Difference between revisions of "Powell Sport Wagon"

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In the mid-1950s, America's lofty goals were not yet to put a man on the moon, but for a good twenty-five cent cigar and a new car for under $1,000 - which is about $11,300 in 2023 money (#LGB). Brothers Channing and Hayward Powell would build what they advertised as "America’s 1st car produced to sell below $1000.”
 
In the mid-1950s, America's lofty goals were not yet to put a man on the moon, but for a good twenty-five cent cigar and a new car for under $1,000 - which is about $11,300 in 2023 money (#LGB). Brothers Channing and Hayward Powell would build what they advertised as "America’s 1st car produced to sell below $1000.”
  
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Their company Powell Manufacturing Company, had up until then, been building scooters and minibikes.
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Their company Powell Manufacturing Company (PMC) of Compton, CA started manufacturing radios in 1928, but quickly moved on to building scooters and minibikes. In 1954, they started building 1955 model [[Pickup trucks]].
  
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Their unique way of achieving that goal was to buy junked 1940-1941 [[Plymouth]] [[Chassis]] and refurbish. On that, they would place a [[Pickup truck]] or a [[SUV]] body they fabricated with a fiberglass [[front clip]], and the cab rearward was simple design without complex curves so it could be quickly made without [[stamping dies]].
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Their unique way of achieving that under $1000 goal was to buy junked 1940-1941 [[Plymouth]] [[Chassis]] and refurbish. Later they would also use Dodge Chassis. They'd buy the cars and discard the bodies. On that, they would place a [[Pickup truck]] or a [[SUV]] "Sport Wagon" body they fabricated with a [[fiberglass]] [[front clip]]. The [[cab]] rearward was simple design without complex curves so it could be quickly made without [[stamping dies]]. One of the most unique features were the Fishing Pole Storage, which pulled out from the rear of the truck. While no records remain of the company, approximately 1,030 pickups, 300 (beginning in late 1956) Sport Wagons and three [[motorhomes]] were built. Less than 150 are thought to still survive. The engines were mostly Plymouth 202ci Sixes, however some were built with Dodge and Chrysler Industrial engines. They started out with Oak bumpers, until deemed unsafe, then switched to metal. Diamond Plate bumpers were an option. The chrome strips on the grill were actually rear side trim from the rear fender of a 50 Ford Sedan
  
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Powell's car manufacturing only lasted a couple of years, and they returned to building Scooters and mini0bikes in 1960. The reason the Powell Sport Wagon makes it into the MoparWiki is it's Plymouth [[Drivetrain]] during their car manufacturing days.
 
  
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this is the beginning of a MoparWiki. Much of the information to complete it can be found in the Internet references found at the bottom of the Wiki. Remove this message once the wiki is close to complete.
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Powell's Pickup Truck & SUV manufacturing only lasted from (started Production of the 1955 models in 1954) 1955 until early 1957. The company returned to building Scooters and mini-bikes in 1960. The reason the Powell Pickups and Sport Wagons make it into the MoparWiki, is it's Mopar [[Drivetrain]]s.  
  
  
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{{Template:Underconstruction}} <!-- This entire line is to be remove when page is 90% or better completed -->
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<!-- The below are the photos that line up on the right side. Use the Upload link to upload photos of this car model and replace the uploaded image name and the photo's description in the below. Again, more information is in the understanding wikis title in the sidebar -->
  
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<!-- The below are the photos that line up on the right side. Use the Upload link to upload photos of this car model and replace the uploaded image name and the photo's description in the below. Again more information is in the understanding wikis title in the sidebar -->
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[[Image:Powell.jpg|thumb|300px|1956 Powell Pickup]]
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[[Image:Powell1.png|thumb|300px|Early Pickup Brochure]]
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[[Image:Powell2.png|thumb|300px|Early Pickup Brochure]]
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[[Image:Powell3.png|thumb|300px|Fishing Pole Storage & Diamondplate read bumper]]
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[[Image:Powell4.png|thumb|300px|Disassembling and steam cleaning what will be used from Junk Plymouths]]
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[[Image:Powell5.png|thumb|300px|Assembly Line. Note the Fiberglass front clip]]
  
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[[Image:Powell.jpg|thumb|300px|1956 Powell Sport Wagon]]
 
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[[Image:Moparwikiexp.jpg|thumb|300px|Replace the photo file name and description with appropriate for this car model]]
 
  
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{{Template:needphotos}} <!-- remove this line when an adequate number if photos fir the size of the wiki have been added-->
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=== Direct Competition === <!-- as Maverick and Nova was to Duster -->
  
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== Background == <!-- Do not remove this line As it is a heading -->
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[[Jeep]]
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<!-- This s an excellent place to put the story of the car model - from design to death -->
 
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=== Model Predecessor === <!-- list the model this car replaced on the next line -->
 
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=== Model Successor === <!-- list the model was replaced by on the line below -->
 
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=== Export Version(s) === <!-- discuss any export versions of this car below -->
 
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=== Related Corporate === <!-- as Dart was to Valiant or Super Bee was to Road Runner -->
 
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=== Direct Competition === <!-- as Maverick and Nova was to Duster -->
 
  
 
== Technical == <!-- Do not remove this line as it is a heading -->
 
== Technical == <!-- Do not remove this line as it is a heading -->
  
 
=== Price Class === <!-- use the designation most often used on Vin IE: Premium, Medium, Economy,... -->
 
=== Price Class === <!-- use the designation most often used on Vin IE: Premium, Medium, Economy,... -->
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Goal was to be priced under $1,000
  
 
=== Platform === <!-- A-Body, B-Body,... -->
 
=== Platform === <!-- A-Body, B-Body,... -->
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The platform was from Salvage parts from 1940 and 1941 Plymouths which were cleaned refurbished and painted.
  
 
=== Available Engines === <!-- list CID/HP and years offered -->
 
=== Available Engines === <!-- list CID/HP and years offered -->
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Refurbished Plymouth, [[Dodge]] and [[Chrysler]] [[Industrial]] [[Sixes]].
  
 
=== Available Transmissions === <!-- list transmissions offered -->
 
=== Available Transmissions === <!-- list transmissions offered -->
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Refurbished [[Mopar]] 3-speed [[manual transmission]]
  
 
=== Overall Length === <!-- list lengths and year range for each -->
 
=== Overall Length === <!-- list lengths and year range for each -->
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168"
  
 
=== Overall Width === <!-- list widths and year range for each -->
 
=== Overall Width === <!-- list widths and year range for each -->
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72"
  
 
=== Height === <!-- list height and year range for each -->
 
=== Height === <!-- list height and year range for each -->
  
 
=== Wheelbase === <!-- list wheelbases and year range for each -->
 
=== Wheelbase === <!-- list wheelbases and year range for each -->
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117"
  
 
=== Front/Rear Track === <!-- list Front / Rear track and year range for each -->
 
=== Front/Rear Track === <!-- list Front / Rear track and year range for each -->
  
 
=== Curb Weight ===
 
=== Curb Weight ===
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2700 pounds
  
 
== Famous Examples of This Model == <!-- Do not remove this Heading -->
 
== Famous Examples of This Model == <!-- Do not remove this Heading -->
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===  Books & [[Magazine References]] === <!-- list all printed material you got you facts from -->
 
===  Books & [[Magazine References]] === <!-- list all printed material you got you facts from -->
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* [https://www.petersen.org/blog/petersen-archive-powells-holy-grail-the-powell-sport-wagon Petersen]
 
* [https://www.petersen.org/blog/petersen-archive-powells-holy-grail-the-powell-sport-wagon Petersen]
 
* [https://powellsportwagonregistry.com/ Powell Sport Wagon Registry]
 
* [https://powellsportwagonregistry.com/ Powell Sport Wagon Registry]
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*
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* [https://www.hemmings.com/stories/article/1956-powell-pickup-trucks Hemmings]
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[[Category:Powell|Sport Wagon]]
 
[[Category:Powell|Sport Wagon]]
 
[[Category:Powell|Pickup]]
 
[[Category:Powell|Pickup]]
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[[Category:Make|Powell]]
 
[[Category:Under Construction]] <!-- Remove from this category once Wiki is more than 75% complete -->
 
[[Category:Under Construction]] <!-- Remove from this category once Wiki is more than 75% complete -->
 
[[Category:Needs Photos]] <!-- Remove from this category once Wiki an adequate number of photo with relation to its size -->
 
[[Category:Needs Photos]] <!-- Remove from this category once Wiki an adequate number of photo with relation to its size -->

Latest revision as of 03:03, 24 May 2023



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In the mid-1950s, America's lofty goals were not yet to put a man on the moon, but for a good twenty-five cent cigar and a new car for under $1,000 - which is about $11,300 in 2023 money (#LGB). Brothers Channing and Hayward Powell would build what they advertised as "America’s 1st car produced to sell below $1000.”

Their company Powell Manufacturing Company (PMC) of Compton, CA started manufacturing radios in 1928, but quickly moved on to building scooters and minibikes. In 1954, they started building 1955 model Pickup trucks.

Their unique way of achieving that under $1000 goal was to buy junked 1940-1941 Plymouth Chassis and refurbish. Later they would also use Dodge Chassis. They'd buy the cars and discard the bodies. On that, they would place a Pickup truck or a SUV "Sport Wagon" body they fabricated with a fiberglass front clip. The cab rearward was simple design without complex curves so it could be quickly made without stamping dies. One of the most unique features were the Fishing Pole Storage, which pulled out from the rear of the truck. While no records remain of the company, approximately 1,030 pickups, 300 (beginning in late 1956) Sport Wagons and three motorhomes were built. Less than 150 are thought to still survive. The engines were mostly Plymouth 202ci Sixes, however some were built with Dodge and Chrysler Industrial engines. They started out with Oak bumpers, until deemed unsafe, then switched to metal. Diamond Plate bumpers were an option. The chrome strips on the grill were actually rear side trim from the rear fender of a 50 Ford Sedan


Powell's Pickup Truck & SUV manufacturing only lasted from (started Production of the 1955 models in 1954) 1955 until early 1957. The company returned to building Scooters and mini-bikes in 1960. The reason the Powell Pickups and Sport Wagons make it into the MoparWiki, is it's Mopar Drivetrains.


1956 Powell Pickup
Early Pickup Brochure
Early Pickup Brochure
Fishing Pole Storage & Diamondplate read bumper
Disassembling and steam cleaning what will be used from Junk Plymouths
Assembly Line. Note the Fiberglass front clip


Direct Competition

Jeep

Technical

Price Class

Goal was to be priced under $1,000

Platform

The platform was from Salvage parts from 1940 and 1941 Plymouths which were cleaned refurbished and painted.

Available Engines

Refurbished Plymouth, Dodge and Chrysler Industrial Sixes.

Available Transmissions

Refurbished Mopar 3-speed manual transmission

Overall Length

168"

Overall Width

72"

Height

Wheelbase

117"

Front/Rear Track

Curb Weight

2700 pounds

Famous Examples of This Model

Movies

TV Series

Racing

Owner/Driver Impressions

Name of Reviewer

References

Books & Magazine References

Internet


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