1978 Dodge Little Red Express
1978
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Transmission:
Automatic
Cylinders:
8
Auction Estimate:
$30,000-$40,000
VIN:
D13BS8J51236
Description
This 1978 Dodge 'Lil Red Express is a true one owner vehicle that has been lovingly cared for its entire life and is being offered for sale at No Reserve. Fully documented, one original owner's examples of Dodge's iconic muscle truck are extremely difficult to find and this example would be a worthy addition to any Mopar, Muscle Car, Truck or general lover of anything 1970's. To date the odometer shows just over 88,000 original miles and in…
This 1978 Dodge ‘Lil Red Express is a true one owner vehicle that has been lovingly cared for its entire life and is being offered for sale at No Reserve. Fully documented, one original owner’s examples of Dodge’s iconic muscle truck are extremely difficult to find and this example would be a worthy addition to any Mopar, Muscle Car, Truck or general lover of anything 1970’s. To date the odometer shows just over 88,000 original miles and in recent years the family has put significant time and resources into preserving their beloved family vehicle.
Following the muscle car craze of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, American Automakers were forced to adjust design plans as restrictions on fuel economy and horsepower were mandated in response to the oil embargo in the early 1970’s. These restrictions however did not apply to trucks. Creatively, Chrysler Corporation and Dodge created a higher horsepower muscle car disguised as a pick-up truck. The end result became one of the most iconic vehicles of the late 1970’s, the Dodge ‘Lil Red Express.
This original, one owner Dodge “Lil Red Express” was built in late June of 1978 and purchased new at Marcel Motors in late August of 1978. It comes with a myriad of original papers and documentation. Included in these are the original dealer document folder, original dated payment receipts, bills of sale, equipment identification, early Maine 1978 registration for historical reference, original manuals, original warranty pamphlet with the original owners name, and various other documents. Also included are various handwritten notes written in pencil indicating oil changes and maintenance. Informal as they may be, they indicate the care and appreciation the owner had for this truck from the very beginning. According to the consignor, this struck is 1 of 470 with a red bench seat interior out of a total production of 2,788 in 1978.
According to the family, this vehicle still maintains its original drivetrain and it is all in good working order. From the factory this “Muscle Truck” came with its 360ci engine that was derived from 1978 police specifications. Again, done with a pick-up to work around emission restrictions. The ‘Lil Red Express has been described as being the fastest American made production vehicle (0-100mph) for 1978. Factory modifications to the police spec engine included performance cams and an 850CFM ThrermoQuad four-barrel carburetor. Paired with a 727 Loadflite automatic transmission these trucks were capable of going 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds according to tests at that time.
According to the family, this truck has been garaged its entire life and never had any significant rust or rust repairs. To honor their father and their love of the truck, the family recently decided to put time and resources into this truck’s former glory. The bed was removed and the truck was professionally repainted and all of the correct decals were redone. Overall the truck is mostly original including the wheels, interior, bed side boards and exhaust stacks. Known replacement parts include the alternator, radiator, and bed floor boards which were replaced with oak. The mufflers were also replaced The bed was removed during this process and the frame underneath properly cleaned and repainted. Also noted by the family that custom running boards and aluminium mud guards were added. The original items replaced on the vehicle, except the mufflers, were kept and are available by contacting the family post sale. Many numerous parts accumulated over the years by the original owner are available post sale by contacting the family.
Overall, this 1978 Dodge ‘Lil Red express is a fine example of a one owner 1970’s icon. The combination of historical documentation and single ownership make this pick-up a rare example when compared with its peers. Opportunities to find a vehicle of this type with these combinations of province and single ownership are hard to find. This beloved single owner Dodge “Lil Red Express is ready to find its new family. Offered for sale with No Reserve. Sold with a registration.
1978 Dodge Little Red Express
Lot #:
117
No Reserve:
NO RESERVE
Auction Estimate:
$30,000-$40,000
Sold For:
$30,800
Year:
1978
Make:
Dodge
Model:
Little Red Express
Body Style:
Pickup
VIN:
D13BS8J51236
Mileage:
88,000
Exterior Color:
Red
Interior Color:
Red
Cylinders:
8
Engine Size:
360 Ci
Transmission:
Automatic
Consignor Ratings*
Engine:
Good
Body:
Very Good
Chassis/Frame:
Very Good
Tires:
Very Good
Coachwork/Interior:
Good
Electrical:
Good
Transmission:
Good
Paint:
Excellent
Overall Condition:
Very Good
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)
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