This WW2 Military Truck Has a Hellcat V8 and Costs $500,000
Desert Power Wagons has unveiled a new one-of-one creation that combines the classic look of the Dodge WC-53 Carryall 3/4-ton military vehicle with a steel ladder frame chassis, an off-road suspension and a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8.
This rare build, finished in deep Pepper Gray Metallic, has required more than 3,000 hours of craftsmanship, and that is reflected in the half a million dollar price tag. So let's see why it costs so much.
While the project is rooted in history, it is not a restoration but a complete reimagination, as the North Carolina-based outfit puts it. The project is said to combine the best of both worlds: rugged pre-war American design with modern performance, luxury and capability. According to Desert Power Wagons, that makes the custom WC-53 feel equally at home on the trail, on open highways or in a fancy urban setting.
Hellcat Muscle Meets Rugged WW2 Military Vehicle Design
The heart of the project is Dodge's supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8, which in this application delivers 717 horsepower and 656 pound-feet of torque. You just wouldn't expect a 1940s military truck to pack that kind of muscle, would you?
The Hellcat is linked to a heavy-duty TorqueFlite 48RE 4-speed automatic from Randy's Transmissions, which is said to offer immediate power delivery.
The truck is built on Tisdale Coachworks' proprietary fully boxed steel ladder frame, a fitting chassis for a purpose-built off-road machine. Desert Power Wagons added a custom four-link suspension with King Shocks 3-inch internal bypass coilovers, remote reservoirs, and adjustable compression. This setup is said to provide serious articulation off-road and surprising composure on pavement.
Sticking with the off-road hardware, the truck also packs a Bulldog Tough 241DHD transfer case with shift-on-the-fly capability between 2WD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low modes. Finally, the custom truck rides on 37-inch Toyo Open Country M/T tires wrapped around 18-inch Black Rhino Armory wheels.
One of the many cool things about this truck is it can also be used for work. It comes with a custom matching trailer that mirrors the truck's fit and finish, and it even comes with the same type of wheels.
The trailer can be used for hauling gear for the trail or other stuff, making it more than just a cool accessory. Speaking of accessories, the 4-door truck is also fitted with a 12,000-lb Warn VR Evo 12S winch and Amp Research XL power side steps for easy access to the cabin.
As Luxurious Inside as the WC-53 Carryall Has Ever Been
Now, we seriously doubt that whoever is going to spend $500,000 on this truck will use it for work-just look at that luxurious interior. The custom WC-53 features Premium Light Platinum leather upholstery for the front and rear bucket seats, finished in a spectacular double-diamond stitch pattern, with the same leather adorning the door cards and center console.
The classic metal dashboard is brought into the modern age courtesy of the Dakota Digital VHX analog gauges, Atoto infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the JL Audio / Rockford Fosgate sound system.
The cabin also features amenities like Vintage Air climate control, power windows, cruise control, and a Viper security system with remote start. A power-operated tailgate is also on the menu for a seamless access to the trunk.
Impressive stuff, but is it worth the $499,950 price tag? Let us know what you think.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 3:45 PM.