Whenever I see a nice-looking vehicle like this 1969 Dodge D200 Adventurer pickup that looks almost perfect but has faded and dull paint, I can’t help thinking of how much fun it would be to shine up this Medium Blue Metallic paint back to looking as close to new as it can be. The hood looks as if it may have been painted or is faded more than the surrounding paint, but this is one great-looking truck.
It’s hard to believe this 3/4-ton Adventurer trim D200 is 55 years old now, it sure doesn’t look that old. The seller says it’s a dry-climate truck with no major rust and I don’t see any in the photos other than some normal surface rust. They also say it shows around 43,000 miles and is believed to be original for the most part. Closeup photos show what really looks like a solid Montana pickup. It appears that the passenger side outside mirror is gone, and the antenna is broken, hopefully both easy fixes.
The Adventurer was a fancy level above the regular Sweptline and it came with some fancier trim – although this example doesn’t show what’s listed in a 1969 Dodge Adventurer brochure, things like a chrome gas cap, chrome turn indicators on the hood, and a “Delta” hood ornament. I wonder if the hood has been changed and that’s why it appears lighter?
The seat has clearly been reupholstered but it looks doable. I’d much rather have what would have been a nice vinyl and fabric seat cover but that’s an easy fix. This truck looks nice enough to be worth making it nicer if that makes any sense. AC vents? Yes, this truck has factory air-conditioning. We don’t get a peek inside the bed but I have to believe it’s in nice condition given how everything else looks.
One thing holding back the value a bit is that this truck originally came with an optional 383 V8 and now has a 318-cu.in. OHV V8, which would have had around 210 horsepower. It sends power through a three-speed automatic to the rear wheels, and sadly, the auction winner will need to haul this one home as there were some previous wiring issues so it’s not currently in running condition. The seller has it listed here on eBay in Billings, Montana with a $7,500 buy-it-now price listed or you can make an offer. Hagerty is at $7,300 for a #4 fair-condition truck, which may be below the cosmetic condition of this one, but without the original 383 and with some wiring issues, it’ll be a superfan who buys this one for the asking price. Any thoughts on this D200?
Oh, come on, aren’t there any REAL men left? Sorry ladies, this was Farmer Browns truck, and the missus stayed in the kitchen, and you know what? She loved it. Anyway, you’d be hard pressed convincing a newer RAM driver, this is where their truck came from. Since trucks like IH and Studebaker were gone missing, Dodge fell back on the folks that just didn’t want a Ford or Chevy, for whatever reason, and they made a killing in the municipal arena. Forestry depts., city/county road work, all used Dodges. Prices for all 3 were about the same, around $2600 new, and all about the same in terms of toughness, so just boiled down to “what daddy had”, in most cases. Price a bit steep for something wth only 1 power port, but the automatic is a big plus for today. I’d guess they may get half what they are asking, and a heck of a truck, Keeping in mind, like the IH, this truck still uses a straight front axle and king pins, you can see it in picture 107. Ever hear of “bump steer”? You will. 9 viewed in 24 hours,,,no interest.
Howard A, you’ll catch heck for the “missus in the kitchen” crack but the sad truth is that young women have been lead to believe that a corner office and a key to the executive can is the height of accomplishment. Then they grow old and alone and regret not having had a family. The old school women’s libbers did them no favours.
Not everyone was all fired up about having families. I knew in my single digit years that fatherhood wasn’t for me. I’m pushing 70 years old but not once have I ever missed the kids I never had.
Hi Bub, I figured as much, and why I said it. Get this, my grandmother expressed interest in getting her drivers license once, my grandfather said in a stern voice, “you have no business driving a car, just stay in the kitchen where you belong”. Naturally, we were all aghast, but he meant it, and she never did get her license. Thank G-d those attitudes died with him.
There is some merit to my statement however, as I knew farmers wives that wanted to do nothing else. My mom, a registered nurse, worked nights so she could be a mom during the day. Many women joined the workforce out of necessity, and could very well have contributed to the lack of family values today. That’s a rocky topic too.
To Rick: I had many friends that were “dinks”( dual incomes no kids) and seemed perfectly happy. I never thought of myself as a father, having such a rough one myself, but I can say without reservation, I have 2 kids, and couldn’t imagine life without them. I made it a point NOT to be like my old man was. They truly made my life worth living, and I tell them that all the time.
Bub, well put !
Howard A, you’ll catch heck for the “missus in the kitchen” crack but the sad truth is that young women have been lead to believe that a corner office and a key to the executive can is the height of accomplishment. Then they grow old and alone and regret not having had a family. The old school women’s libbers did them no favours.
This would’ve been a major prize with a 383. I’m afraid that the 318 is going to knock a zero off the selling price. Out west, Dodge’s sales picked up considerably when the 383 became available. My dad, who by then was pretty much a bowtie fan looked at one of these. He might have bought one if the dealer would’ve stayed in business. Dad buried the hatchet with the Binder dealer by then so he bought his IH 1200D crew cab with 392. There were a couple of trucks very similar to this sold to local operators. I remember one being a rusty red metallic. He ranched out east toward the Sweetgrass Hills. Since no one out that way seems to ever get rid of their old trucks I wouldn’t be surprised if that truck was still on the farm.
Oh, Howard, and the “Missus in the kitchen,” know why God gave women smaller feet than he did a man? So they can stand closer to the sink. Let the repercussions flow!!!
Ha! I’d expect no less from you. You have to be so careful today, fact is, I bet the “BFs Comment Center” in Lincoln, Neb. is pondering over our women’s slurs right now. As a trucker, nothing was sacred, we picked on everyone, many times in good fun, but not seen that way today and for the better.
Yep, Dad was a truck driver, and after Mom passed away, he has had to temper his sense of humor. He rubbed off on me quite a bit over the years.
Must’ve polished that crystal ball, geomechs-Price dropped $1000.
Wish I was closer. Our old farm truck is ready for the boneyard.
This one deserves all the love.
Why kick a 383 out for a 318? Better economy? The 383 was shot and there was a 318 waiting in the wings?