1948 Dodge Power Wagon

1948 Dodge B-1 Power Wagon – Biography & Build History

A Brief History of the Power Wagon

Introduced in 1946, the Dodge Power Wagon was the first civilian 4x4 truck ever mass-produced. Adapted directly from Dodge’s proven WWII military vehicles (the WC series), the Power Wagon was built to bring rugged reliability, unmatched capability, and go-anywhere toughness to farmers, ranchers, utility companies, and adventurers in postwar America. Its brute strength, simple mechanics, and legendary durability quickly made it a workhorse across the globe, laying the foundation for Dodge’s reputation in heavy-duty trucks. The B-1 series, introduced in 1948, continued this legacy with only minor updates from the earliest models, keeping the core design and spirit intact.

This Truck’s Story

This 1948 Dodge B-1 Power Wagon represents one of the most authentic and painstaking restorations of its kind, completed with an uncompromising dedication to originality.

The restoration spanned nearly a decade and was carried out as a frame-off, nut-and-bolt project. Every effort was made to preserve the integrity of the truck as it was originally built in 1948. The foundation is an original 1948 B-1 chassis, frame, engine, and drivetrain, complemented with carefully selected original parts sourced from two additional donor trucks purchased solely for components.

One of the most significant and rare features of this build is the original Braden PTO winch, restored and fully operational. This winch was standard equipment for working Power Wagons in the late 1940s but is rarely retained and restored to this level today.

Where replacement was unavoidable, aftermarket parts were sourced almost exclusively from Vintage Power Wagons in Fairfield, Iowa — widely regarded as the premier supplier for Dodge Power Wagon restorations worldwide. This ensured that every nut, bolt, and detail remained faithful to factory specifications.

The Result

The finished truck is as close to original as possible, both mechanically and cosmetically, embodying the rugged utility and timeless character that made the Dodge Power Wagon legendary.

To the owner’s knowledge, no other truck sold or shown in recent years has achieved this degree of originality combined with the inclusion of a restored, original PTO winch. This B-1 stands not only as a showpiece but as a true benchmark for authenticity in vintage Power Wagon restorations.

Equipment

A build sheet pictured in the gallery details this Power Wagon’s factory equipment. A partial list of notable currently installed equipment reported by the owner includes:

    •    Original 230-cubic-inch L-head inline-six engine (94 horsepower, 6 cylinders)

    •    Original 4-speed manual transmission (granny low)

    •    Original 2-speed transfer case

    •    Original front and rear solid axles with leaf-spring suspension

    •    Restored Braden MU-2 PTO-driven winch (factory option)

    •    Original 1948 B-1 chassis and frame

    •    Frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration

    •    Factory 16-inch steel wheels with period-correct tires

    •    Steel pickup bed with restored wood plank floor

    •    Restored factory gauges and instrumentation

    •    Original-style bench seat upholstery

    •    Functional 6-volt electrical system

    •    Replacement hardware and components sourced from Vintage Power Wagons (Fairfield, Iowa)