Pickup trucks are some of the most popular vehicles on the market today. While they are an optional vehicle in other countries, in the US, trucks are a way of life. Since World War II, they've become intertwined with American culture.
Companies like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge have proven that they have what it takes to build trucks. These trucks deal with the hauling and towing of loads and look good while doing it. The Ford F-Series trucks are the most popular choice in the United States. However, Dodge has for a long time now been the go-to truck for anyone looking for a hardy truck.
Dodge is an American car manufacturer under the Stellantis umbrella. The company was founded in 1900 by two brothers Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge. At the very start, the company only supplied automotive parts to other car manufacturers, but later on, the brothers decided to venture into car manufacturing.
One of the company’s most notable contributions to both the pickup truck market and American history is the Dodge Power Wagon. Here is a detailed history of this iconic and historical figure.
Let's take a closer look at the Power Wagon.
History Of The Dodge Power Wagon
The Dodge Power Wagon is a four-wheel-drive medium build pickup truck that made its debut in 1945, just as the Second World War was coming to an end. It was not until 1946 when production of the Power Wagon started. However, in 1981 the plug was pulled for the Power Wagon production and was replaced by the Dodge Ram.
Over the years, there have been various model variations and trims of the Power Wagon. This has seen this classic truck bring forth the new age modern Dodge trucks as we know them today. One of these trucks is the Dodge Ram.
Initially, the Power Wagon started as a military truck used to haul loads and cargo across bases. After everything had settled, the first civilian Power Wagon was unveiled. This civilian model was popularly referred to as the “flat fender” Power Wagon (FFPW) or Military Type Truck. The civilian trim was built off the original ¾ ton military Dodge truck.
When the Dodge Power Wagon was unveiled in 1946, it became the first-ever 4x4 truck to roll off a major manufacturer’s production line. Today the Dodge Power Wagon acts as a predecessor to everyone looking to buy or build a 4x4 truck. This truck offered a seamless transition for everyone from war life to a normal peaceful life.
When the Dodge Power Wagon debuted in 1946, Dodge marketed it as a WDX truck. It was not until twenty years down the line in 1965 when this truck started being recognized by its engineering code, the T137.
For Dodge to reach beyond its American borders, it followed the Chrysler badge policy. This saw the Power Wagon marketed and sold in other countries under the De Soto and Fargo badges. Under the hood of the Dodge Power Wagon, there have been several engines placed. Some of these included a 3.8-liter flathead I6, a 4.1-liter flathead I6, a 5.2-liter LA V8, and a 5.9-liter LA V8.
Series
Since it first went into production, the Power Wagon went through several changes. This saw it remodeled time and time again. This evolution has been keenly mapped out with the Series structure. With this structure, we can see the Power Wagon evolve from a simple 4X4 truck to a superior truck in its category.
First Series
The First Series Power Wagon is a class of Dodge Power Wagon that was in production from late 1945 to late 1945. The model numbers in this series included the 1945 to 1947 WDX, the 1948 to 1949 B-1-PW, and the 1950 B-2-PW.
What told this truck series apart from other trucks in the same category was the rectangular stake pockets that were mounted on either side of the truck bed, a rectangular gauge cluster on each side of the truck, a round speedometer, and two rectangular gauge housings that feature the lettering on the glass instead of the gauge.
Second Series
These were the Dodge Power Wagons that were in production from early 1951 to the end of 1956. The model numbers in this series included the 1951 B-3-PW, 1952 to early 1953 B-3-PW, the late 1953 B-4-PW, the 1954 C-1-PW, and 1955 to early 1956 C-3-PW.
The most unique features of the second series Power Wagon included slightly curved stake pockets on the sides of the truck, stamped bedsides, the top section of the bedside rail were angled at 45 degrees, and their edges were rounded off. The four gauges (oil, temperature, fuel, and amp) were placed at the center of the dash, and all featured silver-grey faces.
Third Series
The third series Dodge Power Wagons were in production from 1956 to late 1970. The models featured in this series included the late 1956 C-4-PW, 1957 W300, 1958 to 1959 W300M, and 1960 to 1971 WM300.
The features that allowed the third series Power Wagon to stand out included square stake pockets on the sides of the truck, stamped bedsides, the top bed of the truck was flat and had round edges, the four gauges on the dash had black faces, and the powertrain was mated with an NP420 Synchronized Transmission.
Transition From The Power Wagon To The Dodge Ram
In 1981, Dodge put an end to the Dodge Power Wagon nameplate and replaced it with the Dodge Ram. The Dodge Ram went into production from 1981 to late 2010 before it was rebranded to just Ram. Currently, the Ram is in its fifth generation as an all-American truck.