Ram Power Wagon Celebrates 75th Anniversary

One of the great things about having a long history is that it affords you an opportunity to celebrate the anniversaries of milestones. The history of Dodge is one such story with many anniversaries.

The Dodge brothers got their start as manufacturers of parts for other automakers back in the first days of the automobile. In 2014 they celebrated the 100th anniversary of their decision to become automakers themselves. Horace and John called their new business the Dodge Brothers Company.

Within a relatively short time Dodge was the #2 automobile in America in terms of sales. Sadly, in 1920 both of the brothers died prematurely--John from pneumonia and Horace later in the year from cirrhosis. Without their energy and innovation the company wasn't the same and in 1925 the widows sold it for 146 million dollars, the largest cash transaction in history at that point in time. Three years later the brand was acquired by Chrysler.

IN 1934 Dodge began devoting itself to building four-wheel drive trucks for the Army, both half-ton and full-ton. They were built to be rugged, reliable and unbreakable. It was basic but masterful engineering, easy to drive and durable. Soldiers who experienced these machines returned from the war with a desire to own trucks of their own, and Dodge went to work coming up with a civilian version of their four-wheel drive "carry alls."

As everyone who's ever been involved in naming a product knows, you really want to get it right.  Eventually, after trying out a variety of names before the launch, they called it the Power Wagon. Great name, and this year is the 75th anniversary of its introduction. How appropriate that I saw this story Wednesday on Veteran's Day. A big salute to Dodge for the 226,700 trucks they built for our armed forces during the war, and for staying with it afterwards.

Other names they originally considered included the Farm Utility Truck, the WDX General Purpose Truck, and the One Ton Truck. When they appeared on the showroom floor they were Power Wagons.  

The story that triggered this nostalgic trip through history was this one: 

2021 Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition
First Mass-production 4x4 Pickup Truck Celebrates 75 Years of Service

Ahead of Nov. 11 Veterans Day observances, Ram is commemorating the 75th anniversary of Power Wagon with a special acknowledgment of Power Wagon's heritage, which stretches back to World War II. The 2021 Ram Power Wagon 75th Anniversary Edition is loaded with unique features and celebrates the rich history of the most iconic model in the heavy-duty pickup segment. 

The truck is available in 11 colors, two of them new and unique: Anvil Grey and Molten Orange. It also features a unique grille, 75th Anniversary badging, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels and premium leather interior. In short, this is no longer a basic, durable army truck. It's a behemoth with wow. 

You can read the full story here.

Some of the other info on this blog post came from Origins of the Dodge Power Wagon, published at AllPar.com.