Stock Oddity: 1978 Dodge Li’l Red Express Truck

The third generation Dodge D-series was built from 1972 through 1980 and you can still see them driven around the street by collectors, old folks, and lawn/gardening companies alike.  For the most part, the D-series is pretty boring, but Dodge introduced a line of trucks they tragically called  “adult toys.”  Find this 1978 Dodge Li’l Red Express Truck here on eBay bidding for $10,100 reserve-not-met with one day to go, located in Salinas, CA.

Fresh on the heels of the success with their factory hot rod Dodge
Warlock pickup, Chrysler management green-lighted the release of the
’78-79 Dodge Lil’ Red Express.  It is clear that a gear-head of some
kind was in charge of the project, because it combined the truck
exemption from catalysts with a 360 cubic inch V8 to produce serious
performance for the day.

The 360 cubic inch LA V8 was rated at 225 SAE net horsepower (this would
be equivalent to a 300ish rating from a pre-1973 SAE gross rating) at
3800 rpm and 295 ft-lbs of torque.  The Lil Red Express added a 727
Loadflight automatic transmission and a 3.55:1 rear axle for a great
launch and decent top end performance.  The dual exhaust with vertical
stack-pipes and assorted accoutrements add up to a feast for the 70s
fanatic.

See a better way to drive start your red car collection? tips@dailyturismo.com