Great colors can make or break a classic car or truck, especially when all of the other “must have” details are right. In the case of this clean 1981 Dodge D150 pickup, the short-bed design and 318 V8 power make it desirable as-is, but the unusual Cashmere and Flame Orange exterior paint scheme push it over the top. There cannot have been that many trucks configured this way, and the color combo makes it a smart buy as it is likely somewhat unrepeatable. Find the Dodge here on eBay with bidding at $4,550 and the reserve unmet.
Talk about a perfect stance: this Dodge likely hasn’t been extensively modified beyond some aftermarket Keystone-style wheels, but with this stance, color, and paint, there’s nothing else needed. How many vehicles can you simply throw a set of wheels on and have it be completely transformed? The aftermarket wheels make a huge difference here, as the truck would likely feel a bit different if riding on steel rollers and hubcaps. This goes to show you just how easy it is to make a domestic-brand pickup truck look absolutely killer.
This Dodge is in clean condition inside and out, with the tan interior still in good shape overall with some fairly minor flaws. The bench seat has some tears in it at the edge on the driver’s side, but that is a flaw you can live with indefinitely. The truck is utilitarian inside, with crank windows and manual locks, but that’s how all trucks were once equipped (no powered running boards here.) The only real details worth noting inside beyond the condition is an AM radio and column-mounted shifter.
The engine bay is nicely detailed and while the 318 isn’t a powerhouse, it is extremely reliable and easy to find parts for. The Torqueflite automatic transmission is similarly overbuilt with no immediate concerns for failure, especially on a truck like this that was evidently looked after. The seller doesn’t go into any details about mechanical servicing, but even with its impressive reliability, we’d still like to see a few records demonstrating a history of regular fluid changes. Where do you think the reserve is set for this clean Dodge D150 with an unusual paint scheme?
You’re right, this is a striking color combination. I must say I am disappointed you didn’t recognize the Cragar rims. Arguably the coolest wheel ever. Just saying lol.
Great looking pickup. GLWTS
Really reet! Standard cab short box V8 2wd just like god intended. Great color combo and optioned quite well for the time. The wheels are perfect to complete the appearance. Great around town and on the open road.
That’s the longest ‘short box’ bed I’ve ever seen
That’s a long bed Dodge Ram folks. Somebody needs some glasses. Awesome truck, I would not change much.
Yep…..you and Randy – that is a short box – you need to look at them clouser.
Same short bed length as ford and gm short beds.
Agree with KC John. Although Keystone Raiders are similar to Cragars, they have a more raised oblong shape. Many have tried to imitate the Cragar SS but none have found that classic look. Keystone anything are some of my favorite wheels by far but nothing beats a Cragar SS for that classic hot rod look. And man they look good on this truck. Both my Uncles had 4X4 versions of this body style except one was a Warlock stepside and they were both 77’s with the round headlights. Not exactly the same but close. Always had a soft spot for this body style and the color couldn’t get better than this(unless it’s a black Warlock). Surprised it’s still such a low bid.
Very nice truck, unfortunately it won’t sell for nearly as much as a comparable F150 or C10, but that’s how brand loyalty sometimes works.
The serious bidders will start bidding the last few hours of the auction. There is no reason for them to get involved at this point.
Steve R
Calling your bluff, at least on the Fords. If you look up past auction results on same era trucks Dodge auction results seemed to outperform similsr Fords.
Closing bid $10,002, it’s hard to see a similar short bed standard cab F150 or C10 not receiving significantly higher bids.
Steve R
I had a 78 C10 Big 10 pickup in similar colors as this Dodge, except my truck had the two tone flipped from this one. Sadly, the Chevy did what those years did, and rusted furiously inside of 7 years. Nice to see one of these Dodges still around and looking good.
I see Dodge used that cheap steering wheel off the Omni, on their trucks, too. Nice color combo and I agree that Cragar SS wheels can make a $500 beater look cool.
I was surprised to see that steering wheel too. They must have only used it for a year or two then went to the steering wheels found in the Lancer!
Think this was an added s wheel…..my 1981 “Royal” has the stock truck but looks the same inside.
Cool pickup truck!
Have to say this is one really fine old MOPAR. My W150 of this era is the long box four wheeler, in maroon and silver with the PROSPECTOR trim level. These rusted with the propensity of dipping a chocolate bar into boiling water and survival rate is sparse at best. Mine came from Montana and lived a dry life, so no perforation anywhere; the 318 still purrs and performs as it should and I have to say this: It is a mountain goat on steroids as nothing will stop it. This great little two wheeler would look wonderful paired alongside it. BEST wishes on a great sale ~
Looks pretty good. That is for what I always considered the ugliest truck in 1980’s. I wouldn’t mind owning it for the 10,000 it brought.