General Patton's Dodge WC57 Is a Slice of WWII History

Patton's Personal Ride

While Jeep gets the bulk of the attention as a maker of historic military vehicles, Dodge built some pretty important war machines, too. That includes the WC57 Command Car you see before you. This particular example is purported to be nothing less than General George S. Patton's own personal ride, which is pretty amazing. And after spending some time at the National Military History Center in Auburn, Indiana, it's now in the possession of Worldwide Auctioneers.

Photos: Worldwide Auctioneers

No Connection

This particular vehicle is fitted with the modifications Patton made to his personal WC57, but there is no paperwork specifically linking General Patton to the car. Thus, it isn't completely certain that this is in fact the real deal. And there are a few replicas of Patton's Command Cars running around in the world. Regardless, it's a cool machine on its own accord.

Photos: Worldwide Auctioneers

>>Join the conversation about Patton's WC57 right here in the Dodge Forum.

Several Configurations

A lot of folks aren't even aware of the fact that Dodge produced vehicles for the U.S. military, but they actually started doing so before World War I. Most of them were simply converted civilian vehicles, including the TC which became the VC-1. That model soon evolved into the WC, which was built in several configurations. That includes the WC57 Command and Reconnaissance Weapons Carrier, which rode on a three-quarter-ton, 4x4 chassis.

Photos: Worldwide Auctioneers

>>Join the conversation about Patton's WC57 right here in the Dodge Forum.

Popular With Everyone

The WC57 quickly developed a reputation among soldiers as a reliable, tough, and capable vehicle, and even helped inspire Dodge to create the Power Wagon. Unfortunately, the open-top version also made it quite popular with the enemy. So before heading to France in 1944, Patton ordered some modifications to his WC57. 

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>>Join the conversation about Patton's WC57 right here in the Dodge Forum.

Changing It Up

Those mods included extra armor for the radiator and floor, along with a Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun to swat away those pesky enemy aircraft. It also sports an extra tailgate for additional storage space, a grab rail, and flags and horns on the front fenders. 

Photos: Worldwide Auctioneers

>>Join the conversation about Patton's WC57 right here in the Dodge Forum.

Few Differences

This particular WC57 isn't exactly like Patton's modified example, as the tailgate is slightly different and it's packing a Browning M1919 A44 .30-cal on the passenger side running board. But otherwise, it looks a lot like the one the famous general rode around in during this pivotal conflict.

Photos: Worldwide Auctioneers

>>Join the conversation about Patton's WC57 right here in the Dodge Forum.

Finding a Home

This special Dodge WC57 was previous up for sale at an RM Sotheby's auction in 2017, but failed to meet the reserve price at that time. This time around, it's being sold with no reserve, so it's guaranteed to go to a new home. That auction is scheduled to take place on June 11-14 at Kruse Plaza in Auburn, Indiana, and we're betting that at last one military history buff will be there with a paddle in hand.

Photos: Worldwide Auctioneers

>>Join the conversation about Patton's WC57 right here in the Dodge Forum.

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