
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 288
c.1945 DUKW 6x6 Amphibious Utility Registration no. not registered Chassis no. B269 Engine no. 21408520
One of the most instantly recognisable military vehicles to emerge from WW2, the amphibious DUKW was developed in the USA by the National Defense Research Committee and the Office of Scientific Research and Development. The DUKW prototype was based on a GMC truck chassis, to which was added a watertight hull and propeller. After initial rejection by the US military, the DUKW entered production at General Motors' GMC subsidiary in 1942. Powered by a GMC 270ci (4.4-litre) inline six-cylinder engine, the 6½-ton DUKW had a top speed of 50mph on the road and 5½ knots (6.3mph) on water. A noteworthy feature was the means to vary tyre pressures from within the cab, this being the first use of such technology.
The DUKW was not an armoured fighting vehicle, although some carried Browning machine guns; rather, it was used for ferrying supplies to invasion beachheads and evacuating the wounded. It was first deployed in the Pacific Theatre, while its first use in Europe was during the invasion of Sicily. Many DUKWs saw service on the Normandy beaches following D-Day. A little over 21,000 had been made by the war's end.
After WW2, DUKWs remained in service with military formations around the world, including with the UK's Royal Marines, which operated this example (registered '12RN30') at its Amphibious Trials and Training establishment at Instow, North Devon. Retro-fitted with a 5.9-litre Cummins diesel engine, 'B269' was in military service for more than 60 years and is probably the longest-serving military vehicle ever offered for sale.
The current owner purchased the DUKW at Bonhams' Goodwood Revival sale in September 2016 (Lot 143). The vehicle had come to the market directly from the Ministry of Defence, and was the very last DUKW to be released from UK military service. At that time it had covered a total of 3,983 miles, which represents 522 hours of running time. Since purchase, the DUKW has been serviced by marque specialist Rex Ward and been used by the enthusiast vendor on his Scottish estate on both land and water. It is offered in excellent running and driving condition.
A unique opportunity, this DUKW is the dream acquisition for the military vehicle collector, as well as being a potential promotional tool - there simply is no cooler vehicle from which to disembark at a riverside pub!




















Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialist
Head of Department

