This Dodge Durango Harkens Back To Its Power Wagon Roots:

We have seen a number of crazy Dodge Durango builds over the years, but this may be one of the most outlandish. When it debuted in 2004, the 2004 to 2006 Dodge Durango (ND) was touted to channel “the design DNA of the original 1946 Dodge Power Wagon through its drop fender design and powerful grille”. One particular Dodge Durango on eBay! has proven has taken that quote to the extreme.

Originally starting life as a 2006 Dodge Durango Adventure 4×4, this Durango was designed and built by Advanced Automotive Technologies (AAT) in Rochester Hills, Michigan, as a one-of-a-kind tribute to the original Power Wagon WC53 Carryall, now being sold by Classic Auto Showplace located in Troy, Michigan.

As one of the most iconic U.S. military vehicles, other than the Jeep® was Dodge’s 3/4-ton WC or “Weapons Carrier” series trucks. The trucks were built as command vehicles, ambulances, personnel carryalls, and even as pickups. 

With only about 54,600 miles on the odometer, the Durango features a unique front and rear styling paying homage to the original Power Wagon. Gone are the “bug-eyed” headlights that the 2004 to 2006 models were known for and replaced by the front LED lighting mimicking the original WC front fenders.

The front end was completely redesigned to showcase a mock-up of the original Power Wagon “jail-bar” grille. The rear quarter panels and liftgate were complete redesigned to incorporate more minimalistic LED taillamps instead of Dodge’s “afterburner” taillights. The liftgate even features an area for a military-style metal gas can. According to AAT, nearly 1,400 hours were put into developing this vehicle.

Both front and rear bumpers are equipped with electric winches. A BadLand ZXR 12,000 lb. winch is mounted in the front, while a BadLand ATV Utility 3,500 lb. Winch in the rear. Up top, a roof rack carrier basket is fixed to the vehicle’s roof with auxiliary front lighting mounted to it.

Under the hood, is a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 mated to a 5-speed 545RFE automatic transmission. The HEMI is rated at 335 horsepower (257 kW) @ 5400 rpm and 370 lb.-ft. (509 N•m) of torque @ 4200 rpm. The powertrain was pair with an NV244HD two-speed, electronically shifted transfer case with 2.72 low-range and full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD).

The tire and wheel package includes the Falken WildPeak M/T’s (LT285/70R17) on Fuel “Beast” aluminum wheels. To top off the look, the exterior is finished in U.S. Military Olive Drab Green paint.

Inside, the Durango retains its visually stock appearance. Of course, there are Durango’s three-rows of seating to bring all of our friends with you on your next adventure. The seats also still retain their factory cloth material.

Currently, the vehicle has an eBay! listing that expires this coming Sunday, but is listed with a reserve. It is also listed on the Classic Auto Showplace website with a listing price of $39,999 USD. Steve Pasteiner, President of ATT, states that “the vehicle was built for a long time friend so the hourly rate was reduced way under the norm, but at the going shop rate it would have cost well past the $100,000 mark”.

Nevertheless, this unique second-generation Dodge Durango is something unique. Love it or hate it, it sure has a bold presence no matter where it goes.