By exploiting a loophole in regulations, Dodge produced the fastest American passenger vehicle in 1978 when it released the Li’l Red Express. Buyer demand was stronger than anticipated, with the company repeating the dose in 1979. These classics enjoy a strong following, with tidy examples commanding impressive prices. This 1979 model appears to be a tidy survivor that is set to find a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Dodge listed here at RM Sotheby’s. It is set to go under the hammer with No Reserve in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with the auction scheduled for October 8th and 9th.
Special Edition vehicles were not a new phenomenon by the time Dodge released the Li’l Red Express. However, most manufacturers had focused on cars, rather than the humble Pickup. There were a few exceptions, but it is fair to say that the Li’l Red Express probably set new standards for what was possible. Subtlety was not part of the design brief, with every vehicle cloaked in dazzling Red paint with Gold graphics and timber inserts. However, many people believe that the defining feature was the enormous double exhaust stack, making a bold statement that is impossible to ignore. This “Express ” is a survivor that presents nicely for its age. There are no significant paint or panel shortcomings, no evidence of rust, and no signs of abuse. The decals and timber are in excellent condition, as are the trim and glass. I believe that the wheels may not be original, with the photos suggesting that they might be from the previous year’s range.
Dodge exploited a loophole in emission regulations when developing the Li’l Red Express, with commercial vehicle standards more relaxed than for passenger cars. It allowed the company to slot a 360ci V8 under the hood that developed 225hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed A-727 TorqueFlite transmission performed shifting duties, while power-assisted steering and brakes were standard fare. The reality was that vehicles like the Camaro Z28 and Pontiac Trans Am, which had previously been the kings of high-performance motoring, were forced to wave a white flag when confronted with a Li’l Red Express. This Pickup’s engine wears aftermarket headers and a Holley carburetor, but the seller doesn’t mention any other upgrades. They supply no further mechanical information beyond the fact that the odometer shows 49,000 genuine miles. However, I would expect any Li’l Red Express within this price range to be a turnkey proposition.
This Pickup’s interior appears to be original and unmolested, retaining features like air conditioning, leather-wrapped wheel, and the four-speaker AM/FM radio/cassette player. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces and carpet are free from significant problems, seemingly supporting the mileage claim. A fold-down center armrest increases comfort, although raising it makes this Dodge a genuine three-seater. The dash and pad are excellent, and the gauges are crystal clear.
The 1978 Dodge Li’l Red Express exceeded the company’s expectations, with the production run boosting sales totals from 2,188 in 1978 to 5,118 vehicles in 1979. They struck a chord with buyers, and they continue to do so forty-six years after the last one left the lot. Sotheby’s has placed an auction estimate of $25,000 – $35,000 on this survivor, although the upper figure does appear slightly optimistic in the current market. The seller’s decision to list it with No Reserve guarantees that it will find a new home, and if a muscle truck has been on your radar, could this be a contender?
Just shows to go ya’ every dog has its day,,( nothing yet) It was finally the pickup trucks time to shine. May I remind you what the 1978 Dodge Challenger was. Loophole or not, it allowed Dodge to step up to the plate, and with 0-60 times in 6.7 sec and 1/4 mile in mid 14s@93 mph, it was truly the hottest stick out there, on par with a Corvette for almost $2 grand less. Be a nice day in the Badger when a Corvette buyer in 1978 would even consider a pickup but it was a pickups moment in the sun. Due to the lackluster choices today, pickups are the #1 selling type of vehicle in America. Any Walmart parking lot could tell you that.
Howard I remember going beside one of these Reds in our bone stock 89LX 5.0. That truck surprised me bigtime. They move out real nice.
The New trucks are for sure the modern hot Rods for a lot of people. My 2023 F150 with a 3.5 EcoBoost runs 13.73 @99.7 mph at 5,200 Lbs.! That’s faster than my 70 GTO! With a few mods it’s high 11’s capable. And then you have the 5.0’s with either Turbo’s or a Whipple with 800+ Hp, look out!
For what you paid for that 2023 Ecoboost you could get that Dodge into the 9’s including the purchase price! Considering the old Dodge was only 3 forward gears and 40+ year old technology she ran much better than these new ones that don’t loose 2 seconds smoking the tires before hooking up and finally get moving. Removing the 850 Carter Thermoquad was a big mistake on the original engine and adding a Holley will make it slower and make shifting adjustments a real hair puller. That engine was designed to run through a spread bore for max power and economy.
William Milot. You couldn’t get this old rig into the nines without breaking every bone in its body. Twice. And you’d still need the F-150 to tow it.
Right you are Howard about pickups – I just don’t understand why? Too big, don’t handle well, poor ride, hard to park, hard to get into and out of, etc, etc. They do nothing well except haul stuff, and most people don’t do that every day. So, I just don’t get it.
Too bad it doesn’t have the original wheels, they are kind of scarce and no one is reproducing them as far as I know. This truck wears cheap aftermarket ones and they really take away from the truck, especially at this auction level. Makes me wonder what else isn’t original….
I agree, these detract form the look. However, I was never a fan of the stock ones either.
Other than that, it’s a sharp little ride.
“Li’l RED TRUCK,” as it says on the tailgate and in Chrysler’s marketing materials. No idea why Chrysler chose to confuse things with the “Li’l RED EXPRESS TRUCK” door decals.
Any of these built with 4 speed manual?
No, but there were 2 trucks built with 440 big blocks for the Canadian market.
William Holt, you may be able to run 9’s but I’ll have A/C , power everything and get 20+ mpg on the highway, weigh 5,200, and still be able to tow 13,000 Lbs if needed while running in the 11’s. All with a little 214 cubic inch motor. I do tow with mine so not an option. I’m 66 and do remember the Glory days of muscle cars. Terrible handling, 7-8 mpg, most with no a/c, and in street trim were lucky to run high 13’s. If faster, then drivability was nonexistent. Yes, easy to work on but people’s memory of the good old days is very clouded. Do I hate the new cars as far as style goes, absolutely! But when a Toyota is faster than most muscle cars you really can’t brag on how fast they were. PS, I have an 85 Mustang that will run high 9’s on low boost and pump gas already.
In addition to non original wheels, that ram on the hood is not original either. The one I had was the same as this one, except mine came with a “Tuff” wheel, that I prefer. Note the exhaust tips are usually tilted away from the body as they spew black crap on the rear fenders otherwise. I had mine running on propane which eliminated this annoyance.