18,745 Actual Mile Two Owner Li'l Red Express Truck 360 V8 3 Speed Survivor

SUMMARY

* 18,745 actual miles
* Mostly original truck / Fresh paint / Fresh carpet
* Correct 360 cubic inch LA V8
* Correct A727 3-speed automatic transmission / Correct 2,500 RPM stall converter
* Correct 9.25-inch rear axle/ Sure Grip differential / 3.55 gears
* Correct 5-slot disc wheels
* Our sale includes an original warranty pamphlet
* Factory power steering
* Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
* 1 of 5,118 Li'l Red Express trucks built for the 1979 model year

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In America's vast and ever-expanding car culture you can find many different definitions of cool. There are rarities with long stories and big exclusivity, which are bought to be shown, talked about and referenced. There are purpose-built performance machines that are tailored to specific activities or events. There are chrome-laden cruisers, which honor former eras and bygone lifestyles. And then there are pieces, like this storied Li'l Red Express, that are fun to own and just a blast to drive! Fully sorted and professionally polished, this 18,745 actual-mile Dodge is one of the coolest pickups ever built. And, thanks to fantastic preservation, it's just as versatile at the cruise-in as it is during the cruise. If you're looking for a factory-accurate collectible that's clean, unique and ready to hit the road, this impressive classic is just your style!

HISTORY/PRESENTATION

Quite possibly the first pickup engineered specifically for speed, the Li'l Red Express was created when an E58 police-spec V8 was shoehorned between the fenders of Dodge's trusted D-150 half-ton. When Tom Hoover, considered by many to be the father of the Hemi, realized that an already government-certified engine could be slightly modified without recertification, he started playing around with 360-powered, emissions-exempt pickup mules. The idea was to use the positive PR generated by special edition pavement-scorchers to emphasize Dodge's versatile lineup of trucks. And the result was what would become the most effective member of Chrysler's Adult Toys Program.

Aside from fresh paint, this 1979 Li'l Red Express has, as far as we can tell, never benefitted from any kind of major restoration. Presently, the truck's exceptionally maintained body wears a requisite coat of Bright Red pigment that's trimmed in a correct array of gold tape stripes. At the front of that body, a clean stainless grille hangs modern halogen headlights between a broad bumper, clear marker lamps and a simple “DODGE” script. At the sides of that grille, branded doors center small mirrors and square handles between peaked body trim, flowing “Adventurer 150” scripts, aftermarket running boards and correct 'big rig' exhaust pipes. At the top of those doors, stainless-trimmed glass flows through a sliding rear window to a covered bed that's cladded in real Oak paneling. And at the back of the truck, small brake lights illuminate a second broad bumper.

ENGINE

Lift this D-150's Bright Red hood and you'll find Chrysler's stalwart, 360 cubic inch LA V8 that, while generally underappreciated, was versatile enough to serve as the corporation's big motor backbone for over three decades! By the numbers, that police-spec engine isn't a grossly overpowered piece. But, rest assured, it's certainly a stout mill, as the Li'l Red Express was documented as the fastest American vehicle on the road at the time of its release. At the top of the light blue block, a big 4-barrel carburetor funnels wind from an original, dual-snorkel air cleaner in to a high performance, police-spec intake. At the sides of that intake, requisite chrome valve covers cap correct SuperFlow heads and free-breathing exhaust manifolds. Behind those manifolds, sparks are sequenced to fresh MoPar Electronic Suppression cables via a traditional points distributor. Opposite that distributor, pliable V-belts spin an old school MoPar AC compressor above a large alternator and correct power steering pump. In front of that pump, a heavy duty Chrysler radiator keeps everything cool and composed. And, as a clean, reliable, Ziebart-splashed throwback, the truck's old school engine bay is an exercise in era-correct completion, from its original hood decals all the way to its blue oil pan.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Crawl under this rig and you'll find a mostly original chassis that appears to have never been fully disassembled. The floors wear thick Ziebart undercoating, which still successfully fights rusting-inducing moisture. The big-bore engine funnels torque through a factory-spec, 2,500 RPM stall converter to a standard A727 3-speed. That gearbox spins a 9.25-inch Chrysler axle that's equipped with a Sure Grip differential and beefy, 3.55 gears. Fluid power steering and a standard rear stabilizer bar make quick work of turns while power-assisted brakes bring everything to a quick halt. The aforementioned manifolds growl through Hemi-style exhaust pipes that employ small catalytic converters and fresh turbo mufflers. And everything rolls on correct 5-Slot Discs, which spin 275/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As at all four corners.

INTERIOR

Since every Li'l Red Express had to be optioned as an Adventurer, the interior of this cruiser is much nicer than typical, factory-spec classic truck cockpits. Top dead center, a wood-trimmed dash hangs detailed telemetry beside a correct AM/FM stereo, factory air conditioning and a locking glovebox. In front of that dash, a standard bench seat, which features an original cover, provides ample room for weekend road trips. At the sides of that seat, wood-trimmed door panels anchor traditional chrome handles above old school speakers. Under those panels, fresh carpet founds themed floor mats opposite a small sunroof. And in front of the driver, a familiar Tuff Wheel spins around a chrome gear selector.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

* Original Owner's Manuals
* An original warranty pamphlet
* Original Camper Loading Instructions
* An Excalibur alarm manual
* Miscellaneous service records

Ready for show and ready to go, this unique Dodge is one very cool classic that, thanks to painstaking preservation, rolls as a factory-spec time capsule. A coveted 1979 model, it would be right at home prowling the backroads, pulling up to a hot dive, or perched in a parking lot enjoying the next Saturday social hour. Super nice D-150s are virtually impossible to find, especially when you're looking for a member of Chrysler's Adult Toy Program. Don't miss your chance to own this awesome Li'l Red Express!