Retro Dodge Power Wagon Goes to Auction

Originally produced as a military vehicle during WWII, the Dodge Power Wagon has grown a large following of mod enthusiasts. In fact, one Arizona-based company has dedicated themselves precisely to transforming the vintage trucks into modern marvels. Desert Power Wagons of Scottsdale specializes in custom creations that stay true to the original while adding next-level power, enhanced performance, and modern-day convenience. One such truck is the epitome of their work: an upfitted diesel-powered Power Wagon that brought in over $400,000 at auction.

According to Aaron, owner of Desert Power Wagons, his company’s goal is to build the types of vehicles he always dreamed of driving. Whether that’s on the highway or the trail is up to the driver, and most of his modified Power Wagons can easily accomplish both. The Power Wagon in question – the one that sold for hundreds of thousands – took a vintage body and added enough upgrades that would make any car enthusiast’s head spin.

It all starts with a stretched body to accommodate seating for four along with a custom chassis. One of the biggest limitations of the original Power Wagons is their size. Decades-old models weren’t necessarily built with comfort in mind, and even those with pristine interiors can use some much-needed upgrades. The interior was outfitted with reclaimed seating from a Cadillac, and Dakota Digital instruments were fitted to the dashboard. Like the company’s other modifications, this truck got modern conveniences like air conditioning, power windows, and LED headlights.

Other necessary improvements include power steering and 48RE 4WD automatic transmission. Each complements the real star of the show: a 5.9L 6BT Diesel engine. The turbocharged engine has enough power to match the imposing look of the Power Wagon with the ability to take it onto rough terrain – that is, if you’d even want to with a $400,000+ vehicle. It’s made to perform, however, with an upgraded axle and more capable suspension system. Like all Desert Power Wagons creations, this model got a custom paint job to complete the look, finished with 40-inch mud-terrain tires on 17-inch wheels. The Power Wagon pictured is just one of many on the market as demands rise for modernized retro vehicles capable of going off-road.

Find Your Truck at Rairdon’s of Kirkland

While they might not resemble these custom-built creations, you can still find the Power Wagon and other powerful models at Rairdon’s Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Kirkland. Check out our available models online and contact us for more information about upcoming models.