Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1978 Dodge W150 Power Wagon 4×4.
The first time the “Power Wagon” name was used was in 1945 when it launched a civilian version of a Dodge three-quarter-ton World War II-engineered military truck. That truck became the ancestor of the many large four-wheel-drive trucks that we see driving around on roads and trails around us today. The Power Wagon name remains in place on some full-sized trucks even today. A dealership in Moneta, Virginia, is auctioning its mechanically-sound two-tone Canyon Red Sunfire Metallic and White 1978 workhorse. The auction will end on Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. MST.
Production of the full-sized Dodge D/W Series pickup ran for quite a while – from 1961 through 1993 to be exact. The D/W Series rode on the same “AD” platform as the Ramcharger and Trail Duster two-door sport-utility vehicles that competed with the Chevrolet Blazer. Two-wheel-drive models had the “D” naming prefix, while four-wheel-drive models started with a “W.”
Today’s feature truck hails from the third-generation of the D/W Series from 1972 which took on a more rounded look when compared to its predecessor. Along with the exterior redesign, these trucks received an independent front suspension. Power originates from a 400cid V8 mated to an TorqueFlite 727 three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The odometer shows just 68,641 miles, which the seller claims to be a true original figure.
The selling dealer has outlined some of the service items that make this truck a roadworthy machine: Under current ownership, it received new fuel system components, a transmission rebuild, a carburetor rebuild, a new Flowmaster exhaust system, new suspension hardware, and new brakes. Receipts for all of this work will be included with the sale of the pickup.
It was just a few years after this truck rolled off the assembly line that the D/W Series would be rebranded as the Dodge “Ram” pickup under the direction of Chrysler executive Lee Iacocca. Today, the Ram is a standalone brand and the Power Wagon name applies to heavy-duty 2500-series trucks within the lineup. This has been the case since 2010. Modern Power Wagon trucks come with things like HEMI powerplants, locking differentials, 33-inch tires, and other special equipment.
As nice as that all sounds, a 2024 Ram 2500 Power Wagon will set you back about $88,510. You might be able to steal this 1978 for a bit less!
The auction for this 1978 Dodge W150 Power Wagon 4×4 ends Tuesday, January 13, 2024 at 12:45 p.m. (MST)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
