They were used on the roughest terrains and in the hottest combat zones of World War II, so the Dodge Power Wagons had a big reputation by the time the war was over. That laid the ground work for Dodge to produce the 1957 Dodge Power Wagon for civilian use. In fact, it was a big hit when it came off the assembly lines as a regular production vehicle. This W100 Power Wagon was the very first assembly line model truck with four-wheel-drive and a V8 motor manufactured for civilian use in the U.S.
Happy Days Dream Cars in Warrensburg, Missouri has listed this one for sale in our Classic Trucks Section. They point out that the ultra-rare 1957 Dodge Power Wagon W100 model with the “Sweptline” body panels was only offered in 1957. It is one of only 427 built with the 315 Red Ram V8 engine and 116″ wheelbase. Advertising slogans gave it the name “Power Giant” and many of the collectors who follow these trucks will refer to it that way.
It’s bold stance, sturdy construction and powerful 315 Red Ram V8 can handle just about any job thrown at it. The Dodge W100 Power Wagons were produced from 1957-1960. Today, the uniquely rare 1957 “Power Giants” are in high demand all over the collector car world. Note the flared front fender lines, one-piece grille, and a hood that extends when open to a full 90 degree angle. And these were just some of the well-appointed features for Dodge’s fresh redesigned “Forward-Look” for 1957. It was the only year for this unique styling. By 1958 the front valance looked totally different.
This Red Ram Power Wagon W100 was a game changer for Dodge. It changed the direction of light pickup trucks forever.
Here are some of the features of this beautifully restored Power Giant 1957 Doge Power Wagon presented by Happy Days Dream Cars in Missouri:
315 C.I.D. “Red Ram” V8 engine has been rebuilt from top to bottom according to previous owner
New distributor, plug wires, points, rotor, coil, brakes, wheel cylinders, brake lines, master cylinder, brake shoes
Drive train has been gone through by previous owner and has rebuilt splines, joints, shafts, output bearing and on and on…
Rebuilt carburetor
4-Speed manual transmission
Factory 4 wheel drive w/manual lockouts
New clutch and rebuilt transfer case
Radiator and heater re-cored
The interior was restored to original specification.
Period correct two tone Dodge Truck Red and Sand Dune White paint is outstanding!
This one is among a select number of these trucks that you will find in this kind of condition. We’ve never seen one restored like this before. Be sure to look at dozens of photos of the restored W100 on Happy Days Dream Cars’s website at this link: 1957 Dodge Power Wagon. Note the shots of the undercarriage.
Had one of these in the late 60’s. Made a custom front bumper from 10″ channel iron and 1/4″ diamond plate, witch was great for pushing people on snowy roads. It even had power brake booster. The engine was bad so I replaced with a 57 Dodge 325″ ,it was a direct bolt in. Had lots of fun with it.