Resurrected Classic: The 1959 Dodge W100 Power Wagon Town Wagon
Behold, the 1959 Dodge W100 Power Wagon Town Wagon – a true vintage gem! This magnificent eight-passenger marvel underwent a thorough rejuvenation in the early 2000s, and it found its way into the hands of the current owner through the renowned auction platform, Bring a Trailer, in February 2020. Dressed in a tasteful tan exterior with an elegant white roof and adorned with rich brown leather, this rugged truck is the epitome of classic American craftsmanship.
Under the hood, this powerhouse is driven by a replacement carbureted 318ci V8 engine that provides the muscle, and it dances in perfect harmony with a four-speed manual transmission and a two-speed transfer case. And the list of goodies doesn’t end there. You’ll find tubular side steps, a trusty spotlight, a trailer hitch ready for action, and a comforting heater to keep you warm during those long drives.
The seller has contributed their fair share to the journey, adding approximately 350 miles to the odometer. They also pampered this Power Wagon with a valve adjustment and a tune-up in March 2020, ensuring that it runs as smoothly as the day it rolled off the assembly line.
In the aesthetics department, the body got a fresh coat of tan paint, complemented by the eye-catching white roof and matching bumpers. The second and third-row side windows are designed to slide open for a breath of fresh air, and it’s not just the paint that’s been upgraded. You’ve got dual sideview mirrors, a spotlight, front bumper overriders, tubular side steps, and a trusty Eckhart trailer hitch featuring a Go Rhino tubular step.
This Power Wagon stands tall on white-painted eight-lug 19.5″ wheels wrapped in Goodyear G171 radial truck tires, and it doesn’t forget to carry a spare tire in the cargo area, just in case. Braking is old-school, with drums at all four corners, and the suspension does its job with solid axles suspended by leaf springs and Rancho shocks.
The interior is an eight-passenger paradise, upholstered in supple brown leather that extends from the seats to the door panels, sun visors, and boots for the transmission and transfer case levers. The floors are ruggedly protected by black rubber mats, and you’ll find extra comforts in the form of a heater, lap belts, and even a fire extinguisher for peace of mind. And if you’re in the mood for some retro tunes, there’s a period roof-mounted AM radio complete with an antenna.
As you take your seat behind the three-spoke steering wheel with a Dodge center cap, your gaze falls upon a 100-mph speedometer, surrounded by gauges keeping tabs on fuel level, generator status, and coolant temperature. A Make Waves oil pressure gauge has been thoughtfully added to the cluster, and a SunPro tachometer finds its place on the steering column. The five-digit odometer displays approximately 1,300 miles, though the true mileage of the chassis remains a mystery.
Powering this beast is a replacement 318ci V8 that was reportedly installed around 2010. It features a single Edelbrock 600 four-barrel carburetor, and the battery received a fresh start in 2019. The seller made sure it stayed in top form with a valve adjustment and tune-up in March 2020.
This Power Wagon sends its power to all four wheels via a floor-shifted four-speed manual gearbox and a two-speed transfer case, ensuring that it can tackle any adventure that comes its way.
As a bonus, this fantastic piece of automotive history comes with a binder full of receipts, service manuals, and a clean Oklahoma title in the seller’s name. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a testament to the enduring quality of classic American craftsmanship, and it’s waiting for the next adventure with its lucky owner.