Military vehicles have a way of capturing attention, but this 1968 Dodge Power Wagon M615 ambulance owned by Corren Young of Leesburg, Florida, stands apart from the crowd. Not only is it an exceptionally rare piece of military history, but it also benefits from a proven Cummins turbodiesel drivetrain that dramatically improves drivability.
Served In Vietnam, Then With The Thai Army
The ambulance’s story stretches back decades. According to Corren, the M615 went directly into service in Vietnam after assembly. Following the war, it was transferred to the Thai Army before eventually ending up in a surplus yard filled with retired military equipment. Later, Vintage Power Wagons acquired the vehicle and completed a frame-off restoration in 2002.
Corren became the fourth private owner after the rare ambulance surfaced for sale. His appreciation for Power Wagons dates back to childhood hunting trips with his father in Florida, where modified Power Wagons were commonly used as swamp buggies. Those early experiences helped shape a lifelong interest in the platform.
A 12-Valve Cummins Swap Built For Real-World Driving
While Corren appreciated the ambulance’s military heritage, he also intended to drive it regularly, including plenty of highway miles. Improving road manners became a priority, which led him to an entire donor truck rather than piecing together individual upgrades.
“As many are aware, the Power Wagons were built for heavy-duty work, not speed,” explains Corren. “Rather than approach modifications with an à la carte mindset, I purchased a 1989 Dodge W250 Power Ram pickup. It had the tried-and-true Cummins 5.9-liter turbodiesel with an NV4500 five-speed transmission. The Dana 60 and Dana 70 axles were a nice addition as well.”
The solution was straightforward and effective. The M615 body was mounted onto the W250 chassis, with the frame modified as necessary while leaving the ambulance body itself unmodified.
Under the hood resides the legendary 12-valve Cummins, which remains largely stock. To improve reliability, Corren upgraded the cooling system with an aluminum radiator. Packaging constraints required the installation of an electric cooling fan, while the battery was relocated beneath the truck on the driver side. Given Florida’s heat and humidity, air conditioning also became a necessary addition.
NV4500 And NP205 Deliver Proven Diesel Drivetrain Strength
Backing the Cummins is an NV4500 five-speed manual transmission, one of the most respected gearboxes ever paired with a diesel pickup. Behind it sits an NP205 transfer case that distributes power to both axles.
The front axle features Selectro locking hubs, while the suspension remains faithful to the donor truck with its factory leaf springs. Rolling stock consists of nine-inch-wide wheels wrapped in 37×12.50R17LT Nexen Roadian MTX tires.
The result is a combination that delivers significantly better highway performance than the original military drivetrain while retaining the rugged durability expected from a Power Wagon.
Military-Inspired Functional Exterior Upgrades
Corren enhanced the exterior with carefully selected modifications that complement the truck’s military roots.
A 12,000-pound-capacity Warn winch occupies the front of the ambulance as do a pair of 6.5-inch LED driving lights. An aftermarket rack carries two five-gallon jerrycans on the driver side, while rear-facing backup lights improve visibility when maneuvering.
Also mounted on the driver side is a Pioneer tool rack equipped with an axe, shovel, and maul. The passenger-side factory spare tire carrier remains in service and holds a matching spare wheel-and-tire assembly.
Since these photos were taken, Corren added another period-correct accessory: a circa-1940s Federal Electric Model 66L siren mounted to the passenger-side front fender.
Classic Utility Meets Modern Comfort
Inside the cab, the M615 balances vintage style with practical upgrades designed to improve comfort and usability.
A pair of Summit Racing high-back seats provide improved support, while a Grant steering wheel helpls to modernize the driving experience. Upgraded gauges monitor vehicle speed, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level.
Corren also designed and fabricated a heavy-duty steering column specifically for the truck. Also, a power port has been added to allow electronics to be charged while on the road.
Behind the seats is a storage trunk containing essential gear, including tools, a tire iron, a jack, and jumper cables.
Preserving A Piece Of Power Wagon History
Corren’s M615 demonstrates how thoughtful modifications can improve performance without diminishing a vehicle’s historical significance. The Cummins-powered chassis transformation makes the ambulance far more practical for modern use, while its military heritage remains fully intact.
That approach aligns perfectly with Corren’s philosophy toward owning vintage Power Wagons.
“I feel like owners of Power Wagons are caretakers, since these trucks have a well-established place in history.”
Photos by Corren Young
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