WC57 Dodge Command Car, 3/4 ton, 4x4
Dodge produced the WC-57 3/4 ton 4x4 Command Car from 1942 to 1944, part of the Dodge 3/4 ton WC series of trucks. The Command Car was used for transporting officers and for reconnaissance missions. Its distinctive profile made it a target, however, and production was soon phased out. The WC-57 differs from the WC-56 Command Reconnaissance Car in that the WC-57 was equipped with a winch and had a longer frame to accomodate it.
The very similar WC-58 Radio Car differed only in the provision of radio mounting racks behind the front seats and additional wiring.
The Olive-Drab.com Gallery has a photo of Lt. Gen. Patton with his WC-56 or WC-57 Command Car.
1st Lt. Harry E. Bangs, Maintenance Officer, standing with WC57 (or WC56) Dodge Command Car, 3/4 ton, 4x4, Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, 23 March 1943. The windshield and radiator have been barricaded for overseas shipment.
Dodge WC-57 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 with winch (G-502)
Workers at Chrysler Corporation Dodge truck plant sitting in production line Dodge WC-57 (or WC-56) 3/4 ton 4x4 Command Cars, Detroit, MI, August 1942.
Parking lot at Chrysler Corporation Dodge truck plant with rows of Dodge WC-57 (or WC-56) 3/4 ton 4x4 Command Cars awaiting final inspection, Detroit, MI, August 1942.
Dodge WC-57 Truck, Command Reconnaissance, 3/4 ton, 4x4 with winch (G-502). Photo courtesy of Steve Andersen.
Steve Andersen's 1943 WC-57 Command Reconnaissance car in process of restoration.
Restored 1943 WC-57 Command Reconnaissance car, an exact duplicate of General Patton's command car. More information: General Patton and his Dodge Command Cars. Photo used with permission.
Another view of the restored 1943 WC-57 Command Reconnaissance car, an exact duplicate of General Patton's command car. More information: General Patton and his Dodge Command Cars. Photo used with permission.
