Dodge WC54 Ambulance: An Iconic World War II Vehicle (Casemate Illustrated Special)

"Whether for your library or workbench, you will find this book packed with photos and details presented in a fresh perspective. The text is so good, you will find yourself putting down your tools to turn to the next page to see what secrets of the WC-54 author Raud has revealed." ― History in Motion

In 1940, the U.S. Army began to standardize the production of vehicles it required to fight a modern war—including support and medical vehicles. The first deliveries of the ¾-ton Dodge WC54 ambulance arrived in 1942. Built by Chrysler, and utilizing the same chassis and engine as the entire Dodge WC series, the WC54 ambulance has specific features to use for the rescue and transport of injured soldiers. In all, more than 26,000 Dodge WC54 vehicles would be built during the war.

Used by the U.S. military and its allies, it remained in service after the war in a number of countries including France. The Dodge WC54 ambulance is an iconic vehicle from this period, and remains highly sought after by collectors—it is still possible to find ambulances in varying states of repair available for sale.

Based upon his own painstaking restoration of a WC54, the author presents in detail every element of this vehicle—chassis, cabin, electrical circuitry, accessories, and markings. He explains the adaptations made to the body, mechanics, and markings of the ambulance during the war, and shows the differences between the Dodge WC54s used by the U.S. military and those of the French army. Abundantly illustrated with more than 450 photos, this book is a perfect reference for all enthusiasts of military vehicles.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Introduction
1. Chassis
2. Body
3. Electrical wiring and heating
4. Accessories
5. Markings and identification
6. Post-war and reconstruction
Bibliography
Index

Fabien Raud is passionate about military vehicles and started his own company specializing in the sale of American WWII vehicle parts. He has restored his own WC54 ambulance. To enable him to respect the original specifications as closely as possible, he collected a mass of technical documentation and period photos, and carefully studied surviving WC54 vehicles to complete his knowledge of this vehicle.