Vehicle Description
Whether you drive it off the lot to embark on new chapters of
asphalt adventures just as it is or choose to use it as a
foundation to create your own pickup vision on wheels, this 1953
D-300 Rat Rod is one very appealing classic. Below its vintage form
sits an updated chassis ready for plenty of future miles, powered
by a fresh powerplant that's running like a top.
The olive drab exterior treatment given to this venerable Dodge is
a perfect fit for an ultra-serious looking ride like this. Its
patina style ornamentation strikes a very nice balance, as it's
just prevalent enough to confer plenty of serious character without
penetrating anywhere near enough to detract from the overall form
or raise any structural concerns. The fitment on this truck is
actually just as precise as you could want - the body panels all
line up very nicely and the trim sits straight and flush. The duck
head ornament gracing the hood and the fully painted front grille
and bumper provide added touches of customization, while in back a
new diamond plate bumper sits in place of the original underneath
the recessed Dodge emblem on the liftgate.
The interior reflects a minimalist sensibility that doesn't stray
from the original configuration. It features a black vinyl bench
seat at its center that shows almost no observable wear as it looms
over an expanse of textured beige floor covering which contrasts
perfectly with a matte black dash area. A quartet of aftermarket
gauges have been recessed below a vintage looking speedometer with
vibrant numbers on its display to keep tabs on motoring functions,
while a speaker sits at the center, teaming with an AM/FM stereo to
fill the cabin with sound. There's a relatively compact steering
wheel mounted on the tilt column, so getting in and out of this
classic is easy. The bed area is lined by thick wooden planks to
make for a nice, sturdy floor. Their unfinished appearance does add
a bit of authenticity to the look back there, but for practical
purposes, the planks should be properly prepped and completed to
arm them for protection against the elements.
An '80s era 305 cubic inch V8 now sits in place of the original
powerplant in a spacious engine compartment, backed by a diamond
plated firewall. Outfitted with Vortec heads and a 4-barrel carb,
the motor not only provides plenty of power, but also surprisingly
good gas mileage and, paired with the smooth shifting 3 speed
automatic TH350 transmission sitting behind it, completes a
drivetrain that's running in top form. This classic sits on a late
'80s GM 1500 chassis that not only provides a solid foundation but
also offers a more refined overall ride than its predecessor - a
benefit that will really become obvious during frequent driving in
everyday conditions, which is a task that this Dodge is very
well-positioned to handle. Power steering makes it easy to
navigate, while power brakes that position discs up front bring its
set of 16" American Racing Torq Thrust wheels wrapped with Michelin
tires to prompt, fade resistant stops. A look below will reveal
that the updated undercarriage is looking solid and straight.
Combining a very welcome level of drivability with its thoroughly
vintage appearance, this 1953 Dodge D-300 Rat Rod will be a great
acquisition for the enthusiast looking to get behind the wheel of a
timeless truck with plenty of dependable power. Call today!