If you’re a fan of old-school American trucks but want modern power under the hood, this 1956 Dodge Power Wagon might just be your dream rig. Currently up for grabs on BringATrailer.com, this silver beast blends vintage 4×4 utility with a serious shot of HEMI® horsepower. The auction ends Tuesday, July 1 at 3:05 p.m. EDT, and trust me—this one’s worth a look.
This truck started life as a 1956 Dodge C-3-PW6 Power Wagon, but it’s been completely reworked to keep up with the times. Gone is the original flathead six-cylinder; in its place is a 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) Gen3 HEMI V8 crate engine, backed by a 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. In plain English? It’s got enough grunt to tow, climb, or cruise with ease—and a lot more reliability than when it rolled off the line almost 70 years ago.
Built by Trackside Auto Custom and Restoration out of Warren, Ohio, the swap involved reshaping the firewall and floor, installing an electric cooling fan, new fuel tank, upgraded radiator, and a fresh wiring harness. The result is a solid, clean engine bay that looks like it belongs there. The battery and fuel pump were replaced just last year, and the powertrain control module and oiling system were all updated in 2021. It even has power steering—something the original truck could only dream about.
Finished in metallic silver with black fenders and running boards, this truck looks tough and clean. Details like a Ramsey front winch, red jerrycan, cowl-mounted spotlights, a wood and diamond-plate cargo bed, and a tailgate that was repainted in 2023 really tie it together. There’s also a shovel and ax mounted in the bed—just in case your adventure takes you off the grid.
Inside, things stay pretty simple but are refreshed and ready to use. A tan vinyl bench seat matches the headliner and body-colored dash. There’s a heater, lap belts, and floor-mounted shifters for the transmission, 4×4 system, and handbrake. Instrumentation includes an 80-mph speedometer (new as of 2023), an 8k-rpm tach, and center-mounted gauges for the basics. The odometer shows just 400 miles, though actual mileage is unknown.
Underneath, the chassis has been cared for, too. Transmission and axle mounts were reinforced, and seals, fluids, and bearings were replaced between 2021 and 2024. It all rides on Diamond Racing 17-inch steel wheels and includes manually locking front hubs—true to its off-road heritage.
The truck does show some signs of corrosion on select components and hasn’t been inspected by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, so check your local regulations if you’re in the Golden State.
Whether you’re looking for a trail-ready classic, a show-stopper, or just a badass piece of American truck history with a modern heart, this HEMI-powered ’56 Power Wagon checks all the boxes. Check it out before the gavel falls.
HEMI-Powered 1956 Dodge Power Wagon Image Gallery:
