The GMC CCKW

I'm sure that many of you have seen this CCKW, advertised as a bolster truck with super single wheels, painted grey/blue.

I bid on it, and even though its been relisted 3 times the guy thinks that the truck is work $1500+.

From a parts perspective, what would a truck like that go for? My offer was $900 because it is really a parts truck and getting parts to make it original is gonna be a stretch.

I dont know much about the bolster truck but I saw one at www.whiteowl.com/trucks.html . Scroll down and there is one there. It seems to be a bit pricy but like I sai before, I dont know much about them.

Not a bad looking truck...but you are right Nick a little pricey.



Where would you ever find a WWII Bolster Trailer to go with this truck?



Bill

One thing that has always had me scared about the bolster trucks is that not only do they have super single tires (not a big deal), but the spare is way up on top of the cab. How do you get that down to put on the truck? I have heard that the super singles are very heavy.

I believe this is the truck originally spoken of



It was at auction here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... gory=80765


Bill Wolf

Thats the one.

Although the engineering type bolster trucks are less common, the parts would be a nightmare to find (re comment about the proper trailer).

I did get a chance to go to spooner, wi and look at Kevin K's CCKW's. IMPRESSIVE. The air compressor and fuel tank CCKWs are restored down to the tool kits.

Now if we can get him to publish an 'All American Wonder CCKW edition'!

Someone needs to recognize the importance of these trucks to the war effort. I know that they did a TV special a few years ago on the CCKW, the C47 and the Higgins boat as the three most important non-combat vehicles of WWII. but a book would be nice. I know that some of the guys in the Red Ball chapter of the MVPA drove their trucks in the film.

Non Combat???????

I agree Joel, but this all was based on something Ike said when asked about important equipment to the war effort. He said the three most important Non-combat vehicles were the three mentioned, therefore the TV special used the same thought. I think the basis was that they were designed to haul cargo, and not designed as offensive or defensive combat vehicles, even though we all know that they were exposed to combat situations. In Viet Nam some M35's were armour plated and fitted with a lot of fire power to be used as an offensive vehicle and we all have heard the stories of the AC-47's, "Puff" These are the exceptions
We know, as collectors, that all equipment can be and probably will be modified in the field to fit certain situations, and certainly all CCKW's were not fitted with fifty caliber Brownings even in the combat area's.
The addition of the machine guns to cargo trucks was meant more as an air defense move and not to use the soft skin trucks in an offensive manner.

I find that statement hard to believe, but they must have discovered that the CCKW was able to do more than haul Quartermaster Laundry, and fresh bread, look at all the evidence of landings, towed artillery behind them, bombed out trucks, C-47s dropping Paratroops with real guns, towing gliders etc., and assigned to USAAF combat units. What were those gun ports doing in the windows of the C-47? Gotta be a misquote somewhere. That quote has to be wrong, I have seen it in dozens of books over the years, and it must have morphed into a misquote. Throw away the book you got it from, you was ripped off.
Joel

There are a lot of near new condition CCKW bolster trucks in Europe with all equipment.many have only 600 or so miles on them.they are Ex French reserve stock,kept in dry store since 1940's and with only one coat of post war paint over the US markings.they don't make much money either,£2000 to £4000.Army Cars Holland were/are breaking them for parts

Do they include the trailer for that price.

How about the Pontons?

Bill

Hi Bill
Yes I believe the trailer is included but I seem to remember the pontoons are extra.if you need contact details I'll find them.on the whole GMC's don't make much in Europe,between £2000 and £5000 ($3800-$9000) depending on condition and model.a CCKW 352 hard cab is worth more than a 353.on the other hand I've noticed that MB/GPW Jeeps don't make alot in the US.here a bare chassis can go for £1000 ($2600) and for that it will probably need work.

Now all we need is a way of sending GMC's to the US and Jeeps to the UK and we're sorted!!