Dodge’s D-Series trucks were all new in 1961, with a styling refresh again in 1966. That would be the first use of the venerable Slant-Six engine in the trucks, along with alternators instead of generators. D100s were ½ ton pickups, while D200s were ¾ ton, and the D300 was a full ton, like the seller’s 1965 edition. This truck has a solid body with lots of patina and has been modernized mechanically over the years. Located in Upland, California, the D300 is available here on craigslist for $35,000 OBO. Thanks for the Mopar tip, T.J.!
The 1965 models would be the last to have dual headlights, switching to massively framed single headlights per side the following year. Because of payload capacity, the one-ton D300s usually came with Chrysler’s 318 cubic inch V8 that debuted in 1959. A few could be had later with the Custom Sports Package and a 426 Wedge. Whatever was under the hood of the seller’s truck is long gone, having been replaced by an LS 6.2-liter GM V8 from 2007 that now has 85,000 miles although the rest of the truck has just 80,000.
This truck is a “dually” which means you’ll be buying six tires instead of four when the time comes (not anytime soon; the seller tells us the rubber on this ’65 is new). The motor isn’t the only thing which has been changed. The truck has a freshly rebuilt 4L6SE overdrive transmission, a 4.88 Dana 70 rear end, new brakes, a new power steering box, a replaced wiring harness, and vintage air conditioning!
The body looks great will just enough surface rust (aka patina) not to want to repaint it. There is lettering on the doors which we’re told is removable, but why bother as it adds to the charm of an old pickup like this. The interior has new carpeting and what looks to be a newer bench seat, so no attention appears necessary in that department. The steel camper shell is said to have been on since the truck was new, helping to maintain the integrity of the bed floor. This looks like a vehicle you could take to Cars & Coffee right away or even on a road trip.
This looks like you could SERVE the coffee from the camper shell.
1/2 ton with dual rear wheels. It’s like putting duals on my tacoma
Did you read a different article, Ken?
I guess Dodge doesn’t make mtrs. anymore.
Well I’m disappointed. Something like this should have kept the Chrysler powertrain. The 318 Polyhead is impressive but there are a lot of options from WPC. Consequently I would have to value the truck as if it didn’t have an engine or transmission. But that’s me; I’m a purist. I do have to say that the truck itself looks good…
I was completely smitten at the thumbnail, then I opened it up to see the atrocity that lies beneath one of the coolest looking trucks I’ve seen in a while. Now I’m heart broken.
Six lugs were what one tons came with then. D300 1 ton, D200 3/4 ton, D100 1/2 ton. Any motor from a leaning tower of power slant six up to the 426 wedge could be had in these trucks through their production run. My current 70 D200 is a 383/auto.
I’m surprised they didn’t go AWD with this. Obviously, some sort of forestry or municipal unit, the public never drove these, and someone modernized it to their taste. To be clear, the D series did have a new front clip, but the cab dated back to 1957, and was used in a slew of applications, ending with the Dodge semis in 1975. Looks extensive, and I’m not crazy about that battery hold down. One bump, it’s short city. I’d stay clear of this one.
Reminds me of the truck the welcome lady drove in the movie about the Walmart baby. Ugly in the 60’s, ugly now.
God bless America
Very nice looking Dodge truck too bad it was buched with a off brand engine
The first thing I’d do is 86 the rusty camper shell.
Dodge did indeed restyle the D series trucks in ’61, except for the Town Wagon/Panel. They stayed the same until ’66, when they were dropped. The cab for the other Ds was also new in ’61. The TW/Panel retained the ’57 style cab until the end. The ’57 front clip was a one year style. Restyled in ’58, the ’58-’66 only had minor cosmetic changes. I have a ’62 Town Wagon, 2 wheel drive, with a 225 slant 6, and 4 speed. It was a US Forest Service truck until ’78 and racked up appx 400,000 mi. Tough beast. My daughters named it “Daddy’s Old Wreck”.
Would have been cool if not for the Chevy engine.
It seems like there have been several LS swaps on BF the past few days. Not the engine for this rig, imo.
I completely agree with Geomechs and all the other purists.
I know where some of you guys are coming from. I also used to be a Mopar-or-no-car guy, but I have mellowed some in my old age. About 20 years ago I wanted something with three row seating with luggage space behind the third row seat. I didn’t want a van and Chrysler didn’t make what I wanted so I bought a Suburban. I had to convince my friends that I had bought something other than a Mopar as most of them didn’t believe me at first. During the next 198K miles I got to loving that LS engine and 4L60E transmission as neither ever gave any problems at all. My wife had to stop driving so I sold it to a friend who still drives it. So my point is, I would rather have this truck like it is than if it were all original.
I’m with Geo on this one. So many Chrysler engines that would serve the same purpose without having to relocate the battery to the fender. I had a couple of the W300s, both 318s. A Poly in the 61 and an LA inthe 68. They both would do 55 which is basically what they were designed for. This one certainly is clean and you don’t see many with the Utiline bed. I believe the price is pretty optimistic but more power to ya if you can get it.
The person who put a Chevy motor in a Dodge with never go to Heaven as this is a sin. A nice newer Hemi would have been a better fit. I have a 65 D-300 with the 9FT box and it has a Slant 6. Runs great
Nice truck not a fan of the canopy I imagine finding a tailgate would be a challenge