There’s something both functional and aesthetically pleasing about old panel vans, and we never fail to give them a second look when they cross our path (or computer screens). Survivors seem to be relatively rare, since many were worked to death before being towed off for scrap, but most we come across are wearing a GMC or Chevy badge. We can’t remember the last time a mid-1950s Dodge panel van hit our classifieds, especially one in the same condition as this 1956 Dodge Town Panel, for sale on Hemmings.com. The current owner describes the truck as a repainted “survivor,” with no rust issues and only a temperamental fuel gauge to address. Driven 50 or so miles per week, the 230-cu.in. inline-six powered Dodge has received a new clutch, new rear gears, new brakes, new radial tires, a new water pump, a new voltage regulator and a rebuilt generator in recent years, meaning it’s ready for (almost) any task the next owner has in mind. From the seller’s description:
This is a survivor 1956 Dodge Town Panel. Mileage showing currently is 49875. No proof, but believe to be original. I drive this truck 50-60 miles per week. Original 230 six, 3 speed on the column, being a deluxe it has 2 speed electric wipers and a very good 3 speed heater. I have had this truck two years, about 4000 miles ago. Since I bought it the following have been done:
New Clutch and change of rear end from 4.78 to 3.90
New Brakes
New Radial Tires
Rebuilt generator, new voltage regulator, water pump and battery.
New paint job in the original color, Ecuador Blue, with clear coat.
Interiot is original, paint, seats, door panels and headliner. I insulated and paneled the back, warmer in cold weather, cooler in warm weather, quieter all the time.
EVERYTHING WORKS except fuel gauge, when grounded, it goes to full, sometimes it tries to move on it’s own, believe to be a bad ground, just haven’t had a chance to address it, I just keep track of the mileage when I get fuel. The door locks even work.The passenger window is cracked, and I have a new one in a box, some of the door weatherstripping could be reglued.
This truck has NO rust, I showed two blemished in the paint. Floors are excellent including the wood floor. The is a bed mat trimmed to cover the wooden floor. I added a tach, stereo, voltage gauge and 12 volt outlet, and a rear view camera in the glove box, handy for backing up.
I would drive this truck anywhere, and I do, will cruise at 65, 3000 rpm, plenty of pedal left, but this is a torquey long stoke engine so I don’t take it over 3000. YES, you can drive it home, just keep the rpms down. Burns no oil visibly, does spot, so I add a quart and zinc additive once or twice a year between annual oil changes.
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