Debuting in 1945 with a production that originally lasted until 1980 (though it was revived in 2005), the Power Wagon was an evolution of Dodge’s ¾-ton WC series World War II military vehicles. The rugged, medium-duty truck is a sight to behold with its split-screen windshield, fender-mounted headlights, and jail-bar grill. As iconic as its appearance is, an equipped adventure truck it is not. But that doesn’t mean intuitive-minded restomod firms out there can’t convert the Power Wagon into something drool-worthy.
Originally showcased at the 2024 SEMA show last month, a restomodded ‘62 Power Wagon dubbed “Project S.W.E.A.T.” is now up for auction via Barrett-Jackson. It’s been customized both inside and out for optimized performance off-road and staggering amounts of power.
Seriously Upgraded Powertrain
A project between TV personality/auto designer Colby Donaldson and Ohio-based shop SugarCreek, Project S.W.E.A.T. (Skil and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo) is a one-of-one truck that’s been fitted with a Dodge Hellephant-spec engine with a J1 Motorsports direct-connection 3.0-liter IHI twin-screw supercharger — a HEMI V8 delivering over 1,000hp of power and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Sitting atop 37-inch Toyo tires with 18-inch Black Rhino Abrams wheels is a Carli Dominator 3.0 suspension and a 4-wheel-drive chassis from a late-model Dodge RAM.
A Retro FrankenTruck
Looks-wise, it was inspired by the W100 Power Town Wagon from the ‘50s, with its “elegant lines” and more curvaceous body, but the RAM TRX inspired the hood scoop and some other styling as well. On the other hand, this is a crew-cab-style pickup with suicide doors. In total, Donaldson and SugarCreek employed parts from five different Dodge vehicles, with well over 8,000 man-hours of work to get the job done.
However, as retro as this truck feels, the gray body paint and flat black tailgate are still decidedly modern. Customized for this vehicle, the utility bed itself was hand-built by M&M Fabrication. The inside is just as luxe with its TMI seats outfitted with handcrafted tan Apex leather and black microsuede. You also have a custom Dakota Digital gauge cluster, Pioneer Sound system, and Restomod climate-control system.
Spec Sheet
Model: Dodge Power Wagon “Project S.W.E.A.T.”
Model Year: 1962
Engine: HEMI V8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: Over 1,000hp
Limited Edition?: Yes, 1
Pricing & Availability
Going under the hammer at the Scottsdale auction starting January 18, 2025, this 1962 Dodge Power Wagon “Project S.W.E.A.T.” custom hasn’t gotten an expected sale quote yet, so stay tuned. 100% of proceeds from the auction will benefit TV host Mike Rowe’s mikeroweWORKS Foundation, which supports skilled trade education. Head over to Barrett-Jackson to register your interest to bid.
Recap
1962 Dodge Power Wagon “Project S.W.E.A.T.” Custom
A custom 1962 Dodge Power Wagon crosses the auction block this January. The original trucks looked great but were less than capable to handle adventuring. This custom, however, has a 1,000hp HEMI V8 engine and upgraded suspension.
