Finding a rock-solid project Pickup with more than five decades under its belt can be challenging, but that is what is on the line with this 1976 Dodge 2500 Club Cab 4×4. Its baked exterior comes courtesy of the Arizona sun. Still, the climate’s ability to preserve classic steel means the winning bidder can safely leave the grinder and welder packed away in the cupboard. It is a prime candidate for a faithful restoration, although preservation or a custom approach would be feasible. This beauty needs a new home, with the owner listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

A known ownership history is always a desirable factor when assessing the potential locked away within any classic, and this Cadet Blue Dodge doesn’t disappoint. It is a one-owner survivor that has spent its life in a dry climate. The paint is pretty baked, and there is no shortage of surface corrosion making its presence felt, but that appears to be the extent of the bad news. The underside carries the type of dry corrosion typical of any vehicle from this region, but there is a total lack of penetrating rust. This Pickup is a winner for those who don’t mind a bit of manual labor but aren’t keen on cutting and welding. The panels are straight, and the bed shows no signs of significant abuse or neglect. A few trim pieces have gone AWOL, but most of the remaining items should respond well to some old-fashioned elbow grease and high-quality metal polish. The windshield is cracked, but the remaining glass, including the sliding rear window, is in good order.

This Dodge is no longer numbers-matching, although there is nothing wrong with the V8 hiding in the engine bay. Its original 440ci unit made way for a 383ci powerplant, with shifting duties falling to a three-speed automatic transmission that feeds the power to a dual-range transfer case. The Pickup should win itself many friends courtesy of the original owner’s decision to order it with power assistance for the steering and brakes. Depending on the motor’s specifications, it is fair for the winning bidder to expect to have over 300hp and 450 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. It is unclear why it happened, but this beauty found itself hibernating in 1980 and has only recently broken cover. The owner treated it to new brakes, tires, fuel lines, and a new fuel pump. The carburetor received a rebuild, the fuel tank was flushed and cleaned, and all the fluids were flushed and replaced. It was worth the effort, with that V8 roaring back to life and proving healthy. The Dodge runs and drives, and apart from the front fuel tank, everything works as it should.

I’m like many people because I am fond of pleasant surprises. That is what we find when we examine this Dodge’s interior. The baked exterior might lead some to expect a similar story inside, but nothing could be further from the truth. The seatcover is ripped and torn, but that is more a result of wear than UV damage. The dash and pad look crack-free, and the faux woodgrain shows no signs of the typical fading or lifting. I believe that the shopping list for this interior will comprise a new seatcover and floormat because the remaining items should respond positively to a deep clean. For those contemplating long journeys, the factory AM/FM radio and air conditioning are welcome inclusions.

This 1976 Dodge 2500 Club Cab has much to offer its new owner. Its solid nature could allow them to treat the existing corrosion to prevent deterioration, preserving it as a genuine survivor. It is guaranteed to attract as much attention in that guise as it would if faithfully restored. It is an ideal candidate for a custom or ratrod build, with the V8 under the hood acting as a sound mechanical basis for that approach. The world will be the buyer’s oyster, so if you’ve dreamed about such a project, this Pickup could be the first step in transforming that dream into reality.

• Location: Prescott, Arizona
• Mileage:  24,000, TMU
• Engine: 383ci V8
• Transmission: Three-Speed TorqueFlite
• VIN: WBD65272754
• Title Status: Clean

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