This is getting some attention on another thread of mine so I figured I'd start its own. I've learned it's a Powell wagon and ~300 were produced. Here's a Powell Registry: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/powellregistry/scrapbook.html Here are the pics: Transport your fishin' poles:
Some new headlights,roof,tires,wiring,interior,paint,glass,weatherstripping,hood,etc and you could be a "Powell-driver?"
Didn't Chevy Chase drive one of those in National Lampoon's Vacation? Just kidding guy, unusual find! 48 Poncho
That is the company that Hommer Simpson use to design cars for. They folded shortly there after. This must have been one of their last models........ .
There was a wrecking yard near me that had a Powell pickup back in the 1980's' He kept it in his "private stash enter and die" section.. info from the 1987 book "Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975" 1955-56 Powell Manufacturing Co. Compton, California Most of the company's production was pickup trucks (1000 units) A few station wagons (300) were built. The wagons came as 6 passenger 2 door. Both cars and trucks used a number of Plymouth parts. The 1941 chassis was the base, with rebuilt engines. Transmissions were 3 speed manual. All steel wagons (some of the grill pieces are fiberglass) Offered in Standard and Deluxe versions. The end of production caused by drying up of parts sources. NEW PRICING 2 door Standard wagon - $ 1095 2 door Deluxe wagon - $1198 no pricing for pickup I'll have to agree with everyone's opinion that it's butt ugly. But no worse than a Morris Minor. Rareness doesn't always equate to desireability.
earlier thread with history of the Powell http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=332077&highlight=powell
Talk about a flashback!! I ran across one of those in a wrecking yard about 30+ years ago. It was about 1/2 way between Bremerton and Belfair on a way back road. The old man running the place said it was built for sportsman to haul their gear to and from. Didn't know whether to believe him or not. Now I at least know who made it now.
LOL, Hey 61TBird, I saw that Wile E. Coyote "genius" pic on snopes yesterday also, and I saved it... Probably use it the next time I pull out the popcorn on someone That Powell is butt-ass-ugly, but it is worth saving. Make an interesting driver if nothing else. Betcha there aren't a dozen of them left in the whole world!
Thanks for posting those pictures.I've heard the name before but never saw a picture of one.Sorry folks;I like it and it's a WAGON! With the Plymouth running gear,that part of the restoration shouldn't be too much of a problem.The body looks to be pretty straightforward and shouldn't present a problem for someone who is a competent sheet metal person.Would like to see it when it's finished. Speaking of Homers;here's a couple of pics of a,"HOMMER" that I painted awhile back.Made from a French Simca military vehicle(originally had a flathead)with a custom aluminum body.
The Powell were trying to build low cost delivery vehicles the wagon and a half ton pickup. Running gear and frame was rebuilt salvaged prewar Plymouth. some good information on the allpar site also I believe. The were located in Compton, likely pre bloods and crips, built a line of scooters also. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powell_Motor_Company
There's a Powell truck sitting in some guy's yard in Pahrump, NV. It doesn't look as bad as that wagon, but it sure hasn't run in awhile. dj
Are those chrome kitchen handles on the rear attached to tube or caps for storing fishing rods & tentpoles. I sort of remember something like that from an old Popular Mechanics mag. Make a great tailgater.
I remember the guy across the street bought a new one around 56 or so. Thought it was pretty screwy then and now. Unusual though.
Nothing has to be ugly! Even ugly cars need love! The white one was at Paso about 10/15 years ago or so.
seen pickup but never a wagon. still has the slide in fishing pole carriers like the pickups wow. build it. doesnt look any worse than these purpose built ratrods w/ the fake spray on patina.. looks like flat glass so no problem. make w/shield of lexan..
I am so old I remember when they ran commercials for them on TV. I always thought the slide out deals for the fishing poles were cool, the rest of it was a POS.
"Straight outta Compton" Fugly but cool and worth saving. It's design reminds me of an early International Travelall. It's got some of that early Range Rover look in the front end.
The guy that lives behind me has 3 of the pickups plus a pile o' parts. I know where there are 2 more in Kernville, CA
Very unusual to say the least. I cant believe nobody has said " I'd chop it " or " You should put on Radirs and wide whites " or " I'd slam it and paint it flat black "
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