Because of the lives they typically live, Pickups can look pretty tired and ratty as they get older. Sometimes an exception to that rule shows up, as this 1978 Dodge D100 demonstrates. It has led a sheltered life and has a genuine 61,000 miles on the clock. The seller says it runs and drives as well as it did in 1978, and whether on the streets or at a Cars & Coffee, the D100 is guaranteed to turn heads. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting the Dodge listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Imperial, Missouri. You could drive this classic home for $19,750.
Released in 1972, Dodge’s Third Generation D-Series range enjoyed a long production life. The final vehicles left the line in 1993, but our featured D100 rolled off the showroom floor in 1978. The first owner selected a classy color combination of Bright Tan and Light Tan, teamed with the optional five-slot deep-dish chrome wheels. That gives this beauty the “wow” factor, and its condition seems to support the mileage claim. The paint shines beautifully, and the panels are laser-straight. Rust shouldn’t be an issue, since there are no obvious signs of problems, and the seller says the D100 has been garage-kept since Day One. The trim and glass look exceptional, and the narrow whitewalls provide the ideal finishing touch to an exterior that oozes class.
Interiors often accurately reflect the life a Pickup has led. If this D100’s interior is an indication, this baby is a cream puff that has never been abused or mistreated. The Tan vinyl trim is free from wear and other problems, and the carpet is excellent. The painted surfaces are crisp, as is the woodgrain trim. Life in a dry garage has minimized UV exposure, protecting the dashpad and plastic from harm. Life aboard this beauty should be pleasant, courtesy of the air conditioning, tilt wheel, and pushbutton radio.
The 318 was the entry-level D100 V8 in 1978, and this Pickup’s first owner chose it. It also features a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The 318 lost some of its performance edge in 1978, delivering a record-low 135hp and 235 ft/lbs of torque. However, because the motor’s torque peaked low in the rev range, it was still a respectable performer that could haul quite heavy loads. The low odometer reading and the fact that this Pickup has been meticulously maintained throughout its life are both positive points. Therefore, the seller’s claim that this beauty runs and drives exactly as it did in 1978 is readily believable. It is a turnkey proposition, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive it home.
Occasionally, a classic appears at Barn Finds that seems to rewrite the rules. A 1978 Dodge D100 Pickup would typically look tired and rough around the edges after forty-eight years of active service. However, our featured D100 has avoided that fate and looks superb. It emerged during the Malaise Era, so its V8 isn’t the most potent on the planet. That said, it should deliver respectable performance. Since I believe that the new owner will continue to treat it respectfully and not use it as a load carrier, this survivor doesn’t need anything more powerful. If you bought this classic, would it spend its life on weekend outings and trips to every Cars & Coffee you could find? I would understand if that’s the case.
Adam, you are right on the money describing this truck with the word Creampuff!!! Wow!!! This was obviously somebodys baby that was obviously garage kept since day one. Adam’s also right in saying this old Dodge has the “wow” factor as well. I keep going back and looking at the photos and the more I look at it, the more I want it. Thanks Adam!!! And also Zappenduster for finding this “Creampuff “.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Driveinstile. I can’t say that I’ve ever genuinely wanted to own this type of Pickup, but I would certainly make an exception with this D100. It is absolutely incredible, and I would bet that it will find a new home fairly easily. I hope that you continue to enjoy our articles.
Great write- up Adam! I agree with 98% of the post. The only thing that doesn’t look right to me, are those white wall tires. I just don’t think white walls should be on the outside of a truck. I’m not a fan of those chrome rims either, but I can get past that. Otherwise this is one excellent looking ’78 .
I appreciate your kind comments, John. I admit the wheels threw me off at first, but I found a 1978 D-Series Sales Brochure that confirmed they’re a factory option. I understand where you’re coming from with the whitewalls, because they aren’t something you commonly see on a Pickup of this type. I don’t mind the wheel/tire combination, but I understand why it might not appeal to you. Thank you so much for your feedback, and I hope that you continue to enjoy our work.
I just really enjoy the way you present the facts and personal views on the vehicles you post. Good job Adam!
I had an 86 D150. 318, PS, PB,AC. Two tone blue. Had 86,000 on it when I bought my 01 Ram. Wish I still had that 86. That Id had the time, room, $ and skill to do a frame off. This is a beauty. Keep the basic done, take care of it, you’ll be able pass it on to the kids or grandkids. DODGE NEEDS TO GO BACK TO THIS
I love this truck. This generation of Dodge trucks are my favorite. Not a big fan of the 94 and later versions. This one makes me think of my 86 Ramcharger. It was my first new vehicle and one that I wish I had kept.
Some raised white letters would look so good on this truck.
I owned a ‘78 Dodge Adventurer bought it in ‘82 off a farmer that was also a ‘ ream puff’ w/ 27k on the clock. Mine was the more popular 2 tone green with those same factory wheels.. as I look at the pics of this one, I noticed right away that mine had some added side trim , might have been the Adventurer package. It was the heavy 1/2 ton , 150, with the 360 4v engine.. after 2 yrs I slapped on a set of headers, dual exhaust and a Holley 650 cfm carb, and electric fuel pump. Eventually added a set of Rancho 3/4 ton rear springs, a full set of Wrangler 8-ply white letter tires, and slid a 10’Scamper pop-up camper in the box. Also cut a 3.5” hole in the dash and installed a flush mount Sun tach and added a Jensen stereo radio & upgraded speakers. Kept the Dodge until 1996 with a 140k miles and other than brakes it was a trouble free pickup.. I paid $2700 for it and sld it for $2500 !! The only thing that bugged me about the Dodge was the hood design in the ‘75-78 yr model’s.. had that bad indentation that held water .. so going down the road for the first few miles you had built in windshield washers!! I think the sellers ask is a bit rich but GLWTS
These were probably as reliable as the tides to boot. Beautiful Dodge.
Get rid of those white walls. Good looking truck, but it would look better if it was a short bed.
My ‘81 Ford F100 came from the factory with sport wheel covers and white stripe Firestone 721 tires. Seen plenty of these Dodge’s with the sport wheels and whitewalls. That’s the way it was back then.
Perfect to me Randy 👌
Looks like Little Red Express Truck wheels.
What a beautiful Truck!!!!!! And a great write up Adam. One would have to assume that the original owner would have had to order this truck with these great options, Single cab with 8 ft bed. Then he took care of it like a newborn baby!! I would have to check Haggerty’s book on the price, But it sounds in the ball park for such an all original survivor. This truck is an excellent example of a turnkey vehicle for entry in the classic car / truck hobby. It will be a show stopper at event the new owner takes it to, so DO NOT even think about changing anything on this truck!!!
I have a 1978 D150 little red express with almost the same mileage and would love to park this next to it in my garage!!!
I had a 79 3/4 ton in the exact same colors, loved that truck. I went to marketplace to inquire about this one but it is no longer listed