The GMC CCKW is generally considered to be the "Truck that won WWII." Built in the thousands, it served the U.S. and her allies in all theaters of operation, becoming emblematic of the allied efforts to stop the Nazis in Europe and the Japanese in the Pacific.

The trucks were delivered in both long (164-inch) and short (145-inch) wheelbase versions, with the longer designated "CCKW-353" and the shorter, "CCKW-352." The CCKW-353 was intended to serve as a general-purpose cargo truck, whereas the shorter, CCKW-352, was built as a prime mover for towing 75mm and 105mm weapons. The earliest production trucks had fully enclosed cabs, though by 1942, open cab versions became the military standard.

The CCKW was fitted with a greater array of body types than any other U.S. WWII-era vehicle. In addition to the cargo trucks, variants included: Dump trucks, water tankers, fuel tankers, air compressor trucks, bomb service trucks, fire trucks, ponton bolsters, mobile kitchens, decontamination units and even surgical and dental units.

The first true armored recovery vehicles (ARVs) were introduced in World War II, often by converting obsolete or damaged tanks, usually by removing the turret and installing a heavy-duty winch to free stuck vehicles, plus a variety of vehicle repair tools. Some were also purpose-built in factories, using an existing tank chassis with a hull superstructure to accommodate repair and recovery equipment. Many of the latter type of ARV had an A-frame or crane to allow the vehicle's crew to perform heavy lifting tasks, such as removing the engine from a disabled tank.

Pictured here is a 1:43 scale replica of a US Army GMC CCKW 353 2-1/2-ton cargo truck with wrecker set No. 7. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Length: 6-3/4-inches
Width: 2-1/2-inches

Release Date: August 2023

Historical Account: "Variations" - Initially, all versions used a modified commercial closed cab design having a metal roof and doors. By 1944, an open cab version, with a canvas roof and doors, was used. This was easier to build, and the roof could be removed to lower the shipping height. 1 in 4 of cabs had a machine gun mounting ring above the co-driver's position.

The CCKW provided a platform for the widest range of bodies on any U.S. military vehicle,[citation needed] with the 12 ft (3.7 m) cargo version being the most common. As steel was more heavily rationed during the course of the war, the steel cargo bed was replaced by a wooden one. Wooden beds proved unsatisfactory and a 'composite' bed with steel sides, framing, and wooden bottom slats was developed.However, the composite bed was still unsatisfactory and the bed design returned to all steel. Standard cargo models had beds with fixed sides and a drop tailgate, as well as folding troop seats.

A standard rectangular van configuration was used in communications, medical, workshop, and many other specialty roles. Special built vans were also used.