Built in Detroit Michigan from 1942 to 1944, the 3/4 ton command car was the third of three generations of command cars built by Dodge. The first being a 1/2 ton civilian style VC series introduced in 1939 and the second being a 1/2 ton WC series introduced in 1941. 

The Dodge command car was used for front line reconnaissance often fitted with a long range radio set just behind the front seat. Other uses were in a command role often transporting high ranking military officials. This role was gradually phased out during WWII because of the identifiable nature that this vehicle presented to the enemy. Command cars were often used as a parade vehicles and for other miscellaneous duties.

General George Patton utilized the command car in his dash across France in 1944. He reformed the 6th Cavalry Group into an Army information service. Normal signal communications and command channels were bypassed. Information that was obtained by patrols on the front lines was instantly relayed by radio and teletype to 3rd Army Headquarters. Patton had several custom made command cars for his use throughout WWII. Pictures of one of these can be seen by clicking on the "Patton's WC-57" link below.

Vehicle Types

The following three designations of the 3/4 ton command car were formed: WC-56, 57, and 58. The difference between models WC-56 and WC-57 is that the latter is equipped with a power take-off and a drive shaft for the winch mounted at the front of the vehicle. The electrical system of both models is 12 volt with battery located on the right running board and provision is made for the installation of radio equipment behind the front seat designated as WC-58.

Of the 24,000 3/4 ton command cars built, only hundreds survive today. Most surviving 3/4 ton command cars have been found in Europe, especially in Norway, Sweden and France. Both the Norwegian and Swiss armies utilized them in their post World War Two armies. Many examples in France and Sweden were painted red and used as fire fighting vehicles.  All of these vehicles were Lend-Leased to these countries immediately after World War II by the U.S. Government. Most

 survivors in the United States were sold off to the public as military surplus.