1942 WC-53 "Carryall" - Steve Penning

1942 Dodge WC53 Carryall Restoration

Built by Dodge: August 21, 1942
Serial Number: 81570718
Original Hood Number: USA 20164427 (discovered beneath the paint on the original hood)
California License Plate: WC53

Vehicle History

• Military history is unknown.
• The truck's history prior to the 1990s is largely unknown, although it was reportedly used as a deer hunting vehicle during the 1960s.
• Steve and Lori purchased the truck from Donny Abell, just outside of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in June 2016. The truck was shipped to their home that same month.
• The vehicle was disassembled and in very poor condition when it arrived, leaving Steve wondering what he had gotten himself into.
• Restoration work began in late 2016 in the Pennings' small shop at their home in Windsor.
• As the photos show, the truck required a complete restoration.

Restoration Highlights

• A 1966 Dodge W300 donor truck was purchased in late 2019 to provide the 318 engine, transmission, transfer case, and drivelines.
• The engine, transmission, and transfer case were all overhauled in Santa Rosa, California.
• The truck was driven for the first time in July 2025.
• Exterior paint work was completed in July 2026.

Vehicle Markings

The vehicle displays standard U.S. Army insignias (stars) and, although not historically correct for this particular truck, also carries the Korean War battalion markings of Steve's father, Paul:

933 AAA AW HQ-2

Meaning:

• 933rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery and Automatic Weapons Battalion
• Headquarters Vehicle #2
• December 1952 to December 1953

Special Thanks

Special thanks to Vintage Power Wagons in Iowa and Midwest Military in Minnesota. These two awesome establishments made the restoration and parts sourcing much easier.

Thank you to Marcus and Pedro of New Metal Coachworks, LLC for the final paint work.

Steve completed most of the restoration and modification work, with special thanks to:

• Lori Penning
• Sam Penning
• Adam Haas
• Kent Long
• Bruce Etchell
• Dale Miller
• Eric Jenkins (Tailgate)