The 1954 Dodge Power Wagon C-1-PW6 Fire Truck represents a rugged intersection of industrial utility and emergency response history. Originally converted for brush-fire duty by Van Pelt, this one-ton machine served at the Hercules dynamite plant in California. Its service at a high-stakes powder works facility adds a layer of historical gravity to its already imposing presence. The seller’s family acquired the vehicle in 1977, preserving its unique equipment as it moved from California to Arizona. It retains the signature flat-fender aesthetic that has made the Power Wagon a legend among four-wheel-drive enthusiasts. This specific unit currently shows just 5k miles on its five-digit odometer. Such low mileage is typical for specialized industrial vehicles that spend most of their lives on standby. It stands as a tactile reminder of the specialized machinery required for hazardous industrial environments during the mid-fifties.
The exterior of this 1954 Dodge Power Wagon C-1-PW6 Fire Truck is finished in vibrant red with gold-colored “Fire Dept. No. 15” markings. Silver-painted textured-steel running boards and a matching tailboard provide a sharp contrast to the red bodywork. This truck is equipped for serious work, featuring a PTO-driven water pump mounted prominently at the front bumper. In the bed, a 300-gallon water tank remains in place, flanked by specialized fire-hose racks. Emergency roof lights, cowl lights, and a driver-side spotlight ensure the vehicle remains visible during night operations. Body-color 16-inch steel wheels are mounted with Maxi Trac Super tires, giving it an aggressive, go-anywhere stance. While it shows some honest wear, the decals and equipment remain remarkably intact for a vehicle of this age. It truly embodies the “brush-fire” persona with its functional hardware and purpose-built layout.
L-Head Inline-Six Power and Four-Wheel Drive Capability
The mechanical heart of this 1954 Dodge Power Wagon C-1-PW6 Fire Truck is a 230.2ci L-head inline-six engine. This powerplant was designed for durability and low-end torque rather than high-speed highway cruising. Power is managed by a four-speed manual transmission coupled with a dual-range transfer case for true four-wheel drive capability. In 2019, the gears in the rear axle were replaced to ensure continued operational reliability. The PTO-driven pump relies on the engine’s power to move water from the 300-gallon tank to the fire lines. Braking is handled by drums at each corner, though the seller notes they lose pressure over time. Consequently, a mechanical refresh of the hydraulic system may be necessary for regular driving. This drivetrain represents the pinnacle of mid-century off-road engineering, capable of traversing the rugged terrain of a dynamite plant or a burning brush field. It offers a pure, analog driving experience that modern trucks cannot replicate.
Minimalist Cockpit and Essential Fire Gear
Inside the cabin of this 1954 Dodge Power Wagon C-1-PW6 Fire Truck, the focus remains entirely on function. The black vinyl upholstery shows some separation on the driver’s side, reflecting its decades of standby service. Black rubber flooring covers the cabin, though some cracking is visible from age and exposure. A three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a simple 80-mph speedometer and essential auxiliary gauges. These displays monitor oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel levels to keep the crew informed. Because it was a fire truck, the interior lacks the luxury trimmings found in civilian passenger vehicles. However, it offers a spacious and utilitarian environment that is perfect for a historical display or restoration project. The 3,000 miles added by the current family owners since 1977 highlight its use as a cherished piece of family history. It is a workspace designed for the grit and intensity of firefighting duty.
1954 Dodge Power Wagon C-1-PW6 Fire Truck Performance Specs
This 1954 Dodge Power Wagon C-1-PW6 Fire Truck is powered by its original-style 230.2ci L-head inline-six. This engine was factory rated at 99 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a robust manual transmission. The 4×4 system features a dual-range transfer case, allowing for low-speed maneuvering through difficult terrain. Specialized fire equipment includes a 300-gallon water tank and a functional front-mounted PTO pump. The truck sits on 16-inch steel wheels with drum brakes at all four corners for stopping power. While the gear ratios are optimized for heavy loads, the updated rear axle gears provide a solid mechanical foundation. The combination of its low 5,000-mile reading and its industrial heritage makes it a unique specimen. It delivers the raw, mechanical performance that built Dodge’s reputation for indestructible utility vehicles during the post-war era.
1954 Dodge Power Wagon C-1-PW6 Fire Truck Summary
The 1954 Dodge Power Wagon C-1-PW6 Fire Truck is an incredible artifact of 1950s emergency vehicle design. Its history at the California Powder Works adds a layer of intrigue that few other survivors can claim. While the interior and braking system show signs of age, the core mechanical components remain historically significant. The Van Pelt conversion hardware, including the tank and pump, makes it a centerpiece for any fire apparatus collection. Its transition from a working industrial guard to a family-owned treasure in Arizona has kept it remarkably preserved. For the collector of Mopar history or emergency vehicles, this Power Wagon offers an unmatched story. It remains a symbol of the toughness required to protect America’s most dangerous industrial sites. This truck is ready for its next chapter, whether as a museum piece or a unique parade vehicle. It truly captures the spirit of mid-century fire protection.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
