Dodge got into the car-based subcompact pickup market in 1982 with the Rampage, based on the front-wheel-drive Omni 024. These were also known as “coupe utility” trucks and competed with the likes of the Subaru Brat and VW Rabbit Sportruck. This example from 1983 comes with a dealer-installed topper and looks to be in great shape, save some wear and tear on the paint. Located in Reno, Nevada, this interesting pickup is available here on craigslist for $5,800. Thanks, Barn Finder ToddK, for the tip!
The Rampage was only in production for three model years (1982-84) and spawned a Plymouth variant, the Scamp (only made in 1983). It employed unibody construction and a variety of parts and pieces taken from the existing Chrysler parts bin. This included a 2.2-liter inline-4 that was rated at (up to) 99 hp with a 4-speed manual (standard) or 3-speed automatic (optional, as with the seller’s truck). Rampages had a load capacity of 1,145 lbs. so they were considered true half-tons, capable of hauling 90% of what the more expensive and heavier Chevy El Camino could manage.
These vehicles weren’t big sellers at 37,401 copies in total plus another 3,564 Scamps. The seller’s truck has 77,000 miles, but they were all added in the first 10 years because we’re told it was in storage from 1993. It lived in a heated airplane hangar for that duration. It’s said to be a runner in need of a tune-up (what wouldn’t need one after all that time?). The brakes may need attention, but the seller appears to have already treated it to a new set of tires.
We’re told the body is rust-free and we see no issues beyond an erosion in some of the white paint over time. On the other hand, the interior looks to be in great shape with the upholstery, carpeting, and dash pad all having held up quite well. The seller is firm on his/her price, won’t consider any trades, and suggests you bring a trailer to carry the little truck home. Have you ever owned one of these vehicles and are they worth fixing up?
Not bad for the money although I think the odometer has rolled at least once and someone needs to educate the seller on what rust is because they state there isn’t any then its clearly in the door jam pictures
Conventionally “no rust / rust-free” means no rust perforation, but isolated surface rust without penetration through the panel is (arguably) permissible. What I can see in the door jamb pics looks like mere surface rust to me, easy enough to wire-brush away down to shiny metal, treat with Ospho or rust converter, and repaint.
That rust is where a body seam is. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s much worse than it appears. Especially since it’s in the bay area
A handy hauler beater for an exurbanite like me. I am in a hilly area though and I learned to get as much stuff in front of the rear axle as possible. Front end lift going uphill could be scary with a FWD vehicle.
I had one of these when I lived in San Diego in the early 2000s. It had the auto trans and a/c. I really liked it. My wife didn’t. End of story.
Divorce is sad. Glad you kept the Rampage.
I had a garage when these were new. A customer came in and wanted me to fix it because it was running really bad. I asked him why he would want me to fix it when it was under warranty. He said that if he took it to the dealership they just replace the carb and he would still have the same problem. The power valve and actuator were both convex and the fits were loose enough to get them to get jammed. A small center punch dent fixed it.
I. Cerious Got. A!! massive. Head!. Ache READ ing. the . Ad.
unfortunately literacy and the Dodge Rampage are sworn enemies
I have 1983 Rampage. Take it to car shows & crusins. Can’t tell you how many times I have heard “I didn’t even know dodge ever made one of those.”
I bought mine in May of this year out of central Oregon for $2400. Retiree-owned, with mechanical and interior condition pointing to a true odometer reading of 68k. This listing is way overpriced. The bed covers can be hard to find, but the fact that the buyer should bring a trailer points to this car being in less-than-pristine mechanical condition.
(yeah never saw that kinda writin. Almost as bad as mine.)
WoW! even got a ‘topper’, great for Back East here. I’d really like to have this one as I could commute (30 mi round trip) as well as use it @ the garage all day.
These, early 60s Chero, BRAT, somea da mid 80s/early ’90s Zuki/Tracker lill ‘truck’ like things… even the pre-mini vans (same era) honda wag0van, toy tercel, Eagle Summit, mutsu’s MPV, nissan stanza. Last made mazda5 2nd/3rd gen thru ’18. All fit this bill…
Thnx Russ, even beddah den da ma-Rooon !
Don’t forget the timing belt