Famous Trucks: Rick’s 1979 Dodge Macho Power Wagon from Simon & Simon

TV series have given the world no shortage of memorable rides over the decades—from slick muscle cars used in iconic high-speed chases to over-the-top custom trucks built for pure shock and awe. Occasionally, a screen-used ride strikes the perfect balance between realism and spectacle—a truck that feels perfectly at home in its setting, serving as an extension of a character rather than a flashy prop. 

That’s precisely the case with Rick Simon’s 1979 Dodge Macho Power Wagon from the hit 1980s detective series Simon & Simon. The loud, lifted, and brash Power Wagon perfectly mirrored Rick Simon’s personality and stood in stark contrast to his brother’s more refined tastes. As part of our Famous Trucks series, we’re using this feature to take a closer look at this iconic TV truck, including its role in the show, what made it stand out, and a DIY guide to building a screen-accurate tribute to one of the era’s most recognizable Dodge pickups.

Premiering in 1981, Simon & Simon follows brothers Rick and A.J. Simon as they conduct business as private investigators in San Diego, California. While they share the same last name and profession, the two’s similarities basically end there. Rick, a Vietnam War vet, played the role of rough-around-the-edges PI, loaded with street smarts, instinct, and strength. 

On the other hand, A.J. (short for Andrew Jackson) is polished, methodical, and does things by the book. The two’s opposing personalities and views fuel the show’s humor and conflict, and these distinctions extend far beyond their workplace behavior. While A.J. is sharp, clean, and professional, Rick lives on a boat parked in his brother’s yard. His choice of vehicle—a vibrant yellow Dodge Macho Power Wagon—is the perfect representation of the character. It’s bold, aggressive, and impossible to ignore.

Rick Simon’s first-generation Dodge pickup boasts the rare factory “Macho” Power Wagon package—a short-lived option offered only in 1978 and ‘79. Dodge marketed the pickup as an “Adult Toy,” loading it up with off-road-inspired mods, bold paintwork, and unmistakable graphics. 

On screen, the Macho Power Wagon made a strong impression. With a loud yellow color scheme, factory Macho decals, a tubular roll bar, and an aggressive lifted stance, there’s no mistaking the truck for any other. Custom bumpers, auxiliary lighting, black steel wheels, and a dark grille add to the unique styling, making it stand out amongst other TV trucks.  

The truck often appeared in chase sequences and stakeouts. While the truck wasn’t polished or subtle, it perfectly matches Rick’s personality, becoming one of the era’s most memorable screen-used pickups.

If you still dream about Rick Simon’s rugged Dodge pickup, you’re not alone. While original Macho trucks are highly collectible and nearly impossible to come by today, building a tribute to the TV icon isn’t out of reach. Below, we’ll break down the core components you’ll need to capture the spirit of Rick’s pickup.

The foundation of any Macho tribute truck is a first-generation Dodge pickup. Rick’s particular truck is a D250 long-bed four-wheel-drive equipped with the factory Macho package—available from 1978 to 1979. These trucks featured heavy-duty running gear and aggressive factory styling, appealing to off-road enthusiasts. 

While tracking down an original Macho Power Wagon is ideal, any solid first-gen Dodge D250 4WD is a good starting point.

The Macho’s body is largely stock for the package, but far from subtle. The factory yellow, red, and black color scheme is essential for this build, as is a factory-style tubular roll bar. Other additions to Rick’s particular truck include custom bumpers, black steel wheels, and a black grille. 

For a tribute built, we’d recommend sticking close to the original body and graphics for maximum recognizability.

Rick’s Macho Power Wagon rides on wide steel wheels wrapped in beefy off-road tires, giving it an aggressive stance. For a modern take on this classic look, consider timeless steel wheels like the Pro Comp Matte Black 51 Crawler wheels, paired with modern off-road tires like the Toyo Open Country A/T III. This setup retains a classic look while still making the modern tech for a smooth, comfortable ride and excellent all-weather traction.

The Macho Power Wagon sits notably taller than a stock-height truck, suggesting a lift between two and four inches. For a tribute build, a mild lift kit, like the Rough Country 4” system, strikes the perfect balance between looks and drivability.

Rick’s truck features a custom front bumper equipped with auxiliary lighting and a winch—functional additions that reinforce the truck’s off-road roots. To replicate the look, consider outfitting your build with Rugged Ridge 7" rectangular off-road lights and a RealTruck Traction Recovery 13K winch for both form and function.

A black tubular roll bar is one of the Macho Power Wagon’s defining features. For a modern equivalent, RealTruck Go Rhino Bed Bars offer a similar profile, easy installation, and compatibility with auxiliary lighting.

With the right combination of classic styling and modern components, you can build a tribute that captures the spirit of Rick Simon’s iconic Dodge Macho Power Wagon.

As always, RealTruck has the parts, accessories, and expertise to help bring builds like this to life. For more iconic rigs, be sure to explore the rest of our Famous Trucks series on RealSource, and reach out to our experts when you’re ready to start your next project.