The Dodge Power Wagon was already one of America’s toughest civilian trucks, but this 1954 example has an even more interesting pedigree. Identified by the seller as a Canadian military CDN43, it retains the utilitarian bodywork and no-nonsense appearance expected from a machine designed with service rather than comfort in mind. It needs significant work, but at $7,500, it offers an unusual starting point for someone who wants a Power Wagon with genuine military character. You can find it here on Barn Finds!
Located in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, the Dodge is offered with a clean title. Power is listed as coming from a 251 cubic-inch inline-6 paired with a manual transmission. The seller states that the engine runs, though it needs work, while the brake system will require repair before the truck can be considered roadworthy.
The photos tell most of the story. This is a rugged project wearing layers of weathered blue paint, exposed metal, surface corrosion, and decades of hard-earned patina. The tall enclosed military body gives it a distinctive silhouette compared with the familiar civilian Power Wagon pickup.
This is not a restoration someone began and abandoned halfway through. It still looks very much like an old military truck waiting for its next chapter, which gives the next owner considerable freedom. Restore it to military specification, preserve the exterior and mechanically rehabilitate it, or build a rugged trail or expedition truck without worrying about damaging perfect paint.
Two useful components are already included. The seller has new windshields still in their boxes, along with a new power-steering upgrade. On a vehicle of this size and weight, the latter could make the finished truck significantly more pleasant to use.
The engine compartment appears complete, but any buyer should expect plan on going through the engine. Beyond the disclosed brake work and engine needs, a truck of this age and condition warrants attention to its fuel system, cooling system, wiring, tires, drivetrain fluids, seals, and steering before serious driving, but these trucks were designed to be durable and easy to service.
What makes this Dodge interesting isn’t perfection. It is the possibility of preserving a genuine piece of heavy-duty military hardware rather than restoring another conventional pickup. Power Wagons have always looked tough. This one appears to have actually lived the part.
I see it has the deep water engine package.
All of the M-Series military trucks (1951-1968) were equipped with waterproof 24v ignition, electrical, and mechanical ystems. The M43 as shown could drive through water up to 42 inches deep. With a “Deep Water Fording Kit” (basically a snorkel and exhaust extension) it could handle 6 ft of water.
The US and Canadian trucks look very similar, but they are not identical. The Canadian-built trucks used locally sourced engines and transmissions. The Canadian engine block is about 2 inches longer, and requires a longer hood and different radiator position. Sourcing certain engine parts for the Canadian block can be challenging as it is somewhat unique. One of the most common problems is that the cast iron exhaust/intake manifolds are almost always cracked. They were arguably fragile when new, and are difficult to repair. There are no NOS or repro replacements. If you need one, you can only hope to find a used one that is “less terrible” than yours.
I have owned & restored a number of these and currently have a WW2 variant
called a 3/4 Ton APT (Air Portable Truck). It used the same type of engine block. The engine rebuild cost me $5,000+US 10 years ago.
The truck shown here is overpriced. The lack of interior photos does not help sell it. Project M43s usually go for about 1/2 what is being asked here. The added power steering is a potential plus, but there are no photos or info on the conversion. It may or may not have been done properly. While there were only about 409 Canadian M43s built, the rarity does not contribute significantly to value. Most people still prefer the M37 pickup.
It is a m152
Boy this is in tough condition, and it’s not a Power Wagon this is based on an M37 chassis. Unless this m43? Body style means a whole lot to a potential buyer for the price this is a big NO-GO in my book.
Yesterday I saw an extremely nice M37 stock pickup for 8500 and it was 100 percent ready to drive away!
I love this workhorse. Bullet proof, durable, and easy to work on. Does anyone know if it’s multi fuel?
230 ci gasoline engine
Neat. It’d make one heck of a bush truck.
These are not multi-fuel. They are heavy, slow, and don’t corner or stop particularly well. They are easy to work on, which is good because the (Not bulletproof) axles tend to snap easily.
230 ci gasoline engine
Not a Power Wagon an M37
251 ci would be the old Chrysler industrial engine not a Dodge.
You have to be kidding pop cans
This truck looks the same as one listed on Ebay and shown on Barn Find on Dec 9, 2019 7:00pm MDT • For Sale • 27 Comments
Stolen Valor? 1954 Dodge M152. Did it ever sale on Ebay or is it the same person trying to sale it again with different fact?
If I am in a warzone, give me a Powerwagon all day long. Anywhere else? Nope. So many better options for a hobby vehicle. This you will only drive a short distance to and from a local show, anything else is painful. Only if it is out of love do this. Of course, if you are going to restore and flip to some idiotic rich guy, more power to ya.
Idiotic rich guy? Just out of curiosity where does a statement like that come from? I am asking because I am just finishing up a 50 B2 Power Wagon full frame off rebuild and I am neither an idiot or a rich guy, hence my question?
Idiotic rich guy? Just out of curiosity where does a statement like that come from? I am asking because I am just finishing up a 50 B2 Power Wagon full frame off rebuild and I am neither an idiot or a rich guy, hence my question?