Vehicle Description
By this point, it's probably become second nature to type up
www.RKMotors.com and scope some of the coolest classics on the
planet. But, every once in a while, we like to get a little crazy
and make sure you're still paying attention. Hey, a gearhead is a
gearhead, right? We love ALL kinds of people movers - the more
unique, the better. Remember when we showcased a cool Crosley fire
engine? How about when we decided to throw you the incredible,
investment grade curve ball that was our Hallett Barron Drag Boat?
Well, today we're featuring something that, while not very odd, is
certainly cool. So, without further ado: professionally polished,
fully sorted and tough as Clint Eastwood in a Spaghetti Western,
here's one of the most legendary trucks ever created!
BATTLE READY BATTLE WAGON
Created at the dawn of World War II, the Power Wagon began life as
an Army-exclusive carryall that was commonly referred to as the
Battle Wagon. The truck's austere construction and unrivaled
durability proved extremely useful when it came to transporting
soldiers, towing equipment and all-terrain motoring. And
eventually, circa 1946, Dodge decided to market its proven creation
directly to civilians. The beneficiary of a professional, body-off
restoration that took place in the not too distant past, this 1968
WM300 is a final-year Battle Wagon that's dressed and ready to
cruise! During that freshening, the truck's solid body was sealed
in a dashing combination of orange and black 2-stage. And
presently, that retro chic shell creates a classy, wet-look profile
that mixes searing glares with smooth reflections.
In a world where 'Mall Crawlers' and an ever-escalating truck war
has inspired a rash of lift kits and Medium Duty pickup
conversions, this Power Wagon's rugged authenticity is as jolting
the ghost of Waylon Jennings at a Country Pop concert. That's
right, all it takes is one glance at this beast to be enlightened
to the reality that spawned the movement. At the front of the
truck, an imperious bumper frames a large Braden winch, which
fronts traditional headlights, Dietz parking lamps and a guarded
grille that's centered beneath a buff "DODGE" script. Behind that
grille, flat, military-spec fenders trace a "POWER WAGON" branded
hood, which fronts clean glass that's cleared by polished wipers.
Beneath that glass, textured steps balance a full-size spare tire
behind extended mirrors and polished door handles. And at the back
of the truck, a wood bed, featured in select Dodge workhorses all
the way through 1985, shades pedestal taillights and a beefy Pintle
Hook.
PROVEN POWER
Fold the hood and you'll find 251 cubic inches of trusty Chrysler
6-cylinder that appears to have been fully rebuilt during the
recent restoration. At the top of that Deep Orange mill, an oiled
air cleaner feeds oxygen in to a small Carter carburetor, which is
seated on a web of cast manifolds. At the side of those manifolds,
a factory cylinder head is wired to a traditional points
distributor via pliable Belden Premium cables. Cooling comes
courtesy of a tall radiator, which frames a traditional pulley fan
and a rebuilt alternator. And the truck's simplistic engine
compartment is clean and very well done, rounding out an otherwise
impressive build.
PRESENCE MEETS PERFORMANCE
Crawling under this rig reveals a high-riding chassis that appears
largely weather-free. Power meets the pavement through a reliable
4-speed transmission, which rides between sturdy Chrysler axles.
That drivetrain rolls on a factory frame, which stretches Emerald
Green paint over factory springs and heavy-duty shocks. Naturally,
that frame is guided by manual steering, and stopped by manual drum
brakes. Exhaust flows through short pipes and a throaty
glasspack-style muffler. And at the corners of the floor, painted
Split-Rim Wheels twist 10.50-16 directional 8-plys, sourced from
Specialty Tires of America, around premium Selectro hubs.
SIMPLE IS GOOD
When you pop this pickup's doors, you'll find a crisp vinyl cockpit
that's full of utilitarian charm. A wide bench seat complements
small door panels, a tight headliner and contoured cab panels. A
body-matched dash hangs fully rebuilt telemetry next to passenger
padding. And the driver feels the road through a large steering
wheel, a big shifter for the 4-speed and a small shifter for the
4-wheel drive.
Ultimate trail boss, or cool cruiser that's guaranteed to start a
conversation? We'll let you decide. But, either way, there's no
arguing the swagger and individuality of a first-generation Power
Wagon. Well-built and tough enough to tackle any task, it's a cool
hobby vehicle that's also a lot of fun. So, what are you waiting
for? Step in and step up to the big leagues!
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a detailed, frame-off restoration
251 cubic inch Chrysler 6-cylinder
4-speed manual transmission
Black vinyl interior
16-inch Split-Rim Wheels / Specialty Tires of America 8-ply
directional tires
Braden winch
Selectro hubs
Wood bed
Orange and black 2-stage paint
