May 23, 2022
Whereas almost every WWII military vehicle enthusiast will quickly agree that the US6 2-1/2-ton truck
was one of the most stylish looking wheeled vehicles produced in the United States for the war effort,
very few can share historic details about the nearly 200,000 trucks that bore that designation. In fact, the
US6 might be one of the most misunderstood production vehicles to roll out of American factories during
WWII — that is, until now.
For the past 20 years, military vehicle scholar and author, David Doyle, has researched the nuances of
the US6 as it came off Studebaker and REO production lines. This massive, authoritative book is the
result. Having combed through Studebaker design and production records and cross-referencing that info
with military acquisition, Doyle has “cracked the code” on specific contracts and deliveries of the US6
and its variants. While most will state that the bulk of US6 production went to Lend-Lease partners,
Doyle proves that is factually correct, but also raises the valuable question of where did nearly 20% of the
production go that was not sent out to America’s allies. This book provides the answers.
Divided into seventeen chapters, Doyle starts at the beginning with Studebaker’s contention for
providing the primary 2-1/2-ton truck to the US military. Though GM’s CCKW emerged as the truck of
choice, Studebaker won several quantity contracts. In fact, chapters are devoted to the British contract,
DA-W-398-QM-6 and contract W-2021-QM3 for the Russians.
Throughout the book, detailed, high-resolution images drive home contract details that Doyle
uncovered. But that isn’t a sufficient description. These photos are close-up, sharp, and professionally
produced during truck production. Almost all 600+ images are reproduced either as 1/2 or full page. This
book has been produced with gorgeous quality to preserve those deep details. It truly is a fitting
celebration for these magnificent trucks. If you are restoring a US6 or building a model, this book has the
under-the-hood-and-body images you so desperately need.
Enough cannot be written to express the quality of this volume — you just have to purchase it to
discover the depth of data and meaningful images Doyle brought together. A tip of the hat to Portrayal
Press for producing the kind of book serious military vehicle enthusiasts, restorers, and modelers want.
ISBN 978-0938242079
Hardcover, 2021, 612 pages, more than 600 color and black and white illustrations, $99.00.
Published by Portrayal Press, PO Box 944, Branchville, NJ 07826; 855-339-0382;
or directly from the author at www.DavidDoyleBooks.com
