Some trucks just have the right look, the kind of stance and presence that says they were built to last, and Dodge’s Power Wagon has always fit that description. This 1976 Dodge Power Wagon Club Cab 4×4, listed for sale here on craigslist, is one of those survivors that blends originality, capability, and history into a single package. With just 96,000 original miles and a rare set of factory-style options, it’s a truck worth a closer look. Thanks for the tip Jack M.!
The seller notes this Power Wagon was bought new at Reno Dodge and has remained with just two owners since. That kind of provenance is rare enough, but the truck’s equipment makes it even more interesting. Under the hood sits a big block engine, paired to a stout 4-speed manual transmission. Adding to the ruggedness is a PTO-driven winch, believed to have been installed when the truck was new, an option that makes this already capable rig even more useful. Combine that with the period camper and bed kit, and you’ve got a truck that was clearly ordered for serious use, whether it was work in the mountains, camping off-grid, or hauling gear across rough terrain.
Condition-wise, the Power Wagon looks like the kind of honest survivor enthusiasts appreciate. The seller describes it as running great, and with fewer than 100,000 miles showing, there’s every reason to believe it has plenty of life left. Dodge’s big blocks are known for durability, and the combination of manual gears and heavy-duty components means this truck was built to take abuse. The photos show a well-kept Club Cab body, a style that was popular at the time for giving a little extra room behind the seats without going to a full crew cab.
The appeal of this truck lies in its originality and completeness. From the winch setup to the camper accessories, it has the feel of a time-capsule workhorse rather than a modified or over-restored example. These trucks are becoming harder to find in clean, usable condition, and with Mopar trucks starting to see the same collector interest as GM and Ford pickups of the era, this one checks a lot of boxes for the right buyer.
Located in Nevada and ready to drive, this ’76 Dodge Power Wagon represents a rare chance to own a truck that’s as capable as it is collectible. Would you keep it as an old-school adventure rig, or restore it to showroom condition?
Here’s some red meat for you “4×4/big engine/manual transmission” guys.
This actually seems like a great deal- that looks like a factory winch setup. The last time that I looked, that alone is worth $1000.00+, sitting on the ground. This may not have been factory installed (it looks to have been added to this truck after delivery). Typically, Dodge 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks that were winch equipped had a painted one ton front bumper with a short bumper extension and no sheet metal side panels. Every Dodge ex-military PTO-equipped W-200 that I have owned had a floor mounted shift lever for the PTO. This truck has a cable shifted PTO- see the red knob on the dashboard. It is possibly an aftermarket component.
A little too “grandpa‘s fishin’ truck” for me, but if I were looking for something like this, this looks like a score.
What really gets me is that in ’76 you could actually walk into your local Dodge showroom, and order a 1/2 ton pickup with a 440!!! And a 4 speed!!! And isn’t this a full time 4WD? ( snow plowed with an old Ramcharger with a 360 and full time 4WD. That thing would not stop.) I completely agree with the author Elizabeth here, this just looks like an honest two owner survivor. Great truck here. Somebodys going to get a good one here. Just look at that sheetmetal. Its solid. Which is a rare find these days. Great find too Jack M. Thanks
This truck has a 400 big block engine. The 440 was only paired with an automatic transmission in these trucks. The shift lever shape would indicate that this is equipped with the NP 445 transmission, as opposed to the NP 435. Nice thing about the 445 is the first gear is synchromesh, and the ratio is 4.5 something to one. The 435 has a non-synchro first gear with a 6.68 to one ratio. What an awesome drivetrain this truck has. Price is decent to. This one will sell quickly.
These trucks weren’t meant for city folk.
If it were mine, I think I’d have painted in HUGE letters on the front bumper, one simple word…… MOVE!!!
You should probably paint it EVOM so that it reads move in their rear view mirrors!!!
Even better Pat!!!
So far, this one gets most points towards being the BDT of the Month!
Pretty neat older truck with that driveline and winch. Price seems right and the seller has a few other older vehicles for sale in the add
Looks like a great “HUNTER MOBILE”, includes the sleeper. Not so great for the street.