Few names stir the hearts of Mopar fans quite like the Power Wagon.
Some younger truck fans might only know the name Power Wagon from the newer Ram trucks, which is a shame since they’re missing out on some valuable history. If you grab this 1978 Dodge Power Wagon you could help educate the youth and help dispel silly rumors that the late 1970s was a dead zone for American vehicles.
Instead of some wimpy four-cylinder, this truck hits hard with a solid 383ci V8. Augmenting that are two aftermarket cylinder heads plus a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, so you’re getting plenty of air and fuel flowing into each cylinder for a potent burn. As you can clearly see, the air cleaner and valve covers are chrome, so you can pop the hood at a show and really wow the crowd. Functional four-wheel drive means this truck is ready to hit the trail. A Hurst shifter for the four-speed manual transmission makes this truck that much more entertaining.
Everything about the Power Wagon is bold, including the maroon and black two-tone paint on the exterior, plus bright yellow stripes for a loud exclamation point. Everything has been polished nicely, so any light that hits the body panels just glistens. Panel gaps all around the truck are even and alignment looks great from every direction. The OE grille keeps the exterior appearance authentic, while the side mirrors appear to be original as well. Adding to the tough nature of this truck is a maroon bully bar that matches the rest of the exterior. It doesn’t stick out too much and it comes with tabs to mount lights for better nighttime visibility on a trail. A spray-in bedliner protects the sheet metal from scratches
With an exterior that looks so good, you might be afraid the interior of this Dodge Power Wagon pales in comparison. Fortunately, the previous owner paid plenty of attention to each detail, including the black vinyl bench seat, which looks to be freshly redone and features a folding armrest. It’s obvious the black carpeting is new, so you’re not dealing with discoloration, grime, or wear in the material. All the stock gauges and controls are still sunk into the factory burlwood grain paneling, making for a retro masterpiece. A blank spot in the middle of the dash will accommodate a new sound system. There is factory AC that’s not working at the moment, but apparently it won’t be costly to get it blowing cold again.
Dodge used the Power Wagon name for several trucks starting in 1946. It has always stood for rugged performance, making the truck a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and avid off-roaders. Thanks to Streetside Classics, you have the chance to own one of the most iconic trucks ever made.
