To compete in the growing sub-compact pickup truck market (aka coupe utility), Dodge introduced the Charger-based Rampage in 1982. They were built for three years alongside a Plymouth variant (which was only offered in 1983). They didn’t sell as well as Chrysler had hoped, so they were gone after 1984. This ’82 edition is a two-owner “Ute” that is a running project which will have to be towed. Located in Clairemont, California, this mini El Camino is available here on craigslist for $2,800 OBO. Thanks, Pat L., for your continued support in the tips department!
As was the case with the Dodge Charger, the Rampage utilized Chrysler’s L platform. That included borrowing the unibody construction and front-end panels from the sporty 024/Charger variants, and the suspension from the Omni/Horizon with coil struts and a link-less sway bar at the front. In the back, the Rampage had its own leaf springs and shock absorbers. Power was provided by a carbureted 2.2-liter inline-4 that produced 84 hp in 1982. Without a payload, the pickup was fairly perky as the whole thing only weighed 2,400 lbs.
We gather the seller has owned this pickup for quite some time, having acquired it from the original owner. But we’re not sure which photos are of it currently as they seem to reflect different periods in its life (running and non-running). With a payload capacity of 1,145 lbs., the Rampage was a true half-ton truck with 90% of the rating of the Chevy El Camino, a much larger vehicle. We suspect it stalled during an attempt to get it back on the road again since its California registration is “in-op.”
New parts include the fuel tank, fuel filter, smog check valve, air pump check valve, battery, and shift linkage and it has been treated to a full tune-up. So, it does run. But the radiator leaks and the carburetor needs work at 92,000 miles. All-in-all, perhaps it won’t take a lot to be back out hauling stuff again. The body looks okay, the paint is fair, and the interior is dirty and in need of some upholstery work. Dodge built about 17,600 of these things in 1982, its best year. The Plymouth Scamp faired worse at about 4,500 copies.
Looks like the engine was replaced with one from a junkyard
by the note on the cam belt cover.
By the decorative style of lettering and the cloverleaf (?) symbol drawn on top, I don’t think that writing was from junkyard stock keeping, prolly just someone’s attempt at dressing up the engine a bit.
Besides, there’s nothing Rampage-specific about the engine AFAIK; any Mopar 2.2/2.5 (even the various turbo variants) should fit and work fine.
FWIU the only mechanical parts that were engineered specifically for it was the rear subframe/dead axle and leaf spring suspension.
And most of that carried straight over into the early T115 minivans…
Is it possible that Chrysler tried to copy the Rabbit pickup from VW?
Perhaps just in the general concept of offering a fuel-efficient compact unibody FWD coupe-utility (ute), tho’ of course the broader concept of a ute ((El Camino, Ranchero, etc.) had been around a lot longer, dating back to ’30s Australia.
Model T p/u, hudson big boy, teraplane could be considered too.
I bought one of these new in 1982 (the sport version with all the striping, etc.). I was single and hauled my dirt bike in it, and pulled a snowmobile trailer with one sled and it performed flawlessly. 26 mpg when I went to work during the week. One thing I replaced was the cam. They had soft lobe problem, No big deal since it was overhead cam. Rust was an issue though being I was in Michigan. I have soft spot for this little buggy because it was more capable than given credit for.
I had an 83 red with the 2.2 graphics and loved it. A Rampage in real decent shape today is hard to find. Mine was a stick and if I remember correctly I was running 38 mpg. Wish I could find one today in great shape. A truck that got 38 mpg. Naw. It would never sell.
I achieved 30+ mpg consistently in my 81 Rabbit P/U 1.7 gas . . . 1.6 diesel trucks returned 40+ mpg, I believe. They should have put the 1.6 Td in those trucks.
these, subie brat, ’60/3 -’66 chero, my 1st gen bronk, some of the zuki/metro lill open back 4 wheelers all appeal to me. For ‘ute’ I like the holden kingwood (I think it’s called). Looks like a cheb wagon but is 4wd and v e r y heavy duty/durable.
The Plymouth Scamp was not made in 1982…only 1983.