360ci V8 4 BBL/62K Original Miles/Medium Canyon Red/Big Rig Exhaust Stacks

1979 Dodge Lil' Red Express 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 appliqu, 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.