Although Dodge Rampage sightings are pretty rare Barnfinds writers have managed to feature quite a few of these relics over the past couple of years which is a bit surprising considering fewer than 40,000 of these cars were produced from 1982-1984. This ’84 Rampage, available here on Craigslist for $4,500 in Sidney, New York, is claimed by the seller to be a low mileage survivor that’s in excellent condition. Details are sparse but this little two-seat truckster looks to be a well-preserved all-original example of the Chrysler Corporation’s failed attempt to market a car that would (in a sense) rival the success of the Chevrolet El Camino.
I’m a nostalgic ’80’s geek so I like these cars. Let me rephrase that: I like seeing these cars but I have no desire to own one or to be seen driving or riding in one! To me, the Rampage represents a brief moment in 1980’s automotive history that is fun to look back at while also contemplating the question “What in the heck was Lee Iacocca thinking?” Whether one can actually appreciate this car-truck is purely subjective, but I’m glad to see survivors like this one are still around for – dare I say it – a collector to preserve.
Check out the powder blue Omni in the background which was also recently listed on Craigslist, however, the seller has since removed the post. And can anyone tell if that’s a Willys MB or Ford GPW parked behind the Rampage? The windshield looks to be that of a later model CJ-3A but the smaller headlights appear MB or GPW. As for the Rampage, the seller only provides pictures of the car’s exterior and other than some fading of the original paint and a few scratches the car looks to be in great condition. There appears to be no rust which is extremely rare to find on a thirty-plus-year-old vehicle in Upstate New York! By the looks of it, this car has been very well cared for over the years and likely not subject to the harsh metal-eating brine that is so liberally used on New York State roads at the first glimpse of a snowflake.
The tonneau cover looks to be in perfect shape and I really like seeing the original wheels and prefer the sportier looking raised white letter tires. Are the splash guards a factory option or an aftermarket add-on? The trim around the wheel wells is also nicely intact and the rear bumper shows no sign of wear or abuse. Unfortunately, no photos are shown of the engine bay and even though the seller mentions the car has low miles he fails to disclose an exact number. The only information provided in the ad is that the 2.2 liter automatic is reported by the seller to run “flawless.” The asking price of $4,500 seems to be within the targeted range for a nicely preserved Rampage and my guess is this one will soon be under new ownership.
This is one of those vehicles that can surprise you with versitility , economy, and comfort. If you find one in great shape grab it . They go in the snow right nice too. I’d be tempted if this one were from the south
There’s one of these in downtown Frankenmuth, Michigan that looks to be in excellent shape at a car lot. Noticed it right away as I haven’t seen one in quite a while.
What’s the name of the dealership?
That I don’t know. I can tell you where it is but don’t know the name. Are you familiar with Frankenmuth?
The Rampage was a niche vehicle, offering usefulness in a pretty cool looking yet fuel efficient package. To me, it would be a great little around town vehicle for retirement…it would easily support the fine art of puttering.
I saw one just like it driving down one of our main streets
on Wed.
I remember a quote from a Chrysler executive:
“After you have sold one to every pool boy in town, what’s left?”
Had one of these as a daily driver 25 years ago. Handy and useful, but a rougher riding vehicle you will not find. You feel and hear every pebble on the road.
They make a rear wheel drive conversion kit for these
Love the little Rampage! Haul your washing machine around with you. The powder blue hatch in the background might actually be the Plymouth Horizon badged version. Most of their tailights of the later generations had the back light vertical while Omnis had backup lights horizontal under the brake lens. Cause you know Chrysler really wanted you to enjoy two distinct models!!
60s ‘chero, this, subie brat, all w/a light topper (glass or alu higher-than-tuneau) can fill in pretty well as useful DD plus.
“…a rougher riding vehicle you will not find. You feel and hear every pebble…”
Nuttin wrong w/an econobox in my mind.
What was Iacocca thinking? He was trying to save the Chrysler corporation by throwing darts at the dartboard and seeing what sticks! Some failed, some sold like crazy. Some thought the Caravan wouldn’t sell well, but created a whole new market.
In speaking of 80’s cars that I love to see, especially in great condition, but definitely wouldn’t want to own, I’d put the early 80’s Chrysler Lebaron convertible with wood paneling in that category! It’s a hoot to see them come up for sale now & then, ones that someone kept at their Hamptons beach house and only drove it a few miles to the store or whatever. Those K-cars saved their asses!
I bought new when they came out. Used it to carry a folding ladder for roof estimating. Good little comfortable handler but could have used another 25 HP. Mine kept wearing out one side of a same front brake pad. That was annoying, but probably only needed a caliper rebuild or replacement. Wish I had kept it but I think I traded it in when the small Ford Ranger V6 pickup came out.
My dad had one of these for several years, did all the hauling he needed for home improvement and groundskeeper duty at our church, and meanwhile served as an economical, nice-handling work commuter and second family vehicle. Pretty sharp looker too, in black with red pinstripes, machined-face turbine-style alloys, alloy bed rails, and a vinyl tonneau cover.
The Rampage from what I remember was not to be in the same category as the El Camino or Rancho but of the Subaru Brat. For those that do not remember the Subaru Brat is was like the Dodge listed above but had seats in the bed facing towards the tailgate.