1945 GMC CCKW 353 H2 Dump Truck
This GMC H2 Dump Truck is in beautifully restored condition. Both cosmetically and technically, it leaves little to be desired. The restoration was completed in 2021, and it still looks immaculate — a sign that the current owners have taken great care of their GMC. The Dump Truck version ensures you’ll definitely stand out from other GMCs. Displaying the raised open-box bed is always a great eye-catcher at static shows.
Details
Conditions
After the war, this vehicle was used by the Dutch army. After being auctioned off by the Dutch government in the mid-1980s, it ended up in the hands of a Belgian collector. The current owners have owned it for four years now, during which they began an extensive restoration.
The entire GMC was dismantled down to the last bolt. The engine, brakes, and radiator have been completely overhauled. Additionally, the entire drive train has been inspected, adjusted, cleaned, and fitted with new seals. The body was sandblasted and coated with a 2K primer and 1K paint. It retains its original 6-volt system. The new high-quality canvas, sourced from England, includes the full rear cover and cab doors. The restoration was completed at the end of 2021.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- General Motors Corporation
- Model
- CCKW 353 H2 Dump Truck
- Manufacturing date
- 1945
- Serial number
- 353-502868 H1 (Note by Seller: The chassis number is original, but it is split with an H1. The suspension is the original Banjo type and riveted in the original locations. It's likely that a mistake was made with the chassis numbers during the war)
- WW II registration
- USA 4867461-S
- Length
- 22 ft 8,5 in (6,92 m)
- Width
- 8 ft (2,44 m)
- Height
- 9 ft 1 in (2,77 m)
- Weight
- 11.440 lb (5.200 kg)
- Max. speed
- 45 mph (72 km/h)
- Operational range
- 300 mi (482 km)
- Engine
- GMC 270 straight-6, 104 hp (78 kW) at 2,750 rpm
- Electrical installation
- 6 Volt
- Winch
- Yes (model: Garwood)
- Crew
- 3 (1 driver & 2 co drivers)
- Production numbers
- 48.356 versions of the Dump Truck
- Road registration
- Yes (Dutch)
History
The GMC CCKW is generally considered to be the “Truck that won WWII.” Built in the thousands, it served the U.S. and her allies in all theaters of operation, becoming emblematic of the allied efforts to stop the Nazis in Europe and the Japanese in the Pacific.
With a total of 562 500 units produced, the GMC CCKW is the WWII emblematic light truck, released in numerous variants including: cargo, gasoline tanker, water tanker, workshop, artillery tractor, compressor, amphibious truck and: Dump Truck.
Just 48,356 units of this ‘tippertruck’-version were manufactured, only few remain today, making it a quite rare model. Originally designed for transportation and unloading of large inflated boats used for the building of temporary bridges, the military engineers quickly transformed it as a cheap tipper truck since it was manufactured in great numbers.
But due to the original design based on a long wheel base model, the capacity of the dump body made the weight too heavy for the truck. Hence the curious hinged partition that splits the dump body in two parts when raised. When this hinged partition is horizontal, the dump body is a conventional cargo body. When raised and locked in place, it limits the loading area, thus the weight. It also limits, like the elevation of the center of gravity when lifting the tipper body. Not originally designed as a truck for the military engineers, all the CCKW 353 were equipped with split type axles more fragile than banjo type axles. The truck was often used for airfield construction and for rubble removal in the bombed cities.
The tipper body mechanism
The hydraulic pump and the distributor are incorporated into the hydraulic cylinder body, thus avoiding any hydraulic hose. This way, the tipper body can very easily be removed and replaced by any other standard GMC CCKW equipment.
Equipped with the dump body, the only two links with the truck chassis are : – the small shaft coming from the gear box PTO (Power Take Off) and going to the hydraulic pump – the linkage between the push/neutral/pull lever in the cab and the hydraulic distributor (raise, lower or maintain the dump body in position).
Additionally, the large diameter of the hydraulic cylinder entailed a rather low pressure thus allowing the use of ordinary engine oil, available everywhere (on the contrary, hydraulic oil was relatively uncommon at that time).
The hinged partition folds easily, converting in seconds this tipper truck into a standard cargo truck accepting the cargo racks and the troop seats as well as the bows and the tarpaulin. Once covered and with its cab protector folded, one way to distinguish a tipper from a cargo is by counting the structural compartments on the side of the body: 3 for the tipper truck, 4 for the cargo truck.


Note to buyer
Shipping Information
After buying a classic military vehicle or other items such as cannons, planes, howitzers and tanks, there are several steps you would typically need to take:
Legalities
In principle, no special permit is required for unarmored wheeled and tracked vehicles. In many cases, an export procedure that is comparable to that for exporting classic cars and motorcycles is sufficient. Military collectables older than 75 years and with a value over Euro 50k are often considered National Heritage. In such cases an export permit must be requested from the National Ministry of Culture of the exporting country. Tanks, howitzers and self-propelled or towed cannons often require specific permits that are highly dependent on the country of shipment and the country of destination. In such a case first ensure that you apply for the necessary permits, licenses, and other paperwork required to own and operate such an item in your jurisdiction. This may involve registering the item with the appropriate authorities and complying with any regulations regarding its ownership and use. In such a case it is advisable to contact us in advance because we have many decades of experience in the import and export of Classic Military Heritage. Based on this experience, we can generally quickly provide feedback on what applies to you. This is especially relevant because regulations in this regard change every now and then and sometimes, we also have to deal with export-restrictions. In short: if you want to be sure, contact us in time to avoid difficulties in a later stage.
Storage
Find a suitable storage location for your collectable, preferably a secure and legal place where you can keep it when not in use. This could be a garage, warehouse, or even a specially designed storage facility or museum.
Transportation
After you have all paperwork in place next step will be the (oversees) transport to your desired location. This may involve hiring specialized transport and broker services due to permits, size and weight. Als in this case we can support you with organizing the transport or make sure you get in contact with some experts.
Maintenance and Restoration
Depending on the condition of your military collectable our partner BAIV can help you with maintenance and restoration work to ensure that it is safe and operational. This could involve relatively easy maintenance and repair, service till a Class-A restoration. In such a case please contact BAIV (link to BAIV website).
Training
If you intend to operate a vehicle then make sure you have manuals that describe how the operate vehicle. Nowadays there are numerous reprints available on the Internet that explain you in a playful way how to drive and operate your vehicle. This is often a team effort, which makes owning such a vehicle extra attractive. If required, you can also involve hiring a professional instructor or attending specialized training courses to learn how to drive and maintain it safely. In such a case, our partner BAIV can also support you.
Insurance
Consider obtaining insurance coverage for your vehicle to protect yourself against any potential accidents or liabilities that may arise from owning and operating it. Often there are specialized insurance companies offering these kinds of services. Local military vehicle clubs often also know their way around the specific options offered by insurance companies.
Enjoyment
Finally, once everything is in place, you can enjoy owning and, if permitted, operating your classic military vehicle, cannon or howitzer. Whether it's for display purposes or for participating in historical reenactments, owning such a great unit can be a unique and rewarding experience.
Feel free to get in touch
