I drove a Dodge Powerwagon for a fire season in 1962, in steep country, supplying groceries and water to fire lookouts. Yes, it was really 'cool', but as I recall, the brakes were very hard...back jammed in the seatback, both hands with a death grip on the wheel for more leverage. Steering?...sweet jeezus, I only weighed maybe 130 pounds, but I couldn't turn the steering wheel with the vehicle stopped, you had to rock the vehicle to turn around in a tight place. One lookout was 25 miles from the station, only about 3,000 ft higher and it took 12 to 14 gallons to make the trip...how that little flathead 6 could burn that much gas, I know not. They are a lot more fun to look at than drive.
