The Rooted Journal: Issue 01

SUNDAY PAW PAW TRUCKS

The resurgence in popularity of these iconic trucks has been highlighted by record-breaking

The Sunday Paw Paw trucks by the Big Three automakers in the 1970s brought luxury sedan styling to farm vehicles, allowing farmers to transition seamlessly from fieldwork to town outings, Sunday services, and even date night. These trucks — featuring air- conditioning, radios, and three- person seating — incorporated stylish details like sweptlines, chrome molding, bumperettes, and car tires. The GMC and Chevy brands revisited this concept in the 1970s with special editions like the Gentleman Jim (gold and black) and Beau (silver and blue) series, further emphasizing the fusion of utility and refinement in farm trucks. This innovative approach marked a shift in truck design, recognizing the dual role of these vehicles as both workhorses and versatile transportation for rural communities. introduction of

auction prices, with a crew cab model fetching an astonishing $300,000.

THE JEEP FC SERIES

Jeep produced the Forward Control (FC) Series from 1956 to 1964 with under 30,000 units built in total, representing a unique and rare line of pickups. These innovative vehicles featured an easy-access Power Take Off from the rear bumper, allowing farmers to efficiently move grain with augers, pump water to fields, and even make ice cream on harvest days. The FC Series exemplified Jeep’s commitment to utility and versatility, offering a specialized solution for agricultural tasks that required power-driven equipment. Despite its limited production numbers, the Jeep FC Series remains highly regarded among collectors and enthusiasts for its distinctive design and practical applications in farm work.

DODGE POWER WAGON

Born from military heritage, the legendary 4x4 Dodge Power Wagon made its transition to civilian production in 1946, setting a new standard for rugged, off-road vehicles. Initially designed for military use during World War II, the Power Wagon was repurposed for civilian markets, quickly gaining popularity and setting records in the market. Today, these iconic trucks are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, with some models fetching remarkable prices at auction, including one listed for an impressive $150,000 at the time of writing. The Dodge Power Wagon remains a testament to the enduring appeal of robust, utilitarian vehicles with a rich history rooted in military service and adapted for civilian use.

Visit the Truck Rodeo website to learn more — TRUCKRODEO.COM

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ISSUE 01

TRUCK ENVY

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