Rare and unusually doesn’t always equate to valuable, but it almost always equals fun and interesting! Listed here on eBay and parked in Fallbrook, California is this rare and odd 1955 Powell Sport Wagon with the high bid of $1,247 (reserved not met). It definitely isn’t expensive, but boy would it be a fun truck to scoot around in! This isn’t the first Powell we’ve seen, we featured a 1956 Powell project back in October. This ’55 model has some more pieces with it and lots of images in the ad for your review. Remember, only 1,020 were produced, and according to the seller only seven are older than this one. Special thanks to Matt K. for sharing this find with us!
This one does not have the tricked-out storage tubes drawers as the more complete example had that featured back in 2014. This example has been stored indoors for many years. There is some minor rust and a crack in the bed.
Here are the parts included with the purchase. The windshield and one side window are cracked. The owner says the original glass is included so it can be used as a pattern. Since Powell used flat glass for all the windows, it shouldn’t be hard to get replacements made.
The non-running, free tuning original flathead six is in place. The engine turns over by the starter and the owner says that there is good compression in all the cylinders. There is a weeping freeze plug, the carburetor and ignition will also need some sorting before you can go to get some ice cream in this truck.
The interior is in place with a key in the ignition. It’s such a basic interior that it shouldn’t be difficult to refurbish.
Black plates, did you get your shirt? Here is the fiberglass front section with the black and gold plate. This truck currently has a non-op California title, with many spares, documentation, brochures, articles, specs, and photos. This appears to be a nice and very rare package that someone should save and restore. Any Barn Find readers ready for this Powell Sport Wagon? Are you the person to save this one? If so, please keep us updated with your progress!
Motor-on,
Robert
Who made the engines .Our did they make there own.
The Powell was built on 1941 Plymouth truck chassis rescued from salvage yards. Read this previous post: http://barnfinds.com/ultimate-fishing-rig-1956-powell-sport-wagon/
Built on Plymouth Car chassis
Were these put on Plymouth and dodge frames, if so were chassis purchased new from Chrysler or were they rebodyed chassis? I noticed that the door openings are made of angle iron, and the box structure looks like angle iron and hss square tubing. Was that the standard way of doing it or is this someone’s rebuild? Any one out there know. This is the most home made looking truck I’ve ever seen, no wonder so few were made.
Just Plymouth chassis. Yes, lots of angle iron. Bodies welded directly to frame with angle iron. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfzSe-hF7pc
Thank you .Catfish Phil .I am new hear I thought I new a lot bought cars I was wrong .
Looks like Catfish Phil got the answer out there before I finished typing my question.
I was going to comment on the home made looks as well.
The parts for this truck look like they would be easy to fabricate.
Way more complete than the last one but you see it’s completely missing the fishing rod drawers which was the rare & distinctive option. As for the engine since it was an old dodge or plymouth car engine it should pose no great difficulty to get running.
Interesting to see what the reserve is as I’ve seen restored ones for sale at $10-20k depending on the age and degree of restoration.
The early 1955’s didn’t have the fishing pole tube/s. I bought this truck a year after the eBay auction ended. The seller had gotten it to run and partially assembled the brakes. I had 2 pieces of glass made.
I just bought the Peterson truck so this grey ’55 may be available again. Now has new windshield & 1 new side glass. I did some selective sandblasting around the dash board & back window. New seal & back glass installed. New brake cylinders installed as I recall.
We have 60 members in the Powell Group I started on FB
Since no one else has yet, Donnie, WELCOME! You have joined an astounding group that has tons of knowledge, are free to share said knowledge, and at times opposing opinions!!! I have learned about more cars that I never knew existed. Learned more about the quirks of cars that I did know of. Learned to ask and offer opinions, knowledge, or a helping hand. Jesse and crew do one hell of a job putting out, what should be, an award winning site! (I made the award winning part up)
Thanks for the kind words Tundra/BMW Guy and welcome Donnie!
I started a Facebook Group for the Powell Truck & Station Wagon. It’s called “Powell Restoration” We have over 40 members, not all members own trucks, but lots of pics & info.