1934 Dodge Brothers KH31, Dump Truck (Q.M. Corps

This remarkable military Dodge is an official U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps vehicle, still in completely original condition. Beneath the paint, the markings of the 4th Infantry Service Corps can still be seen, revealing its authentic military history. This model is equipped with a heavy duty N0. 7 hoist and 5-B dump bed (1,5 t) that can be operated by two levers located inside the cab.The dump bed on the truck is made by Anthony 'pipeless hydraulic hoist and bodies'. A rare and histori...

This model is equipped with a heavy duty N0. 7 hoist and 5-B dump bed (1,5 t) that can be operated by two levers located inside the cab.The dump bed on the truck is made by Anthony 'pipeless hydraulic hoist and bodies'. A rare and historically significant truck that fully deserves to be restored to its former glory.

Location

Rhenen, The Netherlands

Year of construction

28 December 1934

Country of origin

United States of America

Manufacturer

Dodge Brothers (Cadillac Division), Detroit

Type

KH 31 (Q.M. Corps - U.S. Army)

Condition

Original unrestored condition/ Non-runner

Margin Goods

No margin goods; VAT applicable

€ 10.000,-

Incl. commission

Details

Condition

This Dodge is remarkably complete and original, an exceptional survivor from 1934 that has retained all its key components. It originates from the United States, where it served with the Q.M. Corps of the US army.

Although the vehicle requires a full restoration, it forms an outstanding and historically valuable basis, especially considering its age and originality. It is rare to find a 1934 military truck in such an untouched and authentic condition.

Specifications

Technical details

Manufacturer: Dodge Brother
Model: KH31 (4x2), Dump Truck
Serial number: 8821226
Manufacturing date: 28 December 1934
Type: B-2-2-LR-21159
Length: 17 ft 0,7 in (5,2 m)
Width: 6 ft 6,7 in (2 m)
Height: 6 ft 4,8 in (1,95 m)
Weight: 8500 lb (3,8 t)
Max. speed: 47 mph (75.64 km/h)
Engine: T76, Flathead six-cylinder, 217.8 cubic inches 3,569 cc, Horsepower: 77 hp, 57 kW
Crew: 2
Production numbers

History

Between 1900 and 1939, Dodge Brothers evolved from a parts supplier for Ford and Oldsmobile into one of the U.S. Army’s key vehicle manufacturers. After launching their first car in 1914, Dodge quickly gained a reputation for strength and reliability. Their vehicles proved their worth during the U.S.–Mexico Border War and World War I, where more than 12,000 Dodge cars and trucks served as ambulances, repair trucks, and reconnaissance vehicles.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Dodge expanded its civilian and commercial production, building trucks that shared many components with passenger cars but were known for their robust design. By 1935, Dodge introduced purpose-built truck frames, marking a shift toward heavier-duty vehicles. The opening of a dedicated truck factory in 1938 and the release of the 1939 “Job-Rated” truck series solidified Dodge’s reputation for reliable utility vehicles.

In 1934, Dodge produced its first military 4x4 truck at the request of the U.S. Army; the experimental K-39-X-4(USA). Using Timken’s new part-time four-wheel-drive system, this model laid the foundation for later Dodge 4x4 military trucks. Despite limited military budgets in the 1930s, these early prototypes proved successful, leading to further Army contracts for 1½-ton 4x4 trucks in 1938, 1939, and 1940—paving the way for Dodge’s iconic wartime vehicles of the 1940s.

Quarter Master Corps U.S. Army
At the time, the Corps was one of the oldest military technical services. The Quartermaster Corps' core mission was providing general supplies to the Army, along with a variety of field services. The Corps was in a period of evolving responsibilities, with some functions transferring to other branches (like the Office of the Chief of Engineers) in the years leading up to World War II, while its primary role in support of the troops remained essential. In 1934, the Corps was responsible for functions such as general supply (excluding ammunition and medical supplies), subsistence (food), mortuary affairs, and petroleum and water support.