I’ve seen Maximum Overdrive and Duel; and although it’s a bit old hat by this point, I can absolutely say this truck belongs on any film set involving a remake of these horrible films. This 1942 Dodge Power Wagon is a tow rig that apparently did duty as an AAA roadside assistance rig. If I saw this coming to “help” me on a dimly lit road in the middle of nowhere, I’d take my chances sleeping in the car. Find it here on eBay with no reserve and bidding over $2,500.
This is a field-fresh find, according to the seller, who notes that “…appears everything is there. Has PTO winch, Manley wrecker, has heater, all wiper parts are there in place, looks like 12 volt alternator, original radiator, engine and transmission.” It still rolls, too, so despite the rough exterior, there’s potentially enough to work here for a rolling restoration. The worst of the rust is said to be contained to the floors and running boards, but I suspect the exterior will be preserved as much as possible by future owners.
This is the interior from when men were men. Seriously, I like my vehicles authentic, but this might even be pushing it for me in terms of lacking in creature comforts. At the same time, it’s important to remember that the folks who would come rescue stranded drivers in the middle of the night didn’t always ride around in Ford F350s with air conditioning and power windows. Even to this day, there are some gnarly tow rigs still on the road, but this Power Wagon tops them all. The seller notes that the levers all still move and aren’t frozen up.
I can’t think of a better vehicles for this to be on. The Miller Lite modification aside, there’s a lot of originality here, even if it means extensive rust repair. I’d like to think the body is more solid than not, despite its liberal helpings of surface rust, but this will still not be a simple project to bring back to life as a functional tow rig. I’d love to see what colors it wore when new as an AAA vehicle, but didn’t find any in my quick search. Does anyone recall seeing Power Wagons like this used to rescue motorists?
Duel is a classic! This Power Wagon is, too.
I actually own the truck. The can had just blown in there and was stuck there. It does not serve any purpose. I had to photograph it. Thanks Darren 419-571-396six
Hi Darren.
I’m building models based on Traxxas TRX4. Am building a Dodge Power Wagon now, and have had in the back of my mind building an old towing truck. Found your truck on Barnfind. Could you please direct me to a site where I could find more pics of this fantastic rig?
Best regards Arne Nordhagen
ainord@hotmail.com
https://barnfinds.com/roadside-assistance-1942-dodge-power-wagon/?utm_medium I am desperately trying to find the owner of this truck my dad built it originally and I can give a very detailed history of the truck as well as pictures of it being built and used my name is Mary Sue Sykes my number is 530 209 1372 thank you
Or a remake of “DELIVERANCE.” “Aintry!? AIIIINTREEEE!??! This river don’t go to ANNNTRY! boy!”
I need this one. Especially when ssssittty folk get stuck out her at 0300.
This one defines ‘purpose built’, a great find. It would have been an amazing looking truck in its day, with fresh paint and towing gear.
… combat rims and all.
Remake of Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World…Jonathan Winters tow truck OR the desert mechanic in Vacation where the cost of repairs is “how much you got”.
A major restoration project, to be sure. I hope someone does steps up to do so.
I love it and would restore to original looking while upgrading drivetrain for highway use to car shows. I would say the truck was originally white with the triple “A” being in red.
I like what I see. Full restoration would be in store for this one although I might not re-install the wrecker, but instead use the bed for a different angle to a typical truck bed. They’re rough and anything over 45 is almost ridiculous; you’d either be digging your teeth out of the steering wheel or your head out of the roof. If you intend to want them to go faster, you’ll need to soften up the suspension considerably, but if you leave it stock, that small six cylinder has got lots of power….
I love it. Too bad it’s so rough. I have ran one & will testify that they go through mud dragging the center of the differentials.
One thing for sure, this unit hauled many a vehicle in it’s days. It’s a pretty cobbled unit, a cut down carryall, not good for much as is, unless you do a lot of lifting in your yard. Plenty of Power Wagons out there, this one is too wasted.
OK, I have used beer cans for many repairs in my past, but I can not tell what the repair is here? Gotta love those bullet holes. Funny, it looks like a new strobe on the cab?
Don’t forget the 1940 “They Drive By Night”, with Raft and Bogart.
too bad that WC54 3/4 ton Dodge Ambulance got butchered here, but i guess necessity is the mother of invention…. mostly its just a mother :(
Power Wagons didn’t get to Dodge dealers until 1946. This is a WC military 3/4-1 ton.