Now listed on eBay, this 1950 Dodge Power Wagon carries one of the most fascinating backstories you’ll ever see attached to one of these iconic trucks. According to the seller, this particular Power Wagon was originally purchased new by Coast Fire Apparatus in Concord, California, and later served at the Berkeley Radiation Laboratory, also known as the Radiation Laboratory Energy Commission (RLEC). The seller states that it remained government-owned for 30 years before being sold as surplus in the early 1980s, with the original bill of sale included in the sale.
This truck, nicknamed the “RadLab” Power Wagon, was reportedly present during President John F. Kennedy’s visit to the laboratory, where he is said to have sat in the truck shortly before his assassination. That historical detail alone makes it a unique artifact in American automotive and scientific history. The seller also mentions that recently released national archive photos show the truck as it appeared when new, complete with its original gold-leaf “RLEC” lettering, a detail that can now be replicated by the next caretaker to match the truck’s original appearance.
The Power Wagon has undergone a frame-off restoration, with photos provided in the listing showing the rolling chassis before the body was reinstalled. The seller notes that it has only 150 miles since the restoration, and it remains in very clean, well-kept condition. The truck features a red exterior, a black interior, and is configured as a convertible-style open-cab fire apparatus with a single seat, a design used for quick-response or facility-based fire equipment in its day.
One of the standout features mentioned in the ad is the rear belt-drive system, which the seller calls “a holy grail for Power Wagon collectors.” These setups were used to power auxiliary equipment such as pumps or tools, and surviving examples are both rare and highly prized in the collector world.
The seller describes the truck as something they now only take out for short cruises or trips to Starbucks, noting that it remains in excellent running condition since the restoration. It’s being offered as-is, with no warranty, but the overall presentation and documentation make this one particularly compelling for anyone serious about vintage fire apparatus or historically significant Power Wagons.
Between its verified government service, unique apparatus configuration, and connection to Cold War-era history, this Power Wagon offers more than just vintage charm, it represents a tangible piece of American scientific and industrial heritage.
Would you preserve this “RadLab” Power Wagon exactly as it sits, or take it further by recreating its original RLEC details from the newly released archival photos?
The history might make for a minor conversation starter, but does it help justify the $65,000 asking price? I live in the Bay Area, where everyone has some familiarity with Lawrence Livermore Lab, but most have probably never heard of this UC Berkeley lab, even SLAC is much well known. Most times a seller claiming association with a person or place is trying to increase the price of something that otherwise wouldn’t be justified on its own. I think that’s the case here. It stands or falls on its merits, not where it was stationed over 40 years ago.
Steve R
If JFK actually sat in it, you would think that a picture of him would have taken.
Hard to tell from the pics, does the rear pto and the front mount pump run off the same pto? That would seem unlikely. And after such an extensive restoration, why wouldn’t you hook up the auxiliary cooler?
Is the 65k asking price because it glows in the dark from radiation? Or does the rare as hen’s teeth rear pto drive the price up?
After yesterday’s display it looks like the makings of a Power Wagon feature. Don’t know what I’d do with something like this but it would sure be a blast while making my mind up. A little rich for my blood but that’s just me…
Ngl, at first glance I thought it was a fancy children’s ride on. The pictures don’t appear to be a full size vehicle. This looks like a fine restoration but nothing I’d want to drive for coffee or ice cream. No doubt a great parade vehicle and that’s about it.
My feeling also, parade vehicle and museum piece. But then I’m no Powerwagon aficionado. It’s cool looking and shiny. So it gets my attention but not my money.
I sold my PowerWagon fire truck on Bring-a-Trailer for near $55K or so – so, this one is not completely out of the ballpark on price…
The truck looks to be in great condition and the price is not out of line in any way!