The 1967 Dodge Power Wagon Custom Pickup stands as a terrifyingly powerful monument to the art of the modern restomod. By mating a vintage military-grade body with a state-of-the-art powertrain, this build transcends typical restoration boundaries. Now scheduled to cross the block at the Indy 2026 auction, the vehicle represents a seamless fusion of mid-century aesthetics and 21st-century mechanical violence. It is a purpose-built machine designed for those who demand the visual grit of a classic workhorse but require the earth-shattering performance of a modern crate engine.
Industrial Grit Meets Modern Off-Road Hardware
The exterior of this custom pickup retains the iconic, slab-sided silhouette of the original 1967 Dodge Power Wagon Custom Pickup, now finished in a menacing Gray. To handle its newfound power, the body sits atop a modernized Jeep Gladiator Rubicon chassis, providing a significantly improved footprint. Off-road readiness is emphasized by a heavy-duty Warn winch mounted to the front bumper and locking front hubs for maximum traction. Massive Nitto Trail Grappler tires provide the necessary grip for both high-speed runs and technical climbs, ensuring the truck’s visual presence is backed by genuine utility.
A Refined Command Center with Tactical Flair
Inside, the cabin has been completely overhauled with a focus on Black upholstery and functional modern upgrades. While the interior retains a utilitarian spirit, it features a tilt steering column that allows for a more ergonomic driving position during high-performance maneuvers. The integration with the Rubicon chassis means the occupants benefit from a more civilized ride quality than any original 1960s truck could offer. This environment is designed to manage the sensory overload of 1,000 horses while maintaining the rugged, no-nonsense charm that defines the Power Wagon legacy.
Supercharged Hellephant Fury and Rubicon Dynamics
The heart of this beast is a 426 CI supercharged Hellephant V8 crate engine, a motor legendary for its out-of-the-box performance. This setup delivers a staggering 1,000 hp / 1,014 PS and 950 lb-ft / 1,288 Nm of torque, funneled through a robust automatic transmission. Power 4-wheel disc brakes provide essential stopping force for this heavy-duty machine. The handling is significantly enhanced by EVO Manufacturing suspension components and King remote reservoir shocks, allowing the truck to absorb massive impacts while maintaining stability at speeds that would be unthinkable for a stock vintage pickup.
| Specification Segment | Technical Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 426 CI Supercharged Hellephant V8 |
| Power Output | 1,000 hp / 1,014 PS |
| Peak Torque | 950 lb-ft / 1,288 Nm |
| Chassis Foundation | Jeep Gladiator Rubicon |
| Suspension System | King Remote Reservoir Shocks / EVO Mfg |
| Drivetrain | 4-Wheel Drive with Locking Hubs |
| Braking Hardware | Power 4-Wheel Disc Brakes |
| Tire Specification | Nitto Trail Grappler |
| Odometer Reading | 11,474 Miles |
| Recovery Gear | Warn Winch |
Market Context and Restomod Rivals
The market for high-end custom trucks has exploded, with the 1967 Dodge Power Wagon Custom Pickup sitting at the very top of the food chain. It competes with boutique builds from Icon 4×4 and high-horsepower restomods from Legacy Classic Trucks. However, the inclusion of the 1,000 HP Hellephant engine gives this build a significant power advantage over almost any other vintage pickup on the market. Collectors increasingly value these “chassis-swap” builds because they offer the reliability and parts availability of a modern Jeep with the incomparable soul of a classic Dodge.
Investment Potential and Engineering Value
Investing in a Hellephant-powered vehicle is a strategic move, as these crate engines were produced in limited quantities and remain highly coveted. This 1967 Dodge Power Wagon Custom Pickup represents a massive investment in fabrication and high-end components like King shocks and EVO suspension. Because it utilizes a modern Rubicon chassis, the maintenance and long-term reliability are far superior to custom-fabricated one-off frames. For the serious collector, this truck offers a turnkey opportunity to own a world-class showpiece that is equally capable of dominating a car show or a rugged mountain trail.
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Source: mecum.com
