The predecessors of the modern-day Power Wagon were a stout lot of trucks, many of which helped win and rebuild after World War II, have in recent times sprung up for sale in large numbers. You can get your paws on this nice survivor civilian 1954 Power Wagon if you check out this listing on eBay from Wayzata, Minnesota. Let’s look closer!
As you may know, the original Power Wagons were conceived during WWII. Allied forces needed tough trucks for all kinds of duty and conditions, and American ingenuity produced formidable equipment like the GM CCKWs, Willy’s / Ford GPWs, and of course, Chrysler Corporation WCs. After the war, U.S. forces were eager to keep them, and civilian market was eager to get their hands on such machines for even more duties and tasks, so manufacturers happily obliged.
Power Wagons like the one here were put into production in 1946 and are considered by some to be the first mass-produced four-wheel-drive trucks, although there is some debate as to that, when one factors in the early CJ Jeeps. The demand for such vehicles was great, and Dodge sallied forth for a number of years, producing many, many units, in multiple different weight capacities and configurations.
The unit presented here was allegedly used solely as a fire department vehicle from new, until its retirement and, from the pictures in the listing, looks like it has been only lightly used on a farm.
Speaking of which, the seller of this one tells us that it is almost completely all-original, save for tires and a 12-volt conversion. We’re told of 14,000 original miles and original paint, its 230-ci straight-six engine, four-speed gearbox, and 4wd system all working as they should. Apparently, there is a pinhole leak in the radiator and some, but not much, in the way of rust.
All in all, this truck looks like it’s in really great shape for the age, and I would be honored to be its next caretaker. That’s my two cents, what’s yours?
I love these trucks, and the cool thing is, Wayzata is where I went to high school! Very nice area…
Orange sky at night, fire fighters delight
I have always wanted a Dodge Power Wagon like this. Great truck for work and play.
Panzy’s need not inquire about this truck . All business , no frills workhorse .
Had one restored it they were used to plow field mine was 1952)
Wow, 29k. Too rich for my blood.
With all these trucks showing up on BF, it’s obvious that there were lots of them around over the years. I sure wouldn’t turn one down. One like this I would just preserve and enjoy it. Who knows, some youngster might take a shine to it and give it a new home when I’m no longer able…
Bids going higher on this piece of Americana, now over $30k! Excellent staging too, out on the farm. No frills and all business. I could put this to work on my farm. I love it, but out of reach for me.
Would love to see more of the girl pitching hay.
In my classic BF’s response,,,they’re nuts. Not sure what the appeal is about older Power Wagons. I think it just LOOKS like your standard classic old truck, and if these 49 ya-hoos,,,,I mean wonderful folks, ever spent 5 minutes in one, they may not be so apt to plunk down $30g’s,,,$30g’s. Maybe, and I say maybe, if it was updated. I know what I said about the money,,but just think what that can buy, besides a rattly, old Power Wagon. In it’s present form, it’s nothing more than a farm truck, meant to do exactly what this gal is doing, ( although, her old man should really get her a dumping bed, however, if she DID drive it,, my kind of gal), any road detail will be an unpleasant experience, trust me and you might want to wear a crash helmet. Geomechs knows why. Any dents in the roof above the driver seat may be a clue,,,
I would wear a helmet while I drove it of course……….cant afford any more dents in my skull. Still would be mighty cool to have.
Run up ( very slowly) the backside of some heat seated slushbox 70 K Ford F250 Platinum and move him out of the slow lane on the freeway.
Besides you cant put a price on true manliness!
Hi Mw, well, apparently they’re trying ( put a price on manliness) You know, I speak my onions, then hit the hay, ( @ 5:09am?)wondering if I said the right thing, but if you look at Kens comment below, I’m clearly not the only one that feels this way. There simply must be some mistake with these 5 figure prices and an alleged 50 people that are willing to spend this kind of money on something that isn’t worth $30 grand even if it had $25 grand in cash under the seat. Why are people doing this? These people can’t be idiots, is it that rare, that people with deep pockets, flexing their monetary might., “Oh, no you don’t, I have more money than you, and you aren’t going to get it” auction mentality, not really knowing what it is, just looks cool, or even worse, these things really ARE worth 5 figures, and WE’RE the idiots for not saving every Power Wagon, 1st gen Bronco or FJ Toyota that was beat into the ground. In any case, most people here know what these are, and I can only assume people spending this kind of money, is just a fad. I LOVE to see their reaction when they actually try to drive one for the 1st time. The 1-2 shift would be the priceless part,,these people are killing our hobby with prices like this. A Pox be cast upon them,,
The original Power Wagons were beasts and their design is timeless. There was a time when I would have killed to have one. However, as has been previously mentioned, these vehicles were utilitarian… comfort is not an option when driving one of these bad boys. I’m kind of enjoying comfort these days… I would much rather have a 2020 Power Wagon.
These were never intended for long distance driving. I have a ’54 with the “high speed” gearing and I’m lucky to get 45 mph out of it. The fire department that owned it told me the flashing red lights were to keep people from rear ending it on the way to a fire.
This is a beautiful old FFPW and looks to be virtually stock in every way 12 volt update aside. The truck is rated as a 1 ton and has 489 diff gear good for a nice comfortable cruise speed of 45 to 50 mph. The 230 ci L head 6 was extremely reliable and I have seen that engine used in everything from forklifts to combines and of course almost every car and truck Dodge made had it as an option. The compression ratio on the engine was 6.5 to 1 so they could run on just any liquid that smelled like gas. The driveline was extremely heavy duty and that includes trans and transfer case. I have a deep affection for these old rides and their design is timeless!!
At that price the Girl had better come with it.. lol. and she’s pitchin hay in a field that needs mowin?? lol
Ideally, this would sell to another farmer for a few grand, and it would keep on being useful, maybe show up every fall at the local threshing bee. But alas, it will be bought by someone with more money then work ethic, he (or she I spose) will toss an enormous amount of money into it and then trailer it to shows where they and it will sit behind a rope and (usually) appear smug, because they will soon learn that the people who mostly can no longer afford it, understand it much better then they do and they don’t want to look stupid in from of the “little people” (Leona Helmsey quote) trying to answer their questions. As with many vehicles from our youth, we will die before the cost/availability of these drop for us to purchase them. This would be good on a farm (tough, reliable, easy to work on) or to take far off road to hunt or other things. These were never meant to be 100 grand things for the upper classes to show off because it is the latest craze and a “good investment”. Thank goodness the designers are resting in their graves because if they could see what they have become, it would kill them. .
Well said, Ken. I suppose the only salvation is, and can feel smug about it, we had our time. Let these yuppies eat their hearts ( or bank account) out. In this time of uncertainy, how can someone justify spending $30 grand on a toy like this? I always say this, but I only hope they don’t need a kidney down the line.
These were honest working trucks unlike today’s macho plastic ego blasters!
Wow, I have one that I changed & mounted a 57 GMC cab + chevy engine & truck 4 speed. It looks good, but maybe I hurt the resale. Definitely crawls in the woods.