Once again, my mind has wandered to a purposeful old truck that is everything you need and nothing more. Maybe it was driving a rented Hyundai that pushed me over the edge, or maybe it was finding some old photos of a Dodge D-100 I used to own that did it, but when I saw this 1978 Dodge Power Wagon up on eBay, it was everything I could do to remind myself that (A) I’m broke, and (B) I’d be a dead man if I placed a bid. But could you blame me for tempting fate? I love the 1972-1980 Dodge truck line…while there really isn’t much different between 1972 and 1993, there’s enough to make a difference. I like the dash better. I like the character lines that seemed to be smoothed out for 1981. I love the grille designs much better than the “tons of squares” 1980s layouts. And the triangular taillights with the slightly recessed reverse lamp on top trumps the Lego-shaped brick of the 1980s trucks.

Then you look at this particular truck. The color is awesome, it’s a four-speed truck with a rubber floor mat and that seat cover I swear came with every truck sold from 1970-1985. The only really noticeable deviation from stock involves the wheels and tires, and the rear bumper, both of which are easily changeable if they bother you that badly. There is really no flaw in this neat little shortbox…ok, the 318 won’t set your nerves on fire, but that’s an easy fix. It’s just a good, handsome pickup that has been kept desert-fresh. A 360 with some guts would pick this thing right up and would be a bolt-in deal.

eBay Link: 1978 Dodge W150 Power Wagon