A good place maybe for you to do some research about 2-1/2's is:
John's Military Trucks & Jeeps
There was a tow truck version built, not sure if your find is one or a civilian after market modification. Might look for a data plate like this picture below.
This 1952 GMC built XM211 was four sale, listed for $6,500. Some info. from this listing:
The M135 is a 2 1/2 ton truck made by General Motors Corporation (GMC). Also referred to as a "Deuce-and-a-half". While it came in several different variations, the most common was the cargo version. You could hold a dozen troops in the back, or could fill it with equipment/supplies. Other variations included a double wheeled version (M211), a dump truck, crane, shop truck, kitchen truck, tow truck (recovering vehicle), fuel truck, water truck, and many others. The M135 platform was one of the most versatile made, letting the military install pretty much whatever type of equipment on it that they needed.
Powering this truck was a GMC 270 gas engine. All Canadian models of the truck had a 5 speed hydromatic transmission (2 high gears, 2 low gears and a reverse). Which was one of the very first automatic transmissions available at the time. This made it much easier for just about anyone to jump in and drive it away. Also included on some models was a PTO (power take off) which either powered a winch located on the front bumper, or a large list of different pieces of equipment installed on/in the back of the truck.
Would bet there is a good parts market too!
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