Private Vehicle, preservation of history

Specs: 

• Engine: Dodge T-245 78 hp 3.8 L inline 6 cylinder.
• Gearbox: New Process Model 88950 (or NP420) 4-speed, Synchro-Shift in 3rd and 4th gear.

The Dodge M37  3/4 ton 4×4 truck (G741) was Dodge’s follow-up to their successful WC Series from WWII. Introduced in 1951 it was used extensively by the United States armed forces for over 25 years. As the cold war got colder, NATO and its allies developed missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads. In 1952 the United States started with the Redstone Rocket Program. With its warhead removed and some modifications, a Redstone rocket put Alan Shepard into space in 1961.  

This particular vehicle, which is a XM506 hydrogen peroxide (rocket fuel) servicer built in 1956, has an especially interesting history being involved in the American Redstone Rocket programs in Alabama. Later in its life it was also involved with the SPARTA rocket program (which was a modified Redstone rocket) at the Woomera Test Range here in Australia, which resulted in the first Australian satellite in space.  You might have noticed the artwork on the spare wheel cover with a Tazzy Devil riding a Redstone Rocket. It reflects its history with Redstone in the the States and Woomera here in Australia.

This M37 / XM506 has been beautifully restored, by its current owner. The back has been converted into a camper (you wouldn’t know to look at it) and the power plant is now a 350 Chev V8 for reliability as it will be used to tour around our great country.  Perfectly functional and in immaculate condition with incredible history behind it, this old beast deserves its place on our wall of fame.