During World War 1, GMC Trucks made up a large part of the United States' military trucking fleet.
Some 16,000 two-ton vehicles and many lighter models were supplied to the Armed Forces and were an indespensable part of the war effort. During World War II, GMC was the largest manufacturer of military vehicles. Indeed, GMC provided more than a half million of its legendary "Jimmy" alone. In both World Wars, from medical vehicles to troop transports to construction vehicles, GMC trucks proved to be an invaluable part of the country's military might. The General Motors Truck Co. was founded in 1911 when W.C. Durant purchased and combined a variety of truck builders. However, it wasn't until the following year that the first GMC truck was produced. Up until 1915, all trucks were chain driven, and then the change was made to shaft driven vehicles.

Foreshadowing GMC's reliable performance during the war years, in 1916 a GMC Truck was driven successfully from Seattle to New York and back again. The trip seemed to prove the "toughness" of GMC trucks and must have impressed those in charge of requisitioning vehicles for the military. Now, a 1937 GMC Ambulance Van is re-created in a dramatic die-cast model. The original ambulance was protected from enemy fire by its bold red cross, symbol of an organization known for its humanitarian efforts all over the world. Marked with authentic graphics, including the familiar Red Cross, the caduceus of the medical profession and the U.S. Army's star, this precision-engineered replica is crafted with intricate detail. This limited edition replica is produced by - and available exclusively from - Matchbox Collectibles, the greatest name in die-cast.

Limited edition of 5,000

(1997)

Scale: 1:45