While many people prefer to slip behind the wheel of a pristine classic, there is always something attractive about owning one that can be considered a survivor-grade vehicle. Such is the case with this 1964 Dodge Power Wagon 4×4. Its presentation is better than average, while its retrimmed interior offers a comfortable motoring experience. That may help to explain why it has generated considerable interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Hollister, California. Seventeen bids have pushed the price to $26,000, which is below the reserve.
The seller is honest in their assessment of this Power Wagon, admitting that it has undergone minor rust repairs. They don’t elaborate on the extent of the work, confirming that they added sound deadener as the finishing touch. Its Ivory paint shines nicely, but it isn’t perfect. It has a range of defects and worn spots that some buyers won’t like. However, these add character to the vehicle, allowing the winning bidder to follow the seller’s lead by opting for preservation over restoration. The tailgate has a typical array of dings and dents, but the remaining steel is pretty straight. The seller added new seals and window rubbers, eliminating the chances of water finding its way inside this beauty. The bed features new timber, the trim looks excellent for its age, and there are no significant glass defects.
Powering this Dodge is the legendary 225ci slant-six, which the first owner teamed with a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Producing 145hp and 215 ft/lbs of torque, it made these vehicles competent performers that would cope with almost anything thrown at them. The seller admits it isn’t powerful, but that is to be expected when you consider that the Power Wagon is a fairly heavy beast. They have recently splashed plenty of cash on this Dodge, ensuring that the winning bidder will slip behind the wheel of a turnkey classic. The list includes suspension upgrades and Super Lug tires to improve the Dodge’s off-road ability. The engine received a new exhaust manifold, a carburetor rebuild, fresh fluids, and a tune-up. Throw a new fuel tank and a complete brake rebuild into the mix, and the buyer shouldn’t need to spend a dime on this Power Wagon beyond the purchase price.
One area of this Power Wagon that the seller lavished with TLC is its interior. A complete retrim in Black “milled pebble” vinyl has left it looking stunning. The impact is heightened by the body-color painted surfaces and new carpet. There is no visible wear or other issues to detract from its overall presentation. The seller added a new heater/defroster from Vintage Air to improve occupant comfort. What might make this Power Wagon attractive to some is the Crew Cab configuration, allowing it to effortlessly seat six people. That will allow it to embark on a life of adventure with the entire family on board.
It seems that I am not alone in finding this 1964 Dodge Power Wagon attractive. In addition to the seventeen bids, the healthy listing view and Watch List totals suggest that people like what they see. Recent successful sales suggest it should nudge $30,000 before the hammer falls, although I wouldn’t rule out a higher figure. Is this a classic that you would consider pursuing, or would you prefer a more modern alternative?
Nice old refurbished truck but bidding at 26k? I don’t see that high of a price for a 225 slant six manual trans basic truck? I guess it’s in the eye of the beholder/bidder?
Crew cabs from the 1960’s and early-70’s especially the 4 x 4’s have followed the early Broncos, Blazers, Scouts and 67-87 Chevy and GMC short bed fleetside trucks up in value over the last few years. This has happened largely unnoticed since there are so few still in existence.
Steve R
I think your comment is on point. I watched Blazers and Broncos skyrocket. Then people looked at Scouts. Now those are high. Next step was cool pickups.
I think this is a good find for the area where it’s advertised. No need for ac, beach is only 45 miles away. I think if you didn’t have a long daily commute, it would be a decent truck to run the kids to school and do your weekend errands.
The price? It’s high, but you can pay 30k, have fun for five years, then sell it for what’s into it. Can’t do that with a new one. Of course, new ones are safer, more reliable etc. but that’s not an issue for some folks.
Perfect 4×4 recipe. Slow and steady.
Huh, nobody caught that the ads states it’s a ’64, but the description calls it a ’63. Not sure what the difference would be. Here’s the poop on this. None of these types of trucks ever made it into mainstream America when new. I bet 90% were municipal trucks bought later at auctions. This truck more than likely was for some sort of forestry or military, and obviously, rarely used. The rear bumper bolsters that fact, so someone spiffed up an already pretty clean truck. Now lots of interest, on the screen, that is, a test drive will squelch many, but it shows that perhaps people want to go back to basic things. Too bad it’s not an automatic, the shifting is on par with a cabover semi and wait until those nice looking BIAS PLY tires hook a tar line, OMG,,,yeah, that should kill the deal, and that’s the way it is,,,
Howard, you’re right. It’s probably a USAF vehicle, I guessed that when I read it had the slant six. They were commonly used at Air Force bases as utility vehicles and crew transport, the 4×4 feature being useful at various square state bases in the 60s. They weren’t beat to crap like some forestry vehicle would.
Unless this was ordered by a civilian or other government agency with a really obscure SERT code, the military grille guard (and the way it is mounted to the front bumper) is a standard item on all USAF 4×4 1960s Dodges. I believe the other branches ordered them as well (I have a photo of a USN Power Wagon with one). If it was ordered from the factory, it will have a SERT code stamped in the data plate in the driver’s door jamb. Most of the other USAF identifying details have been removed. I have had many of these through the years- five at once for a while. I guess the days of buying them for less than $3,000.00 are over…. 😉
Handsome as can be in all its ruggedness. Posters here are right in that those who feel they might like a ride like this may not have driven one in a while, if ever. No one is going to ask to borrow it.
Being born and raised in Idaho. These Power Wagons were pretty prevalent. I think that alot of them were USAF or forest service auction trucks. The Air Force rigs were in the best condition due to the excellent maintenance keeping.
These older PW’s with the power train of this one was most likely a USAF truck. Most of the guys that I knew would add a piece of 1/2″ steel plate to the bed for weight which helps with the ride and of course traction.
This one looks in pretty decent shape.
Don’t plan on getting where yur headed in any hurry but wherever that happens to be you will get there. These trucks are animals off road.
Beautiful truck, could not use for work, just for show, might be most expensive slant six ever? Maybe a Cuda would be more.
Haven’t seen one in 50 years so what a pleasant surprise. One of two best buddies in high school’s Dad had a red one just like this. They owned cabins for rent on Lake Huron in northern Michigan. It was equipped for plowing the snow at the resort. Guess where it came from. USAF SAC B-52 base…Wurtsmith, one on the Pentagon’s closing list 30 years ago or so. Red bc it carried fire equipment & people on the flight line which was huge & still operates commercially.
Amen to all the posts about USAF. I was on an AF base from ’75-’83 and these trucks, “small six pack”, were all over.
It’s a good thing too, because it would take the entire flight line to make a U-turn in one of these.
A crew cab, 4×4 truck with a slant six is a “competent performer”? Adam, you and I have different views of competent performance. I bet taking this thing on the highway earns the driver an equal number of thumbs-ups and middle fingers.
I saw that too. If I may support the author, the Slanty had incredible low end torque, but ran out of steam quick for any kind of performance numbers in stock form. Modified, it put out over 350hp. The reason the decision was made to go with the Slanty, was it, properly geared, could pull stumps, but more accurately, a crew and an equipment trailer at 10mph in rough going, not much would stop it. I’d have to think this truck could do “double nickel” unladen, but you best hang on for dear life. It just wasn’t designed for highway travel. SURPRISE!! The new owner will surely find out what 4×4 death wobble is all about,,,
I had a 1970 W-200 crew cab with 19.5” wheels, tall Goodyear 8R19.5 rock quarry radial tires ($$$) that would run 70 mph with no wobble- stopping is another matter. But you are correct- these were purpose built to work. Looking for speed or handling in this is like using a Porsche to build a new power line in the mountains.
I always thought the “two front doors on each side” look of these crew cabs was sort of silly, though I suppose there could be worse ways to cut costs.
The front and rear doors on these are completely different and do not interchange. The rear doors, in good condition, are difficult to find and command strong prices. Look more closely- while similar, you will see the difference. The original Dodge crew cabs were built by an out of house subcontractor, who modified OEM parts. Dodge continued with the design when they brought production in house.
Sold for $28,200.00.
Not bad- that’s about the cost of the 90 wt. gear oil necessary to refill the axles, t case and transmission… 😊