LOT 592

1947 Dodge Power Wagon 4x4 Flat Bed Truck Registration no. SXS 130 Chassis no. 83902983

Sold for £24,150 inc. premium

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Lot 592

1947 Dodge Power Wagon 4x4 Flat Bed Truck

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|2 September 2023, 14:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1947 Dodge Power Wagon 4x4 Flat Bed Truck
Registration no. SXS 130
Chassis no. 83902983

• Imported from Montana, USA in 2021
• Previous single-family ownership
• 3.8-litre six-cylinder petrol engine
• An older restoration
• Recent braking system overhaul

Introduced in 1946 as the very first 4x4 truck produced for the civilian market, the Power Wagon was mechanically derived from Dodge's 1942-1945 ｾ-ton WC series trucks. Used in WW2 as a 'go anywhere' truck and command and control vehicle, the WC was extremely popular with returning GIs. Dodge recognised the potential, and indeed demand, for a civilian four-wheel drive truck and manufacture commenced in March 1946. Known as the WDX General Purpose truck: the 'W' was a continuation of the 1941-1947 model series while 'D' stood for 1-ton and 'X' indicated four-wheel drive.

Registered as 1947, this Dodge Power Wagon was later identified by Steve Arndt of Vintage Power Wagons in Fairfield, Iowa to be a first series (1945-47) WDX Model 1-ton Civilian Power Wagon. On file is a dating letter from the American Auto Club UK confirming the year of manufacture as 1947 and the power unit as a 230ci (3,770cc) six-cylinder petrol engine. Distinguishing features include four rectangular stake pockets on each side of the rear bed for a hard cover, and a round speedometer with rectangular gauges either side that have the instrument lettering on the glass instead of the face of the gauges.

Imported by the present owner from Montana in 2021, having had single family ownership from new, this Long Box Power Wagon was restored some 30 years ago and more recently has benefited from a new battery and all new brake wheel cylinders and shoes from Vintage Power Wagons. Although not driven extensively in its current ownership, the truck performed well when tested on private land. We are advised that the 94bhp sidevalve six runs well, testifying to the toughness and longevity required by the municipal authorities, fire departments, ranchers, farmers and others who bought these Dodge 4x4 trucks. Offered with a handbook and V5C Registration Certificate.

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