In the ’80s plenty of people were chopping the tops off their pickup trucks, but few manufacturers were doing the same. Dodge found a hole in the market and filled it. Obviously, a convertible pickup seems like a confusing platform. Are you a workhorse or a sports car? But the ’80s didn’t care so much about functionality, it cared about style. All of the ragtops came equipped with a short-wheelbase, a 125 hp V6, a padded roll bar, power windows and locks, and air conditioning. Only 3000 soft-top Dakotas were produced between 1989 and and 1991. This pickup was listed on Facebook in Marion, Wisconsin on October, 21 for $6,500. Thanks to Lothar of The Hill People for the tip.
The Dakota is finished in red with silver pinstriping and a black soft top. The exterior appears to be in decent condition but could use a little attention and may have some clear coat damage and fade. The seller notes that the truck is rust-free and has excellent tires. A push bar is present on the front of the truck.
The Dakota’s interior is in fair condition and with a detailing service and some upholstery help could be in great condition. The seats are finished in a maroon velour. The dash, wheel, and door panels are color-matched to the seats and finished in what appears to be vinyl. ’90s interiors are more often than not unique and colorful and it’s no surprise the rare Dakota’s innards followed suit.
The truck is powered by a 3.9l 90-degree V6 that sends power to all four wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The seller notes that it needs some work. The battery dies every few days and the driver’s side window won’t go up. Both issues should be relatively simple fixes for the next owner. The Dakota is offered with its service records. If this rare ’80s throwback is something you might want to take under your wing, contact the seller via Facebook.
Good write up Sara, would prefer to see a stick w the V6, or a 318 w autoloader.
Every time I see one of these for sale I want to buy it because I love the whole idea. Then I remember I already have a truck and I should have it made into a convertible. Then I forget about it until another Dakota comes up for sale.
A vicious circle.
This was when Chrysler was fighting for its life, and was willing to try new ideas, in the never-ending search for more customers. Some ideas worked (PT Cruiser, Crossfire), some didn’t, this one didn’t, but I always give props to someone who dares to be different, even if it doesn’t always work.
“The seller notes that it needs some work. The battery dies every few days and the driver’s side window won’t go up. Both issues should be relatively simple fixes for the next owner. ”
I would respectfully disagree. Electrical gremlins can be next to impossible to find.
I owned an ’87 long bed. This engine was not a neck-snapper and got lousy gas mileage, but overall the truck was comfortable and useful. A hack on these trucks is to put Ford Explorer wheels on and move the bed wheel wells out 1 1/2″ on each side so that you have 49″ between the wheels, allowing a sheet of plywood to lay flat.
Moving the wheelwells out is definitely much more involved than a “hack.”
That stubby 4×4 shift lever is almost comical. It’s the perfect metaphor for guys who drive lifted trucks like this one. The higher the truck, the smaller the… er… equipment.