If you’re hunting for a true American workhorse with military roots and go-anywhere capability, this 1950 Dodge Power Wagon might be just the ticket. Listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Anaheim, California, this classic 4×4 comes complete with its original PTO-driven winch, a clean title, and even the original pink slip, a rare piece of California automotive history. It hasn’t been driven since 2014, but the seller believes it should be easy to get running again. For vintage truck lovers, this one’s got serious presence, patina, and potential.
Finished in a time touched red, this Power Wagon wears decades of weathering with pride. The paint is heavily faded and the body shows lots of surface rust and age-related wear, giving it an unmistakable patina that vintage truck fans love. Despite the aging exterior, it remains impressively complete, including the factory 4×4 system and its desirable PTO winch up front.
This truck was part of a two-for-one package deal, but the seller has decided to keep the other and list this one. While it hasn’t run in over a decade, the seller states it was last driven in 2014, so it’s not unreasonable to assume that a weekend of mechanical tinkering could bring it back to life.
Inside, however, the story shifts from charming to rough. The interior is in need of major work, with torn upholstery, missing panels, and significant surface rust on interior metal surfaces. It’s a true blank slate—perfect for someone looking to bring the cockpit back to functional, or leave it bare for that authentic, battle-worn aesthetic.
Original documentation sweetens the deal: the clean California title and original pink slip are still present, which is a rare find. While it’s not running and far from show-ready, the completeness, patina, and provenance make this Power Wagon a solid candidate for revival or preservation.
Would you restore this rugged Dodge 4×4 or keep the patina and get it running as-is?
If anyone is wondering, the asking price is $12,000.
I would love to have this in my driveway.
I get that it wouldn’t be suitable for highway travel, but it seems like it would be great for tooling around in Winter weather, even in heavier snows.
I wonder which engine is hiding under that hood.
GLWTS, hopefully someone will give it a new home without modifying it too much.
Thanks for letting us know the price. Not all of us can access Facebook. Ever consider becoming an automotive writer?
Thanks, Jrinco, but I’m pretty clueless next to the amazing BF writers, and heck, next to a majority of the commenters.
If it’s a 50, then it’s probably a 230 flathead under the hood, if unmolested. I had a 53 with the 230. Great powerplant. This is a real truck. Was even tested at Nebraska as a tractor. Not a freeway rig, thō.
Quite the truck, even today. Out west there are still some in daily service, mostly on cattle ranches. At a threshing show, a few years back, a guy showed up with no less than (3) examples, all well preserved to restored. He said he wanted one to use as long as he ranched. I think he could’ve achieved that wish with only one…
Hard to believe that it’s already been 7 years since I took this pic. Check it out; you’ll even find a Canadian Fargo in there…
Defineately a truck to keep as original as possible.. Refrubrish it and use as a weekend hauler.. I would probably paint it rather than keep this patina, BUT the new owner can make his own choice to whichever he want.s
Ran one of these as a brush truck, 300 gal tank that’s 2400# plus the pump etc., truck handled it like a Sunday drive!
Reminds me of the truck Paul Crockett drove through Death Valley as he managed to free Brooks Poston and Paul Watkins from the grip of the Manson Family.
Original California pink slip, and Tacoma on the door. Hmm 🤔
One each large lump of pick-up. Cool for off road are heavy duty whatever. Living in the desert we see these regularly. I never had a chance to experience one. Most of my off road antics were in an FJ40 Toyota. And still have it 43 years later.
Forest fire services used these quite a bit back in the day.
Just out of curiosity I googled J. D. Shotwell and found a document from the Washington State Highway Department from July 22, 1966 with the entry:
“Pierce County ~ Old Mlitary Road; draining, grading, surfacing and paving
with asphalt concrete; J. D. Shotwell Co., Tacoma; $163,953.”
It would be sort of interesting if this Power Wagon was used in that job.
My dad had one of these in the 60s, a WWII era ambulance that he and friends cut down to a pickup. Paid $50 for it to use for elk hunting. One trip from Pueblo to Cortez CO, normally a 6 hour drive by car, convinced him. He came home and bought a 1955 Willys pickup.