This 1979 Lil’ Red Express has only 1 day remaining in the auction and is currently bid to $20,100. The truck represents one of Dodges several special edition trucks from the late 1970’s that had both visual appeal and power under the hood. This 1979 Lil’ Red Express is located in Gilbert, Arizona. The seller states that he or she is selling because they are moving and are limited on space. The truck is said to run well and sound great. The odometer is showing 66k miles.
The Lil’ Red Express edition was offered in 1978 and 1979 by Dodge and all were equipped with a 360 cubic inch police interceptor V8 engines. The ad does not states if this is the original 360 V8 engine but if it is, someone has added headers. The engine is backed by a three speed automatic transmission. The Dodge 360 cid V8 engine was designated the EH-1 and fuel was fed by a Carter Thermo-Quad carburetor and a dual plane, cast iron, EGR equipped intake manifold. As can be seen, a dual-snorkel air intake is mounted on top of the engine and exhaust is fed through headers to the dual exhaust smoke stacks. The engine had an 8.2 to 1 compression ratio from the factory and was rated at 225 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The interior looks stock and in very good condition. I am no expert on Lil’ Red Express trucks so I don’t know if these are stock or aftermarket seats. As discussed, the horsepower rating for the 360 cid V8 was listed as 225 hp for these trucks. Hot Rod magazine was able to achieve a 14.7 second quarter mile time in a 1978 pre-production prototype. That was almost as fast at the W72 equipped Trans Am with a published quarter mile time of 14.6 seconds. In 1979, a catalytic converter was added which was not present on 1978 models and the quarter mile times were recorded to be a full second slower at 15.7 seconds.
Only 5,118 examples of the Li’l Red Express were manufactured in 1979 and it was not available for sale in California, Florida, Maryland, Oregon, and Washington. In 1978, only 2,188 units were produced. This example is listed here on eBay. The ad does not have much of a description but the truck looks to have been well maintained and sports Montana license plates. This Li’l Red Express looks to be a very nice driver.
While I’m not a big fan of themed anything,I thought the LRE was a cool truck. Maybe because it had “twin chimneys”, and reminded me of my trucking shenanigans, even though, I never drove a truck with dual exhaust until I got my own. Company trucks never had dual exhaust. None of the companies I drove for, anyway. It should be noted, the LRE was the fastest production vehicle for the time, as it slipped through the cracks of regulations. As cars were being castrated, the laws didn’t apply to trucks, yet, and Chrysler jumped at the chance. This truck, I read, cost over $7400 new, almost $2500 more than a regular Dodge, but look what you got. I’d say, it was the deal of the century, yet,,,it was a dud. The Warlock, equally as Dudley, looked sharper, but missing the up pipes. Because of that feature, the LRE was the coolest pickup made, to an old truckers, anyways.
I have to say I always liked these-twin stacks, wood trim, Lil Red graphics..chessy as hell but I like cheese..I think if I had the space and $ I’d be tempted GLWTA
Wonder why they weren’t available in several states? California, I get, but the rest, no.
I think these are corny- and I’ve always liked them. Go figure.
I’m like the seller, limited space LOL, so I settled for a 1:18 scale die cast version . Love these trucks !
I hate Mopar in general but one exception is the Lil Red EXPRESS truck. As a wrench turner for over 40 years I always hated when a Mopar came in the shop because invariably it would be assigned to me. Pre 1960 models are okay, most everything after that is junk as far as I’m concerned. Rex I know you love your Chrysler and I’m happy for you. But for me there will never be another junk Mopar in my stable (except a Lil Red Express) if I ever get one.
God Bless America
The LRX is a fun truck to drive –plenty of zip –i have a 1979 which has been in storage for 10 years so not quite as nice as this one. Yes that is the correct interior –same as mine–but they could also come with just a plain bench seat. The rear step bumper is not correct on this truck as the original is smooth chrome similar to the front bumper. All in, the truck shown is worth the price bid especially when compared to the price for common place and anemic Fords or Chevys of this same period.
Surprize…..I really wanted the Warlock…..nice Red Xpress here – looks like it’s been well cared for !