The Willys MB may be the most iconic light military vehicle, but when it comes to heavy-duty trucks, the GMC CCKW takes the spotlight. Also known as the G-508 or “Jimmy,” the CCKW was built from 1941 to 1945 and saw heavy service with the US Army during World War 2.
Designed in 1941, the CCKW entered production the same year and was built until the end of WW2 in 1945. The company made about 572,500 trucks, most of which were 2.5-ton 6×6 haulers with off-road capability. The lineup included both long and short-wheelbase models.
The CCKW was very successful during WW2, amounting to almost a quarter of the total US truck production and about 70% of the total 2.5-ton haulers. Its main 6×6 rival was the Studebaker US6, which also saw production from 1941 to 1945. Studebaker and REO built more than 200,000 trucks, but most of them were exported to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease program since the CCKW proved to be more suitable for Western Front conditions.
While production of the GMC hauler stopped in 1945, the truck served in the Korean War (1950-1953) and remained in active US Army service until the mid-1960s. It was replaced by the M35 series, designed by REO Motors.
While most CCKWs left the factory as general-purpose cargo models, GMC also built many specialized variants. At the same time, other trucks were converted in the field. In all, there were more than 25 variations, including surgical and repair vans, bomb service and chemical handling trucks, and radio and fire engines. Some were also converted for fuel, oil, and water hauling duty.
Oil tankers carried from 660 to 750 gallons (2,498 to 2,839 liters), while water trucks were rated at 700 gallons (2,650 liters). The fuel and gas haulers had 750-gallon tanks. These trucks are extremely rare nowadays, with only a handful believed to still exist in one piece. All told you need a ton of good luck to see one in the metal.
But if you’re into WW2 trucks, an even bigger and rarer CCKW tanker is spending its retirement years in Alaska. I’m talking about a tractor and trailer tanker that can carry up to 2,000 gallons (7,571 kg) of fuel and was used to refuel Boeing B-17 bombers during the war. It’s unclear whether it was deployed to the Western Front or used on US soil only, but it’s highly original, and it still runs and drives. And that’s downright amazing for a vehicle that’s precisely 80 years old as of 2023.
Moreover, it doesn’t display as much rust as you’d think, and the engine is still potent enough to haul the empty yet still heavy trailer in addition to the 8,800-pound (3,392 kg) truck. Regarding firepower, the CCKW got a 270-cubic-inch (4.4-liter) straight-six mill. Part of GMC’s first line of in-house-built six-cylinder powerplants, the CCKW’s 270 delivered 92 or 104 horsepower and 216 pound-feet (293 Nm) of torque. Paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, it propelled the truck toward a top speed of 45 mph (72 kph).
But that’s enough history for today. Hit the play button below to watch this WW2 behemoth stretching its wheels on Alaskan back roads.