WWII had taught the U.S. Army many lessons with regard to wheeled vehicles. Studies begun during the war, and accelerated immediately thereafter, laid the framework for future series of idealized wheeled tactical vehicles. The vehicles envisioned would be powered by multifuel, air-cooled engines of modular construction, they would feature easy to service outside-mounted brakes, include 24-volt electrical systems, and would be factory-equipped for deepwater fording, among other innovations, including serious consideration to automatic transmissions.
Trucks with these characteristics were planned in a variety of weight classes and sizes. The 3/4-ton Chrysler T53 typified the new generation of vehicles envisioned by the military.
In reality, development of this new series of trucks, in all size ranges, was a more time-consuming and formidable task than originally envisioned. Development of the new trucks fell behind schedule with all the manufacturers involved. Chrysler records note that Fargo’s R.L. Biggers, in discussions with Army leadership, stated that he felt that “the Ordnance experimental models were at least five years away from possible production.”
This led in the late 1940s to the development of a series of the military designated
