Vehicle Description
1979 Dodge D150 Lil Red Express Pickup
Dodge released the Li'l Red Express truck In 1978 it was one of the
most unique Dodge trucks that had ever been produced. The truck was
a hit with the public; 2,188 were produced in 1978. With the
success of the 1978 model, production of the 1979 Dodge Lil' Red
Express truck was increased to 5,118. Most of the features remained
unchanged for 1979 however there were some changes which included a
catalytic converter, unleaded gas, 85 MPH speedometer". Both years
featured a high performance 360ci V8 producing between 225 and 230
horsepower. Thx tododgeconnection.com
For consignment, a 1979 Dodge D150 Lil Red Express pickup truck
showing 56,852 miles which are not actual. With its stacked
exhaust, wood side panels, and door graphics, the Li'l Red
represents a showpiece of creativity with a touch of daring, paying
off for Dodge and today, the model is often included in lists of
historic performance trucks like the Lightning and Syclone, and
that alone is a noble feat. And its collectability reflects that
exclusiveness.
Exterior
Aptly chosen to fit the name, Bright Canyon Red was painted on all
examples of the Li'l Red which was enhanced with pinstripes over
the wheel arches, gold decal graphics on the doors and tailgate,
and wood planks on the exterior sides of the bed. Our truck did
receive a repaint at some point. The highlight exterior feature has
to be the vertical stack pipes, stainless heat shields, and chrome
exhaust tips which flank the truck like a diminutive 18 wheeler or
something Hot Wheels may have created in the 60's. 15-inch chrome
slot wheels are the standard shoes and visually pick up on the
chrome pipes as well as the chrome bumpers front and rear. This one
has a lighted windshield visor giving way to chrome drip rails,
while stacked headlights, (new for '79), live in a horizontal
chrome grille. The rear window is of the sliding variety, and the
oak planks in the bed with stainless brackets look fantastic. One
squiggly gash in the bed side is the only imperfection we find on
the exterior.
Interior
Red formed plastic and vinyl make up the door panel on the red
painted inner doors with slight patina showing on the driver's side
but otherwise neat and intact. The red vinyl bench was
reupholstered and has some trim detail and vertical stitch patterns
and red piping and is in excellent shape. A 3 spoke steering wheel
fronts a basic dash in a silver panel with gauges and a radio we
note as slightly askew. The remaining red and black dash is adorned
with a woodgrain trim strip and an aftermarket A/C unit is mounted
under the dash, which our consignor says has not been fully wired
in. This is a column shift truck so the floor is open and covered
with low pile black carpet in fine shape and under an uncovered,
red painted roof.
Drivetrain
All Reds got the 360ci V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor and in this
case, the carb has been upgraded. The transmission is an A727
Torqueflite 3-speed automatic that sends power to the Dana 9 � inch
rear with 3.55 gears. Power brakes are onboard with discs in front
and drums in the rear. As part of the Express package, the truck
has chrome valve covers and a chrome plated air cleaner cover with
"360 Express" decal, and tops a very clean engine bay.
Undercarriage
Everything is flat black, so no surface rust is visible on this
clean underside. The bottom side of the wood planks provide some
contrast as does the dual exhaust which hits an H-pipe that leads
to the vertical stacks above. Suspension consists of beefy coil
springs up front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
The fairly typical interior will make you forget that you're in an
unusual showpiece, but then the movement of exhaust its skyward
note upon startup will remind you, "ah, this is not your typical
D150". The truck provides good power and while Car and Driver named
it the fastest American made vehicle from 0-100 in 1978, quarter
mile times are in the 15 second range. Still, it's no slouch and
provides a tidy interior with great visibility, riding higher than
most performance trucks. As noted, the A/C doesn't work nor the
ammeter, but all other functions on this Li'l Red Express work as
intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions
were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee
these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
The desirability of Li'l Red Express trucks has seen a substantial
uptick as we get further away from 1979 and they are indeed rare
trucks. What car show would be complete without a red express and
this is your opportunity to own one. If you collect sport trucks,
this one has to be in your stable. If you're a Mopar nut, this is
one to cache. If you love vertical stacks but don't want to roll
coal, this gas powered novelty is just the ticket! Any way you
slice it, this is a special truck looking for a new garage to
brighten.
D13JS9S186379
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
186379-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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