1978 Dodge Lil Red Express

Description

It's fun to be the outlaw, and none did it better than the rare 1978 Dodge D150 Lil Red Express. With its big V8, side stack exhaust, and cool wood package, this is absolutely distinguishable. So look over all the details, but you already know this red-hot truck is a fast-moving classic.

The story goes that the folks over at Dodge figured out how to return to the muscle car era in the late 1970s. While emissions regulations controlled cars, the truck market was still able to get some hot packages. So if they were going to be outlaws, they were going to be brazen. The Li'l Red Express lived up to its name with Bright Canyon Red paint and a full gold tape stripe package. It's an iconic look, and so we are quite happy to see a solid investment to keep it looking quite attractive. And while the logo on each door was pretty bold, it's nothing compared to the real wood applied to the side of the step-side bed and the tailgate. The Mopar boys still had more tricks to complete their standout package. Bright chrome bumpers, a bright chrome grille, and those amazing vertical exhaust stacks made people stand up and pay attention. While this total package was instantly attractive, few people could pay the high price. This is a rare example with only 2,188 L'il Red Express trucks produced in its inaugural year.

The interior does a good job of preserving tradition. The black looks right for a muscle truck, and it feels inviting with newer carpeting, a smooth dash, and a nice touch of wood-like trim. It also feels quite sporty with the correct split seating that folds the center seat for a true bucket-like feeling. And the classic Mopar "Tuff" three-spoke sports steering wheel done with a red contrast stitch wrap. It's all quite vintage, but this also likes to have the right upgrades for a cruiser. So you have provisions for R134a air conditioning (it will need servicing) and an upgraded AM/FM stereo with USB and Bluetooth.

The true outlaw nature of this pickup comes from what's under the hood. Mopar's strong 360 cubic-inch V8 was already a great motor to start with, and the L'il Red Express took full advantage of looser emissions regulations. And yes, those vertical exhaust stacks really do give this a unique high-rise, high-performance soundtrack. More than just a mean V8, the whole presentation looks great. The blue block, bright valve covers, and matching dual-feel fresh air grabber stand out nicely against the red-painted engine bay. Plus, the strong Torqueflite A727 three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, and front disc brakes do a great job of making this powerful pickup an easy cruiser.

The sale comes complete with the owner's manual, marketing materials, and two car models. This is a turn-key ready head-turning rare classic. So when you can find this performance pickup for such a nice price, you know you need to act fast. Call today!!!