I don’t know exactly what it is, but there’s something I find very appealing about regular-cab long-bed 4×4 trucks. Throw in 50+ years of use and a less commonly seen make and I get unjustifiably overwrought with enthusiasm. This 1968 Dodge W200 Power Wagon 4×4 was sent in by a Barn Finds reader who found it here on eBay in Bellingham, Washington. With 56 bids tendered and a current high bid of just $4,950, the reserve appears to have been met.
The Power Wagon has come a long way since it was introduced in 1946, but I still see them as a rugged workhorse. It evolved from a military-like truck in its early days to a high-payload tool of the trade before its discontinuation in 1981. I can picture a vintage Avion slide-in camper looking right at home in the bed of this.
By no means pristine, this Power Wagon looks likes it’s seen its fair share of work, but is still very presentable. The light yellowish-cream paint looks tired with the seller describing the exterior as “pretty straight with just a couple small dents.” I’d prefer different wheels, but those installed don’t look out of place. I like the look of the tires but they may be nearing need for replacement. Another truck plus for me — cab clearance lights.
The simple black interior shows age. The driver side of the bench seat is excessively worn and the interior paint could use a refresh, but, overall, it’s not bad for a 52-year old truck. The rear windshield gun rack offers ample space to stow the long guns of you and a partner. The only required work the seller notes is a possible adjustment to the passenger door.
A 318 cubic-inch V8 powers this Power Wagon. A 4-speed manual transmission (with new clutch) sends power to the rear wheels — or all four when the twin-stick shifter NP201 transfer case is engaged. With 97,544 miles showing on the odometer, the seller tells us “the truck runs and drives good.” There are two auxiliary fuel tanks in the bed, but they are not currently connected.
With the minimum price of admission for vintage trucks ever growing, relative bargains seem to be few and far between. Right now this is looking to be a lot of truck for the money as long as you know what you’re getting into. My unabashed love for regular-cab long-bed 4×4 trucks makes this one I’d like to have.
These trucks are HARD CORE Workhorses. They hardly changed much from 63-68. We had them in F.F.A.
Went to meets all over the state. NEVER once did one EVER fail or break down!
Price is CORRECT!!!
Back when they did make good trucks. I,d much rather have this truck then the 2001 Ram 4 wheel drive I have.Notice how much lower it sits then the new ones. Bet it would go alot better and further then any new 4 wheel drive.Those tires need weight on them.Raiseing them takes the weight off of the tires and they will loose traction alot quicker. I wish I had this truck. It looks nice. 2 tanks–bet its geared low and hard on gas.
In 1971, my father ordered a new W 200 Powerwagon set up exactly like this one. 318, 4 speed, granny low and no power steering. He let me use it on weekends, and I had to stop at a coin-op car wash on the way home at midnight to wash the mud off. It was a beast. I was 16 years old at the time.
Love the truck, but hate that it is lifted. Stock wheels, tires, and ride height would be a lot cooler.
What purpose do rooftop “marker” lights serve, anyhow? I really have no idea.
Had a 72. Loved the fender-well bench seats when it came time for maintenance. 318 auto. Got stuck in a shallow ditch that I thought the truck could crawl out of. A Toyota HiLux pulled me out. The love affair ended there.
Just bought a 72 318 4×4 4 speed with 67k from original owner. I’ve wanted one ever since I was a kid and my dad let me plow snow with his 68 short bed 318 4×4?4speed and their very similar. Pretty much military grade drivetrains extremely crude but absolutely indestructible and a lot of fun to drive. No radio needed.