With all the hype on the custom scene surrounding the iconic Willys Jeep, International Scout, and Ford Bronco, lost in the mix is a capable and beefy looking truck from Dodge - the Power Wagon. The original Power Wagon was produced from 1945 to 1964 and was a medium duty four wheel drive truck based on the WC series from World War II. It was not only the first mass produced medium duty four wheeler in its class but in design and function served as the basis for many trucks today. And up for sale today is a beautiful example finished in a lovely shade of Battleship Gray. Let's check out this custom 1948 Dodge Power Wagon WDX 4x4 and see what makes it so special.
The Dodge Power Wagon
According to the seller, "[t]o build a Quad Cab like this requires two standard Power Wagon cabs plus six doors, so it's not like they're plentiful. If you're kidding yourself that you'll have another chance to buy a truck like this, well, maybe that's true but it probably isn't. As a Gen IV build at Precision, finish quality is exemplary, with doors that fit better than if the factory had built it themselves, and the proportions are exactly right thanks to a 15-inch frame stretch and a custom-built bed. This sucker still looks the part of a Power Wagon even though Dodge never even considered building something like this. The Battleship Gray finish shines beautifully and gives the big truck a purposeful look that's completely in-character. Forget those wonky Power Wagons with glittery modern paint, they never look right. THIS is how it's done."
Top Notch Build
While I love custom and restomod projects often times fabricators go overboard and lose the original aesthetic. Thankfully, the builders of this Power Wagon showed some restraint blending a tasteful assortment of the old and the new. This '48 has Recaro bucket seats, generous sound deadening material, a Momo wood-rimmed steering wheel, tilt column, comprehensive HVAC system, full LED lighting, and kicking Stereo system with satellite and navigation.
Under the hood is a 3.9-liter Cummins 4BT turbo diesel backed up by an Allison 4-speed automatic transmission and GM 14-bolt full-floating axle. Custom stainless tubing has been added to dress up the engine compartment and everything looks solid and clean and is much more reliable than the stock unit. "On the road, it's surprisingly smooth and with more than 400 lb.-ft. of torque available just off idle, even this 7000-pound monster feels punchy around town. It cruises at highway speeds without effort and you may not be thrilled with the fuel economy, but you won't be disappointed, either. This sucker just works like a truck is supposed to work."
Looks Great Too
If you're interested in this custom '48 Power Wagon it's listed for sale right now at Harwood Motors in Cleveland, Ohio for $229,900. It's a great build to be sure, but is it worth it? I suppose it depends on the buyer but with ICON charging similar money for their Jeep, Bronco, and Derelict specials, it seems to be in the ballpark. Buckle up.
Source: Hemmings