While formally classified as a station wagon, the 1966 Dodge Town Wagon Power Wagon’s four-wheel drive and three rows of seats made it a progenitor of modern full-size SUVs. A well-restored example of this burly machine was recently featured on “Jay Leno’s Garage,” and it’s a must-see for fans of classic wheels.
This truck isn’t part of Leno’s collection, but he did play a role in its resurrection. He explains in the video that he was contacted by the daughter of the original owner—a rocket scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory—who wanted to get the then-rusting Dodge to a good home. He connected the owner with Steve Hofmann, who transports vehicles for Leno and was looking for one of these obscure vehicles.
Hofmann was attracted to the Town Wagon Power Wagon by its beefy construction and military pedigree. The Power Wagon name was first applied to civilian versions of military trucks Dodge started selling after World War II. Hofmann also has one of those older trucks, which he’s slowly restoring.
Aside from a name, the Town Wagon doesn’t share much with the original Power Wagon. It’s based on the later-generation Dodge Sweptline pickups from the early 1960s. However, the bodywork originated with 1950s-era Dodge trucks.
Power is provided by a 318-cubic-inch V-8 producing 200 hp, which was the optional engine in 1966. The ubiquitous “Slant Six” inline-6 was standard but, considering that Hofmann says the V-8 can barely move the Town Wagon to 60 mph, the 6-cylinder probably demanded a lot of patience from its driver.
While the contemporary Jeep Wagoneer and International Travelall sold well as alternative family cars, the Town Wagon Power Wagon was more utilitarian. Most of its customers were businesses or government fleets, Hofmann said, which might explain why the Dodge isn’t as well remembered as its contemporaries. So it’s definitely worth giving the full video a watch to learn more about it.
This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com.
right …. right …. right
I owned one back in the 1970’s. It was a surplus property purchase for $500.00 with 42,000 miles on the odometer. At 92,000 miles it developed a flat miss. I was commuting 100 miles daily five days a week. Now at the time I was enamored with the first generation HEMI’s. Five of which were lined up against the rear wall of my garage.
I finally got tired of the misfiring old 318, so over one weekend I removed the 318 and went straight to the early version 392 big block. Cost of parts around $300.00. Turned out to be an easy swap keeping the old four speed transmission. I put 42,000 more mile on it before I sold it for $500.00.
It was a blast to drive with the 392. One evening a Corvette stopped beside me at a traffic signal. That driver kept revving his engine and took off “hot” from the signal. The signals were not coordinated so I was sure he would get a red at the next signal, which he did and I wound up beside him in lane 1. I had never used first gear and thought this might be the time to try it out.
The ligh went green, I slammed the gas pedal and dumped the clutch. I was on two wheels, the front wheels had me looking at the bottom of the traffic signals. I “ landed” the front wheels and of course caught a red ligh at the next signal.
The corvette guy was left looking up and did not bother “challenging” the old 392 power.
I miss that truck!