Dodge built the first ever real off-road pickup truck back in the 1940s
Published on Dec 26, 2025 at 7:37 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Dec 09, 2025 at 5:26 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
Decades before the likes of the Ford Ranger Raptor and the Ram 1500 RHO, Dodge created the world’s first off-road pickup truck.
Dodge was founded back in the early 1900s by brothers Horace and John Dodge.
The marque, which is now a division of Stellantis, is probably best known for its high-performance nameplates, like the Charger and the Challenger.
But years before they came to market, Dodge built the world’s first off-road pickup truck, and it was a real beast.
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The world’s first off-road pickup truck was introduced in the 1940s
These days, anyone looking for an all-terrain, hard-going pickup truck is spoiled for choice. You can go for a tried-and-true classic, like the Ford F-150, or embrace EV technology with the Rivian R1T.
But before all of those, Dodge introduced the Dodge Power Wagon – the world’s first off-road pickup truck.
Launched in 1945, the Dodge Power Wagon was based on the Dodge WC military trucks that were used in World War II, and were rough, tough, and ready to take on the world.
The 4×4 Power Wagon was powered by a 3.8-liter flathead inline-6 engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission, which could produce up to 94 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.
Today, those stats might not exactly blow your socks off, but back in the mid-1940s, the Power Wagon was considered a real beast of a vehicle.
Alongside its pulling-power, the Power Wagon featured solid axles, leaf spring suspension, and a high ground clearance, meaning it was as happy on a mountain trail as it was on an old dirt track.
The Power Wagon quickly became a popular choice for ranchers, farmers, construction workers, and just about anyone else who was looking for a pickup truck that didn’t back down for a challenge.
An original Dodge Power Wagon could be worth a fortune today
The original Dodge Power Wagon was introduced in 1945 and was in production until 1968.
During that time, around 16,000 examples were built – so they’re not exactly a common sight in 2025.
But, if you did manage to find one, it could be worth a fair bit.
An original Power Wagon that isn’t in great shape can sell for between $10,000 and $30,000.
This shoots up to between $50,000 and $80,000 if it has been well-maintained or undergone some restoration work.
However, a Power Wagon in tip-top, fully restored condition can sell for more than $100,000.
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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
