This 1989 Shelby Dakota pickup is one of just 1,475 trucks produced under the Shelby flag that year, and according to the seller, one of only 995 painted red. These trucks marked one of the first times since the Lil’ Red Express hit showrooms that a high-performance pickup was available, and helped usher in a new era of performance vehicles equipped with a bed. The seller doesn’t indicate how long he’s owned it, but it appears to have been cared for. Find it here on craigslist for $9,900, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Evan G. for sending it in. 

The Shelby Dakotas were a decent mix of performance upgrades and visual enhancements, most of which are visible here – except for one marquee item. The Shelby trucks came with black fender flares, blacked out front grills with a matching front air dam featuring Bosch driving lamps, custom decals, and more. They also came with a hard-t0-miss light bar affixed to the back of the cab at the edge of the bed, and it’s missing here – with no mention as to where it went. In my mind, to have an authentic Shelby Dakota means you must have that light bar in place.

That missing detail aside, the rest of the truck appears correct with the three-spoke Shelby steering wheel and custom upholstery that was unique to the high-performance truck. The photos aren’t great, but they appear to show a cabin that hasn’t been messed with other than a wrap on the steering wheel. A dash cover is installed and the seller doesn’t mention whether it’s hiding any cracks, but given the cleanliness of the rest of the interior, I’m holding out hope that the pad hasn’t perished. A four-speed automatic with high stall speed torque convertor came standard.

Even though it wasn’t a super truck by today’s standards, the Shelby did at least receive a proper 5.2L V8 built with flat-top pistons, a custom cam, and roller lifters. It was good enough to give it the title of being the fastest truck to 60, since – ironically – the Lil’ Red Express held the title. The seller notes a few tweaks from stock, including a “throatier” exhaust, tonneau cover, American Racing Torque Thrust wheels, and a hidden receiver hitch. Overall, if this one had the light bar attached, it might be a home run – but is it better than a comparable Ford Lighting or Chevy SS?