American automakers have laid claim to some of the coolest names and trademarks in all of the automotive world. Names like “Mustang,” “Corvette,” and “Challenger” are staples of the muscle car lexicon, as are the many different variants and special editions that have adorned muscle cars over the years.

And while we are all familiar with the Dodge Magnum sport wagon, that name has actually been used on Dodge products for decades now…dating back to the “original” Magnum, the 1978 and ‘79 sport coupe.

Redline Dodge has a nice little history of the “original” Magnum, reminding us once again of the cyclical nature of the auto industry.

The Magnum name first came into use in 1978 to identify what would become the last of the large B-body cars. Looking something like a rounder Charger, the design placed aerodynamics over styling, though some might argue that the Magnum was actually quite the looker.

For the time it was well equipped with power steering, brakes, and seats, front and rear sway bars, and a “modern” suspension system. However a curb weight of nearly 4,000 pounds and a lack of powerful-enough engines meant the Magnum was all show, no go.

Though as a standalone model the Magnum only lasted two years (1978 and ‘79) the Magnum name has stuck around, including several K-car special edtiions and the Magnum V8’s under the hood of Dodge trucks. The name was also used on Dodge vehicles produced and sold in Brazil.

Most recently, the Magnum name was used on the Dodge sports wagon, with rumors that such a vehicle may make a triumphant return. For now though, there is no “Magnum” anywhere in Dodge’s lineup, and hasn’t been since 2008. Will Dodge let another awesome name slip into obscurity…or are they reminding us because they have a plan to bring back this historic name?