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This GMC DUKW 353 miniature faithfully reproduces one of the most innovative military vehicles of World War II. Manufactured by Solido in France under reference N°AH4400, this replica captures the essence of this legendary amphibious truck that made its mark in military history.

A true collector's item, this miniature is aimed at enthusiasts of military history and collectors of exceptional vehicles. It showcases the French savoir-faire of Solido in reproducing iconic historical vehicles.

Miniature Features

  • Model: GMC DUKW 353
  • Brand: GMC
  • Year: 1942-1945
  • Scale: To be determined
  • Manufacturer: Solido (France)
  • Reference: N°AH4400
  • Protective case included: Yes

Real Model Description

The GMC DUKW 353, nicknamed "Duck" by American soldiers, was developed in 1942 to meet the specific needs of amphibious landings during World War II. This revolutionary vehicle combined the capabilities of an all-terrain truck and a boat, allowing for the direct transport of supplies and troops from ships to beaches and then inland.

Powered by a GMC 270 engine of 104 horsepower, the DUKW could reach 80 km/h on land and 10 km/h on water. Its impressive load capacity of 2.5 tons and exceptional versatility made it a major asset during landing operations in Normandy, the Pacific, and on all Allied theaters of operation.

With more than 21,000 units produced, the DUKW was a resounding success and continued to be used long after the war, notably during the Korean conflict and even in civilian applications for sea rescue and amphibious tourism.

GMC: industrial excellence in support of the war effort

General Motors Corporation, through its GMC division, played a crucial role in the American war effort. When developing the DUKW in 1942, GMC was already recognized for its robust and reliable trucks, essential qualities for military needs of the time.

The GMC brand, founded in 1912, specialized in utility and commercial vehicles. During World War II, the company massively converted its civilian production to meet military orders, producing not only the famous DUKW but also thousands of trucks, tanks, and military equipment that significantly contributed to the Allies' victory.

A technical feat born from urgency

The story of the GMC DUKW begins with an apparently impossible technical challenge: to create a vehicle capable of navigating at sea and then driving on land without modification. The idea sprouted after observing the difficulties encountered during the first Allied landings, where transferring equipment from ships to solid ground proved laborious and dangerous.

The project, led swiftly by engineer Rod Stephens Jr., resulted in a record time of only 38 days for the first functional prototype. The name "DUKW" was no coincidence: it corresponded to the US military designation code where "D" stood for 1942 (year of design), "U" for utility, "K" for all-wheel drive, and "W" for double axles at the rear.

During initial trials, American military personnel remained skeptical until a DUKW miraculously rescued the crew of a Coast Guard ship stranded in rough weather. This exploit convinced military leadership of the vehicle's utility, which was immediately ordered into mass production. To this day, a few examples of the DUKW GMC 353 are used for amphibious sightseeing tours in several cities worldwide, a living testament to the robustness of this exceptional design.

Complete your military miniature collection

This GMC DUKW 353 Solido miniature naturally finds its place within a collection dedicated to military vehicles. It perfectly complements other reproductions of World War II vehicles and showcases the technological innovation of this crucial period in history.

Collectors passionate about military history will particularly appreciate this piece alongside other Solido miniatures, a French brand renowned for the quality of its historical reproductions. This miniature also fits harmoniously into a themed collection on 1940s vehicles or exceptional light utilities.

Whether you are an experienced collector or a military history enthusiast, this reproduction of the GMC DUKW 353 constitutes a reference piece that will enrich your collection while perpetuating the memory of these vehicles that wrote History with a capital H.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to understand the scales of miniatures?

Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.

Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.

What scales are available?

Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.

The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).

Does the model car come with protection?

Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.

How is my package protected during transport?

We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.

What is the delivery time?

In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.

The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?

It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.

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