Restmod 1953 Dodge Power Wagon truck to be auctioned for supercar price (22 photos)
Tomorrow, at the American Mecum auction, a medium-duty truck launched by the Chrysler concern in 1945 - the Dodge Power Wagon - will be put up for auction. The model, intended for the civilian market, was created on the basis of the military Dodge WC, inheriting from it the all-wheel drive system and the characteristic alligator hood with simplified fenders. The projected price of the lot is between 350,000 and 450,000 US dollars. 
While military trucks could have a canvas top, the Power Wagon came with an enclosed all-metal cab, although a four-door double cab version was never offered. Therefore, the 1953 example for sale with two rows of seats inside is the work of modern customizers.
In the Dodge interior, the front panel has been preserved from the factory equipment, but it is also filled with modern instruments in a retro shell and supplemented with a multimedia tablet. There are comfortable seats with leather upholstery and extensive lateral support, air conditioning and a retractable fabric roof. But there are no electric windows, alas, for a breeze in the heat you will have to work on the “oars”.
The improvements weren't limited to the cabin. Under the hood is a modern 2.8-liter 4-cylinder Cummins turbodiesel engine mated to a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission. The chassis was enriched with adjustable Bilstein shock absorbers, and instead of the old drum brakes, disc brakes were installed on all wheels. The cargo area has water-resistant wood flooring and a 7.5-ton Warn winch in the front bumper. All this fire engine-colored glory is wrapped in giant 39-inch BFGoodrich tires. 
