Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Spring event,
May 11-13, 2017.
Chassis No.
USA7026691
Estimate:
$ 75,000 - $100,000 US
The GMC DUKW - 353 was developed in 1942 in accordance with a
directive by the Commanding General, Services of Supply. The
directive called for a vehicle that could transport personnel and
supplies from ships to beaches without the benefit of prepared
harbors and docks. The designation DUKW came from the builder's
code: D=1942; U=Utility; K=All wheel drive; W=Twin rear wheel
axles. The average GI simply referred to the vehicle as the "Duck".
The pilot model was so successful that it was immediately put into
production after testing. On land the DUKW used its normal
six-wheel drive, but in the water, it was driven by a propeller and
steered by a rudder. The wheels and propeller could operate
together for smoothly entering and exiting water. DUKWs
participated in all major U.S. amphibious operations from March
1943 until the end of World War II. The cargo compartment could
accommodate 25 soldiers and their equipment or 5,000-pounds of
supplies. Lend-Lease DUKWs were also provided to the British and
Soviets. Over 21,000 DUKWs had been manufactured by late 1945.
