1958 Dodge D100

Description

This is a lot of distinction for a very affordable price. After all, the vintage truck market is heating up with the mainstream Chevys and Fords, but when was the last time you saw a 1958 Dodge D100 pickup? With a period-correct restoration that features a bulletproof straight-six motor, a nice bronze finish, and a comfortable interior, this is the pickup that can easily steal the show for far less than others paid for their run-of-the-mill pickups.

1958 was the second year for the D100 trucks (which signified a half-ton truck within what is technically the Dodge C-series of pickups between '54-'60), and the first year of the dual headlight set-up, so 60 years later, these are worth it for the rarity alone. But that's not what really attracted you. These pickups were incredibly stylish thanks to Chrysler's "Forward-Look" theme on full display. After all, they came straight from the factory with a blocky front end, ornate front grille, and wrap-around front windshield that really set the truck apart from its competition. The Bronze Metallic finish is not perfect, but it's presentable, and a good clay bar and multi-stage detail would really bring some of the luster back. There are freshly painted bumpers fore and aft, and the wood slats in the bed are in great shape and will make you think twice before throwing any old cargo back there. The oversized mirrors, door handles, and badges all look to have been recently replaced, and the side-mounted matching spare tire is wonderful period look that's also quite practical.

The interior is spartan, yes, but still stylish in a hard-working way, offering a nice blend of newer and original components. The bench seat features a newer brown cloth as original, and the carpeting isn't exactly stock spec (or even meant for a vehicle for that matter), but it does provide a sense of added comfort in the cab. Dual pods create a symmetrical dashboard design, with only a speedometer and fuel/temp gauge on the driver's side, with controls for the wipers, lights, and ignition in the center. An AM/FM/Cassette player was added for entertainment, and that big three-spoke steering wheel is original equipment. All the gauges are fully operational, the dash is freshly painted, and even the simple door panels have simple elegance to them.

Flip up the single-piece hood (a new design for Dodge introduced just the year before) and discover Dodge's rugged 230 cubic inch inline-six engine, which was a mainstay of Chrysler products for many years. Virtually indestructible, these flathead engines made good torque and ran forever with only basic maintenance and boasted a very respectable 120HP from the factory. Thanks to a stock carburetor, this one runs smoothly and moves the half-ton pickup very well on city streets and will cruise happily at 50 MPH. It's not detailed for show but it's tidy, and from behind the wheel it delivers the true early truck experience. It also features heavy duty oil and air filters and a big radiator that will keep this hard working engine cool no matter what the conditions. It's backed by a 3-speed on-the-column manual transmission, and it shifts well throughout all the gears. The solid undercarriage shows off new shocks and newer front brake lines, and the single exhaust give a pleasant, period-correct tune for the spry old truck. A set of Goodyear blackwall radials on the painted original steel wheels certainly help ride and handling, yet look authentic under the fenders, thanks in large part to the center hubcaps.

If you've been looking for a vintage truck to cruise around in and are tired of all the Fords and Chevys you see these days, perhaps a Dodge D100 is what you've been looking for. Give us a call today!