Jay Leno, a name synonymous with an eclectic taste in automobiles, has an impressive collection that spans from exotic 21st-century supercars to early 1900s steam-powered vehicles. He’s a true automotive connoisseur who appreciates cars from various eras and brands, making it impossible to pigeonhole him into a single category. However, trucks have seldom found their way into Leno’s world of automotive fascination, except for one remarkable exception.
The spotlight fell on a vehicle that Jay Leno simply couldn’t ignore, a truck with a rich history that dates back to World War II. This exceptional machine was a 1942 Dodge 6×6 troop carrier, and it played a crucial role in the European theater during the war. Many of these trucks met their fate either on the battlefield or in post-war civilian life, serving in grueling roles on farms and construction sites.
Dean Hall, an individual with a penchant for the unconventional, was on the hunt for something truly unique. The 1942
Dodge troop carrier perfectly fit the bill, but he had something more specific in mind. He envisioned a more versatile and functional vehicle, so he embarked on an ambitious two-year project to completely rebuild and customize the 6×6 troop carrier into what could be best described as a 6×6 pickup truck.
The transformation of this truck required extensive fabrication work, with one of the standout features being the unique rear fenders, custom-made for Dean’s truck. If Dodge had ventured in this direction post-war, they might have produced the most extraordinary 9-foot bed factory truck ever built.
Dean’s truck is essentially a fusion of various truck components, with the core being a pure 1942 Dodge 6×6. The original chassis, 6×6 axle, and 5:83 differential configuration were retained under a 1946 Power Wagon and truck bed. Powering this behemoth is a Cummins 3.9 4BT turbo diesel engine, mated to a ’98 Dodge truck 5-speed transmission. Even the radiator is an authentic 1942 Dodge original.
Most of the original 6×6 rear axle setup was retained, allowing the truck’s rear axles to pivot over rough terrain, making it nearly unstoppable. With such an incredible combination of traction and engineering, you could drive this beast up a mountain and set up camp at the summit without breaking a sweat.
Dean Hall described the driving experience as an adventure, noting that the truck “wants to push you a little because of the tandem axles.” Yet, he firmly believes that nothing can deter his truck’s progress, thanks to its tandem setup with single wheels, offering a significant advantage in navigating any terrain.
While the truck’s top speed reaches around 50 mph due to the power-hungry driveline, Dean enjoys a comfortable ride with power steering, power brakes, custom seats, and air conditioning – a far cry from the original military spec.
Leno’s radar eventually picked up on this unique truck, prompting him to invite Dean to showcase it on his popular television show. The experience left Dean deeply impressed with Jay Leno’s extensive knowledge of all things automotive. He described Leno as a “down-to-earth car guy” who appreciates the craftsmanship and individuality that each vehicle brings to the table.
