Smaller pickup trucks grew to be popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Dodge created the Rampage in 1982 to compete with the VW Rabbit Sportruck and Subaru BRAT in the subcompact space. It was a unibody pickup that was similar in concept to the Chevy El Camino in terms of it being based on a car platform (the Chrysler L-body shared with the Dodge 024/Daytona). The seller’s 1984 example (from the last model year) is described as a near-museum piece, surprising for a truck that was usually used up and then retired.
Between 1982 and 1984, Dodge built just over 37,400 Rampages. And in 1983-only, Plymouth had a badged version they called the Scamp which sold another 3,400 copies. Though the front end looked like the sportier Dodges, the front suspension was lifted from the Omni/Horizon. These trucks were rated to carry 1,100-1,200 pounds, so they were categorized as half tons. Power came in the form of a 2.2-liter engine (carbureted) that could be had with a 5-speed manual transmission, which we think is in the seller’s beauty.
This ’84 Rampage is remarkably clean for 67,000 miles. It may not have been used as a workhorse to remain in this condition. The seller rates the body, paint, and interior at no less than 9.5 on a scale of 1 to 10, and the photos provided tend to support that claim. It’s a great running truck and if the vehicle doesn’t sell, the current caretaker will keep it for personal use or shows.
Located in St. Clair, Missouri, the seller is looking to get $10,900 for the Dodge. And the price is firm. The title is out for delivery, so the seller is willing to wait to seal the deal after the title shows up in the mail (with a deposit, of course). We’re told the seller has given the truck the one-over and a detailing, fixing any issues it may have had (What might have those been? That would be nice to know.). An operating video is included with the pics here on Facebook Marketplace. Hats off to T.J. for another nifty tip!
Too nice to put it to the work it was designed for-which was everything. It could handle snow so well
My cousin had an charger with this set up.
He let me borrow it and I will say it would scoot pretty darn well. To bad they didn’t stick with it and evolve because it really could have been a hit in my opinion.
But I am guessing the sales were not there. This truck today would have people wanting one it was just ahead of its time.
Good luck on both sides of sale 😊
I had a scamp for 108K miles. It was terrific in the snow and very handy for a commuter’s usual needs, but the Leanburn carb system was a constant headache, and headgaskets too. It was such fun to drive and so economical that I loved it.
If it still was around the new one would have four doors, five seats, a 4′ bed and the H-point would need to be a foot higher to sell, which in turn would push the bed a foot higher.
No mention of the “Shelby” Rampage? In 1983 Shelby used a Rampage as a parts chaser, and designed a futuristic Rampage that never made production. Some say the Shelby Rampage is the Holy Grail of Rampages,,zzzzzz, oh well, the Rampage and Plymouth Scamp, remain the only real US made front drive pickups. It was a concept few embraced. Adding a rear cap added covered space, but another classic US swing and a miss if I ever saw one.
If this thing is as perfect as the seller says, his price would seem within reason, but why does it have a dash cover on it?
Probably the same reason I have a dash cover on my 87 El Camino.. to keep it from getting damaged by the sun. The plastics and rubber can’t handle the UV rays.
In 1983 my wife and I were in the market for a new car. The local Plymouth dealer had a Scamp that was discounted to get rid of it. Wife said no, because it was only a 2 seater. I think that was what held these back. We bought a 4 door Omni instead. It was a great little car, replaced it with new 1990 (last year) and a few years later a used Horizon for a second car. We loved all of them.
This is a super nice truck, I would love to have it. Unfortunately, there isn’t a booming market for these virtual unknowns so his price, although not unfair, is still a bit steep. I figure that he’ll be holding on to this for awhile.
A buddy of mine had a 79 Subaru Brat in high school with the bucket seats mounted in the bed. But you just never see these Rampages hardly ever, I’m guessing they just didn’t survive very well. This one is one of the best examples I’ve ever seen.
I had one and loved bombing around in it.Was good on gas mileage and it I needed to carry something I threw it in the back.I drive a Jeep Gladiator today basically the same thing only on a larger scale.I have the Jeep plus if I need to carry something,I have the back to carry things if I need to.
Probably the same reason I have a dash cover on my 87 El Camino.. to keep it from getting damaged by the sun. The plastics and rubber can’t handle the UV rays.
Early 2.2s tended to use up head gaskets. The year after the Rampage ceased production Chrysler fixed the problem with larger hardware keeping the aluminum head from squirming atop the iron block. This, like most Mopar products is kind of a niche vehicle. Loved by a few, invisible to most. Kind of a shame, really.
Very nice example but looks like it is a standard Rampage and not a true Rampage 2.2 since it doesn’t have the factory tach in the dash.
They were all 2.2 engines, just lacked the trim.
They were all 2.2 engines, just lacked the trim.
The Rampage 2.2 was a sport trim package on the regular Rampage that had the 2.2 striping on the outside and had a factory tach and gauges in the dash cluster.
Used to be a mechanic in the early 90’s and these little 2.2 engines were so easy to do a tune up. This is a nice little truck!