What was the name of the 1950 Dodge truck?

The 1950 Dodge truck was called the Power Wagon.

In the immediate postwar era, Dodge continued to offer a rugged, purpose-built 4x4 pickup for commercial and agricultural use. The 1950 model year kept the Power Wagon name as a symbol of Dodge’s commitment to durable, capable work trucks. This article examines the origins, features, and legacy of that iconic model.

The Power Wagon: a postwar icon

The Power Wagon began as a civilian adaptation of Dodge’s World War II WC-series military trucks. Introduced in the late 1940s, it established Dodge’s reputation for building tough, capable work trucks that could handle rough terrain and heavy loads.

Origins and purpose

Born from Dodge’s wartime engineering, the Power Wagon was designed to deliver off-road capability and reliability to farmers, ranchers, and small businesses in the United States. By 1950, it was a well-established name in Dodge’s heavy-duty pickup lineup.

Defining features of the 1950 Power Wagon

Below are several characteristics that distinguished the 1950 Power Wagon from lighter Dodge pickups of the era.

• Heavy-duty four-wheel-drive drivetrain designed for demanding work and off-road use


• Stout frame and suspension to cope with rugged terrain and substantial loads


• Distinctive styling and trim cues that signaled a purpose-built, rugged utility vehicle


• A lineage that connected civilian Power Wagons to Dodge’s wartime truck heritage

In sum, the 1950 Power Wagon conveyed durability, capability, and Dodge’s commitment to practical, hard-working trucks for non-urban needs.

Legacy and modern references

The Power Wagon name has endured as a symbol of Dodge’s heritage in heavy-duty, off-road capable pickups. While the lineup evolved in later decades, the 1950 model remains a touchstone for collectors and historians studying Dodge’s postwar truck strategy.

Why the name endures

Industry experts, restorers, and enthusiasts cite the Power Wagon as an early, influential example of a consumer-oriented off-road truck, blending wartime toughness with peacetime practicality.

Summary: The 1950 Dodge truck carried the Power Wagon name, representing Dodge’s rugged, heavy-duty 4x4 lineage in the postwar era. Its enduring legacy reflects Dodge’s emphasis on durable, capable work trucks that could handle challenging terrain and workloads.

What were the old Dodge trucks called?

Old Dodge truck names include the D-series (which was rebranded as the Ram), the rugged Power Wagon, and special editions like the Li'l Red Express and Warlock. Other examples include the Dodge D100, D150, Macho Power Wagon, and the compact Dodge Dakota.
 
Classic series

• D-Series / Ram: This was a long-running line of trucks that was rebranded as the Ram in 1981. 
• Power Wagon: A historically significant line known for its off-road capability, with early models sold as the W-series. 
• B-Series: A line of vans and trucks that was marketed alongside the D-Series. 

Special and performance editions

• Li'l Red Express: An iconic, limited-production model known for its performance, based on the Warlock. 
• Warlock: A special-edition truck from the late 1970s that preceded the Li'l Red Express. 
• Macho Power Wagon: A muscular, off-road-oriented version of the Power Wagon. 
• Shelby Dakota: A high-performance version of the Dakota, created in partnership with Shelby American. 
• D100 / D150: Specific models within the D-Series, often with various trim levels. 

Other notable trucks

• Ramcharger: A full-size SUV that shared a platform with the D-Series trucks and was one of the first to use the "Ram" name. 
• Rampage: A compact coupe utility vehicle from the 1980s. 
• Mini Ram: A cargo version of the Dodge Caravan minivan, sold in the mid-1980s. 
• Dodge A100: A popular van and truck model from the 1960s. 

How much is a 1950 Dodge truck worth?

The value of a 1950 Dodge truck varies significantly, from around $10,000 to over $50,000 for a custom or restored model, while a project or average condition truck might be closer to $20,000. Prices depend heavily on condition, with well-maintained or rare versions like the Power Wagon commanding much higher prices than a basic, unrestored pickup.
 
Factors influencing value

• Condition: A truck in excellent, restored condition or a rare, well-maintained original will be worth much more than a project truck needing extensive work. 
• Model: Different models have different values. For example, a 1950 Dodge B-2-PW Power Wagon has a different market value than a standard B-2 B pickup. 
• Modifications: Extensive or desirable modifications can increase value, while those that deviate too far from original or are poorly done can decrease it. 
• History: A well-documented history, especially with build receipts, can add value. 

Sample price points

• Low: Around $10,000 for a truck in poor condition that needs significant work. 
• Average: Approximately $20,000 to $25,000 for a truck in good, average condition. 
• $35,000 to over $50,000: High: for custom-built or exceptionally well-restored examples.
• Auction prices: While variable, a recent auction of a restored 1950 B-2 B sold for $35,200, while some custom models have sold for over $50,000. 

What were the truck brands in the 50s?

The three most popular brands of the time, Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge, were leading the charge in this new era of trucks. The trucks of the 1950s had a very distinct and unique look. They featured real wood truck flatbed liners, curved lines, and brightly colored exteriors that made them stand out from the crowd.

What engine came in a 1950 Dodge truck?

flathead-straight-six engine
The B1-B were ½-ton trucks standard with a 95 hp flathead-straight-six engine.