackout marker lights, 14-inch rear drum brakes, and a two-piece chassis wiring harness with a round Bakelite junction block mounted on the driver’s side of the firewall.

Said to have been discovered in Wyoming in 1997, this second-series WC-12 was meticulously restored in North Carolina by previous owner and well-known military vehicle collector John Hedgepeth. With extremely high quality of workmanship and many authentic details, it won multiple Antique Automobile Club of America awards, including a 2007 Senior National First Prize, 2010 Grand National First Prize, and Preservation Award. The truck was also featured multiple times in the American Historical Society’s Wheel of Time magazine.

Exuding much character, it still presents in show condition, and its next owner will be able to display it proudly for others to enjoy.