WWII US DUKW Amphibious Vehicle
Sale price: US $13,000.00 Make an Offer
| Condition: | Used |
Union, Illinois, United States
Vehicle description
The DUKW amphibious vehicle was the solution to the US military"s need for an amphibious assault vehicle. The name of the vehicle itself is actually an acronym from GMC nomenclature with the D meaning “Designed in 1942”, U meaning “Utility”, K meaning “All Wheel Drive” and W meaning “Dual Tandem Rear Axles” The DUKW would see service with the Army and the Marines in WWII with just over 20,000 being produced from 1942 to 1945. The DUKW would remain in limited service after the war before finally being replaced. The DUKWs saw intense combat with the Army, participating in the Invasion of Sicily, the D-Day landings, and the crossing of the Rhine River during Operation Plunder. The Marines would use DUKWs to cross the harsh coral reefs of Pacific islands like Saipan as the tires were not slowed by it. The DUKW is all original and has the serial #15891. This specific DUKW was purchased from Gilliatt &Thomas Mack Truck Sales of Knox County, Indiana on July 13, 1968 by Joaquin Aguillera and the sale was documented on the bill of sale that comes with the DUKW. DUKW is in original and unrestored condition. While in storage, this DUKW was kept with good clean oil and the engine started right up after cleaning the contacts. It is not fully running due to not being connected to the fuel system but the engine works. Has been 20+ years since the DUKW was last driven and needs a total restoration. The hull is remarkably sound except for the hull floor. Overall, the hull is good condition though it could use a good paint job. Engine and drive train appear to be complete. Vehicle will need a complete restoration to get it fully operational again but this piece of American military hardware deserves it.