M135

GMC M135 2 1/2 6x6 Truck w/ Winch

National Warplane Museum

GMC M135

The GMC M135 2½-Ton 6x6 truck represents the post-World War II evolution of the U.S. military’s "deuce and a half" transport workhorse. As America’s primary cargo truck during the early Cold War period, the M135 carried forward the proven utility of its WWII predecessors while introducing significant design updates to meet the demands of a modernizing military.

Background

Introduced in 1950 as part of the G-749 series, the M135 was the first major post-war redesign of the 2½-ton truck. Built by General Motors, it featured a gasoline-powered inline-6 engine, automatic transmission, and an updated suspension system, improving road performance while retaining rugged off-road capability. These trucks saw extensive service during the Korean War, Cold War training exercises, and NATO deployments, providing reliable cargo, troop, and equipment transport across varied terrain.

Use & Purpose

The M135 series served as a core logistical vehicle for the U.S. Army and allied forces throughout the 1950s and into the 1960s. Its roles included general cargo hauling, troop transport, field supply delivery, and towing of artillery and support equipment. The addition of a front-mounted winch, as seen on the Museum's example, expanded its utility for recovery operations and field engineering tasks.

Museum Example

• 1952 GMC M135 2½-Ton 6x6 Truck with Winch (Serial No. 5846 / Military No. G2749-8358352)

This truck was built in 1952 and served during the early Cold War period. Donated to the National Warplane Museum in the early 2000s, it has been fully restored by museum volunteers. Today, it stands as a working example of the critical backbone logistics vehicles that sustained military operations in the decades following WWII.