We cover Dodge Power Wagons all the time here on Barn Finds. They have been produced with a multitude of purposes in mind, but unbeknownst to me, even though we covered a 1948 example back in 2019, there was a school bus version. Today’s find is exactly that, a 1950 Power Wagon school bus but this example is a horse of a different color entirely. Stay tuned, this Kaukauna, Wisconsin domiciled bus is one wild ride! It is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $45,100, reserve not yet met. There is a BIN price of $145,000 (gulp!) too.
School buses are a curious lot. Most of us have experience with them from a past time in our lives but generally, once we’ve moved beyond adolescence (unless you are a school bus driver), they’re out of mind too. The great thing about the old car hobby is the imagination and creativity that goes into every aspect of it. What one individual doesn’t think up, another does. A case in point is this big-block-powered International school bus that we covered earlier in the month. It’s not only the idea, but it’s all of the effort that goes into turning an outrageous thought into reality. In the scheme of things, however, that big-block bus is small potatoes…
When enough is just right, too much is perfect, as the old adage goes, and in this case, why stop with a big-block when you can trip the light fantastic with a 6.2 liter Mopar Hellcat V8? That’s the case here as the seller states, “very fun to drive. If you don’t like attention this is not for you, everywhere you stop a crowd gathers“. Other powertrain modifications include a “rebuilt 46rh overdrive transmission-with shift kit and upgrades to handle the power. The transfer case is np208 and the rear axle ratio is 4.30“. The seller adds that this bus is also equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and close-ratio power steering.
The seller tells us that this Carpenter bodied bus underwent a 2019 frame-off, no expenses spared, restoration. Any sign of rust was repaired and parts replacement occurred courtesy of replacements or fabrication. Refinished via KBS Coatings, this spectacular creation was featured at the 2019 SEMA (Special Equipment Manufacturers Association) show in Las Vegas.
The interior has an unusual vibe to it, the seats look like something that one might find in the holding section of a local jail. Avant-garde or whatever, they don’t look too comfortable but they are probably one of a kind. The same styling cue is used on the steering wheel, it just doesn’t look comfortable to the grip. That said, the instrument panel is very nicely finished off in a typical, spartan school bus fashion.
Another notable touch is the polycarbonate floor panel. It allows passengers to watch the road disappear beneath their feet or get a glimpse of the rear differential if such a thing would be of interest.
The seller states that this bus has a scene or two in the recently released film, Mayberry Man – yes, it’s a reference to that Mayberry. It makes one wonder, what would Goober have to say about this bus?
Also included with the sale, is a storyboard timeline that documents this Power Wagon’s long journey from derelict discovery to full restoration. No doubt about it, this is a way-cool take on a utilitarian vehicle but it’s going to probably have limited appeal if for no other reason than the deep pockets necessary to make the acquisition. Any interest out there…?
Finally, a short bus gets the attention it deserves.
Yeah, and only 8 kids.
You can do that now in a mini van.
//;-)
I think remind me of Partridge family bus I see on TV.
Why the Hellfire engine? It is not like you can use all that power with this unstable chassis. The builder will lose money here.
Because, that’s why. I don’t think money was the issue here.
If MR Moneybags built it with cost as not a hindrance, why sell it now at a loss? If I were loaded, I would hoard all my creations until they someday became a burden for the estate manager. Nope, I bet this was built with the idea to make a profit, hope they do, it is pretty neat, but I wouldn’t count on that.
If it was a SEMA, it was most likely built for marketing purposes by a parts manufacturer or fabrication shop. What’s more attention grabbing than a bright yellow power wagon school bus with a hellcat crate motor? It’s served it’s purpose and now the builder just wants to recoup as much of their investment as possible.
No they didn’t.
I love the name Hellfire. Sounds manly.
Sounds like something that would have needed to be changed in 1973, and I am not so sure that they were wrong then.
Well ,they were wrong to change the name just because it offended some people ; its just like the pandering we have today. So we lost the little cartoon devil and got a “Sport” . Did it change the world ? Did it change anything ?? I should have written to Ford because I’m not a Taurus and not having my zodiac sign included offended me. By the way, nobody complained about pulling the “Hot Stuff” comic book back in the 60-70s , and that was a cartoon devil too, but aimed for children !
What. No video!!!!
This looks as though it would have been right at home picking up and dropping off students on the high desert of Eastern Oregon…in 1954. o
Price suggests owner saw prices DPWs brought at B-J this weekend,
To many wieners with to much bloody money! Looking for another?
Too much horsepower? Too much money? Unstable? I think BF has been hacked by the Ladies Auxiliary Library Commitee…Naw. They’d like it.
This thing is AWESOME! If you have to ask “why?”, I can’t explain it to you.
I’m surprised no has said “hard pass” because it has no A/C !
If it has to have a Hellcat in it, I guess I would put dualies in the back and shower the crowds that are said to gather with four tire’s worth of beautiful smoke.
Cup holders ???
For the person with more dollars, than sense!
I like it, but I think if it had a 400hp shot of Nitrous it would probably run consistent 12.95s . Yah ? No we got 430s out back
No, John L, for the person who has the money to enjoy what he likes. And the opinions of others don’t affect him one way or the other.
yeah, 145K is way too much. Hasn’t it shown up here a few times (may B it’s just a popular rest0mod type vehicle).
I say strip it all out’n sell (inc the motor). Put in a 12v & allison. “Food truck it” or ‘camperize’ for income or livin by sellin off all that…
That’s a School Bus on steroids complete with electric hostage negotiation bench seats for the “Out of Line” kid.
Jumping’ Jehoshaphat, that’s one ride I wish I coulda taken when I was a kid.
However it’s missing my bus number 41.
Guess I missed the bus AGAIN!!!