| Dodge Power Wagon | |
|---|---|
.jpg) 1954 Power Wagon | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Dodge (Chrysler) |
| Production | 1945–1980, 2005–present |
| Model years | 1946–1980, 2005–present |
| Assembly | Warren, Michigan, United States |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size pickup truck |
| Layout | Front engine, four-wheel drive |
| Related | Ocdresto Classic truck resto Legacy Dodge Carryall |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 360 cu in (5.9 L) LA V8 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 126 in (3,200 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Dodge WC series |
| Successor | Dodge Ram |
The Dodge Power Wagon is a four-wheel drive medium duty truck that was produced in various model series from 1945 to 1980 by Dodge.[1] The Power Wagon name was revived for the 2005 model year as a four-wheel drive version of the Dodge Ram 2500.[2][3] As a nameplate, "Power Wagon" continues as a special package of the four-wheel drive version of 3/4 ton Ram Trucks 2500 model.[4]
The original civilian version, commonly called the "flat fender" Power Wagon (FFPW) or "Military Type", was mechanically based on Dodge's 3/4-ton WC series of World War II military trucks.[5] The Power Wagon was the first 4x4 medium duty truck produced by a major manufacturer in a civilian version. It represents a significant predecessor to the many modern four-wheel drive trucks in use today.[6] It was marketed as the WDX truck.[7] Until about 1960 it was internally known by its engineering code T137 – a name still used for the original series by enthusiasts.[8] Following Chrysler Corporation policy of badge engineering to provide a greater number of sales outlets overseas, Power Wagons were also marketed around the world under the Fargo and De Soto badges.[6][9]
Starting in the 1957 model year, factory four-wheel-drive versions of the Dodge C Series trucks were produced and sold as the W-100, W-200, W-300, and W-500, alongside the older Power Wagon. The pickups had the "Power Wagon" badge on the fender.[10] The older design Power Wagon was marketed as the "Military Type" to distinguish it from the styled pickup versions. Later the "Military Type" was given the series number W-300M, and ultimately WM-300.
The heavy-duty four-wheel-drive W-300 and W-500 trucks were marketed as "Power Giants".[10][11] The four-wheel-drive version of the Dodge Town Wagon also got the "Power Wagon" badge.[10] The "Military Type" sales in the United States ended by 1968, because the vehicle did not comply with new federal light-duty truck regulations.[1] The "Power Wagon" options continued on the Dodge D-Series through the 1980 model year. For the 1981 model year, "Power Ram" became the marketing name for four-wheel-drive Ram pickups, and aside from a 1999 concept vehicle, the "Power Wagon" name was not used until the 2004 revival.[10]
- ^ a b Press Kit: 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon - Legendary Dodge Ram Power Wagon Returns. Chrysler Corporation, DaimlerChrysler AG, Auburn Hills, Michigan, September 30, 2004
- ^ Brubaker, Ken - Reviews: 2005 Dodge Power Wagon. Four Wheeler Magazine, September 1, 2004
- ^ Smith, Bruce - First Drive: 2005 Dodge Ram Power Wagon. Hard Working Trucks, April 6, 2010
- ^ Oldham, Scott - 2020 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Remains a Hulking Heavy-Duty Off-Roader Car and Driver, April 30, 2020
- ^ Montgomery, Monty. Dodge Power Wagon Photo History. United States: Iconografix, Incorporated, 2000.
- ^ a b Carroll, John. 4 X 4 Vehicles. United States: Chelsea House, 1998.
- ^ Bunn, Don. Dodge Trucks. United States: Motorbooks International, 1996.
- ^ About T137 — t137.com
- ^ The Observer's Fighting Vehicles Directory, World War 2. United Kingdom: F. Warne, 1972.
- ^ a b c d Ackerson, Robert C.. Standard Catalog of 4 X 4's: A Comprehensive Guide to Four-wheel Drive Vehicles Including Trucks, Vans and Sports Sedans and Sport Utility Vehicles, 1945-1993. United States: Krause Publications, 1993.
- ^ Petroleum Week. United States: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, Incorporated, 1958. advertisement: "De Soto and Fargo four-wheel-drive models combine all the features of a conventional two-wheel-drive. Available in Body styles, a chassis-cab, chassis-cowl, or the famous military-type Power-Wagon ( W-300M ) are now available ."