The Power Wagon is just one of several vehicles inspired by automakers’ war experiences, but it is the first medium-duty truck to be made in a civilian version. It arrived in 1946, following Dodge’s WC series. It took a year or so for Dodge to settle on the name “Power Wagon”, with the company cycling through names like Battle Wagon, Farm Utility Truck, and WDX General Purpose Truck. Settled on a 126″ wheelbase, the truck was rated at 3/4 ton and offered 4WD along with a host of configurations and body styles for the jobs at hand: winches, PTOs, snowplows, cranes, tow hooks. The Power Wagon was produced until 1980, when the Power Ram was launched. This example – including an extra cab – is listed here on eBay, with bidding at $7500, reserve not met. A buy-it-now price of $9500 is available for eager beavers. The new owner will collect the truck from Trout Lake, Washington.

In the beginning, Dodge’s stout 230 cu. in. flathead six powered the Wagon, generating 94 hp. Top speed was about 50 mph. In 1961, displacement increased to 251 cu. in. and a Chrysler alternator replaced the generator and an outside-manufactured alternator used on some rigs. Other changes were equally glacial: it took until 1955 for the electrical system to shift to 12V, and until 1967 for Dodge to bring on a dual master cylinder. This example came with an NP420 four-speed synchronized manual and an NP201 transfer case. The underside reveals a rotted wood bed and heavy rust scale. Though this truck was running “a few” years ago, it doesn’t now.

The interior is as simple as a stone, with a vintage turn signal unit installed on the column. Note the split windshield, which most vehicles had ditched by the mid-’50s. In addition to resurrecting the mechanicals, the new owner will likely need to clean up the wiring in the cabin, reupholster the seats, and troubleshoot gauges and lights.

The seller was planning to make this truck into a crew cab. Nice idea, but let’s walk before we run: get this thing going first. As to value, the biggest numbers accrue to well-restored examples like this ’65 that was bid to $110k. Mid-’60s projects will sell for high four figures into the mid-teens depending on running condition. What do you think of this seller’s pricing strategy – in the ballpark, or off base?