Make/Model: 1942 Chevrolet G7106 Dump Truck (less winch) Serial No: 6NH01-2905 Date of Manufacture: January 1942 Date of Delivery: March 5, 1942 Assembly Plant: Oakland, California Gross Weight: 11,300 pounds (5,126 kg) Maximum Pay Load (sic): 3,000 pounds (1,361 kg) Maximum Trailed Load: 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg) Top Speed: 48 mph (77 km/h) Donor: Dave Jamieson (Midnight Sun Drilling)

Vehicles of Victory A Chevrolet advertisment from the time of World War II had the slogan, "On the fighting fronts abroad, on the working fronts at home." If ever there was a front in North America, the Alaska Highway and Yukon would certainly qualify.

During the Second World War, Ford, International, Dodge and Chevrolet manufactured trucks for service in the American military. Producing 14,395 of their 1 1/2 tons, such as this 1942 G7106 Dump Truck, Chevy provided the bulk of these trucks for the war effort. Many of these trucks were deployed north for building of the Alaska Highway and Canol Pipeline projects. Marketed by Chevrolet as "Vehicles of Victory" in their wartime ad campaigns, the 1 1/2 ton was credited as "the truck that won the war" for the Americans.

The plain white star affixed to Allied vehicles was specifically designed for recognition from the air, and soon was the recognizable emblem of the Allied forces. Canadians often painted the star off-angle to differentiate themselves from American vehicles. Due to its size and lack of uniformity, it is likely that the star on this vehicle was not painted by military personnel. Various identification markings were applied on military vehicles used for Alaska Highway construction, including the stenciling of "Alaska" or "Alcan" Highway on the sides of vehicles along with an identification number.

Daring Souls

Despite its patriotic moniker, the trucks were temperamental in the harsh Yukon climate. The equipment was not designed for sub-zero weather, and Yukon drivers often kept them running 24 hours a day in severe cold. If a truck cooled off, the challenge became thawing the engine to allow for a restart. Creative and daring soul would crawl beneath the vehicle to place a lit tiger torch beneath it. This dubious task would warm up the oil pan and engine thus enabling the truck to restart.

Vehicles of Victory, Chevrolet Dump Truck. (year unknown). [exhibit sign]. Whitehorse: Whitehorse Transportation Museum.