It is a museum piece that has high hopes of being brought back to life.
Meet the GMC DUKW 353, one example dating back to 1943, is now available for sale
Bonhams. Although there are no records of this particular DUKW’s involvement in wartime, it is a survivor that has been kept as a museum item.
The DUKW can carry payloads up to 5,000 lbs (2,300 kgs) or 24 soldiers. It is powered by a 4.4-liter GMC Model 270 motor that produces 91 horsepower (68 kilowatts). The DUKW is capable of traveling up to 50 miles an hour (80 km/h) on roads and 6 knots on the water.
This particular DUKW 353 was sold to the British armed forces on June 23, 1943. It was assigned to the 19 Amphibious Squadron of Royal Corps of Transport. It was a rare survivor of war and was transferred to the Royal Corps of Transport Museum early 1970s. The museum kept it in good condition through its many museum transfers up until 2003.
This DUKW is being sold because it was used as a museum piece and its fuel tank was drained. It will need some repairs before it can be run again. Fortunately, this shouldn’t be a problem since there are a few people who can work with an older GM engine.
However, there is one caveat. The 1943 GMC DUKW survivor is available at an estimated price between PS18,000 and 20,000 at Bonnehams or around $25,000 – 28,000 depending on current exchange rates. This is not a cheap car. It will still be available for purchase until March 20, 2021, if you are interested.