Vehicle Description
1979 Dodge D100 Lil' Red Express
Dodge released the Lil' Red Express Truck in 1978. It was one of
the most unique Dodge trucks that had ever been produced. The Lil'
Red Express was not only a real looker, but these trucks were also
real performers also. In 1978 The Dodge Lil' Red Express was the
fastest American made vehicle from 0 to 100 MPH as tested by Car
and Driver magazine.
For consignment a 1979 version of the boisterous Lil' Red Express
truck, now with catalytic converters, square design front grille,
and Cragar polished wheels. A 3-owner vehicle with 62,832 miles
clocked.
Exterior
Bathed in the factory original Medium Canyon Red paint, we see no
rust, no dents and little errors even to make mention of. Gold
lettering on the doors, gold pin striping throughout, and solid
wood panels tucked into everywhere but the hood, doors, and on the
fenders, and we are looking very original. The rear panels need a
refinish and have some water damage to the finish. Adding to the
mystique are dual exhaust stacks which work their way through the
step sides and tower to the sky next to the cab. These are nice and
shiny and are wrapped in a protective perforated metal chromed
covering. Bumpers and trim are nicely chromed and 15-inch Cragar
polished chromed wheels are on all 4 corners. The factory wood in
the bed is not perfect but is also not rotted or damaged.
Interior
All nicely preserved and very clean, we note black vinyl door
panels with some wood applique, and a cloth black bench in good
condition. Dash is all original and very clean as is steering
wheel, black carpet with stamped RAM in red rubber molded mats, and
red sprayed metal headliner are seen.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood and we shake hands with an original mill, that
is looking to show some patina but is mostly clean and in its 360ci
V8 format. A Thermoquad 4-barrel carbuertor feeds this engine and
an A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission is on back. In
the way back is a Dana 9-1/4-inch rear with 3.55 gears.
Undercarriage
Nice patina, some road dirt, and slight areas of surface rust are
working with a straight steel frame, boarded bed and black sprayed
floorpans. Power disc upfront and power drums in the rear provide
the stopping power, and independent coil spring up front and leaf
spring suspension on the rear give the ride quality one would
expect from a nice tight truck. We do note some beginnings of
invasive rust under the lower doors on the inside.
Drive-Ability
Our test drive included a nice cruise with the occasional foot
stomping to bring it quickly up to speed. This truck handled well,
and even has nice cornering capabilities with slight body roll. All
in all, the ride was pleasurable. We noticed the A/C is not
charged.
An all original truck with 62,832 original miles, 3 owners and in
good condition. Plenty of power, lots of wood and red paint, and
gold accenting make this truly one of a kind on the Dodge truck
spectrum of offerings. Only made for 2 years, and sporting large
and in-charge big rig style smoke stacks, sure to be a classic for
a long time to come on the truck front.
VIN Decode
D13JS59S197449
D1-2 Wheel Drive D100 1/2 Ton
3-Conventional Cab Utiline
J-GVWR 6000-8500
S-360ci V8 4bbl 225hp
5-Warren, MI Truck Plant #1
197449-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.