A known ownership history is always a serious consideration for any enthusiast contemplating a classic purchase. Regardless of the vehicle type, it provides an insight into its history and whether it may have suffered abuse during its life. That is what makes this 1984 Dodge Ram 4×4 Royal SE attractive. Not only does it present beautifully, but it has been part of the same family since Day One. The time has arrived for that situation to change. Therefore, it is listed here on eBay in Clackamas, Oregon. The bidding has crawled to $1,009 in what appears to be a No Reserve auction. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting what could prove to be one of the buys of the year.

When I assess any classic vehicle, I look favorably upon those with a long-term ownership history. They don’t come much more “long-term” than the history of this Dodge. It has been part of the same family since the day it rolled off the showroom floor, and the indications are they have treated it respectfully. Its Beige Sand paint holds an impressive shine, and while it isn’t the most dazzling shade on the 1984 Dodge color palette, it still looks tidy. Any marks or blemishes are too small to show in the supplied photos, and the same is true of potential bumps and bruises. The area that tells the story of any Pickup is the bed. While it is possible to hide scratches and scrapes with fresh paint, camouflaging the dings and dents from abuse are more challenging. That’s where this classic shines. The bed features scratches and scrapes consistent with a vehicle of this age and type, but the steel looks remarkably straight. The lack of exterior rust is also positive, and the underside shots reveal the beauty is more than skin-deep. The frame wears its factory undercoat, and the floors are clean and rock-solid. The exterior trim is excellent, and the glass appears flawless. The larger wheels and tires are a later addition, but those seeking originality could inquire whether the seller retains the factory items. With the history of this classic, it is possible. Otherwise, those chunky tires promise better performance when the new owner points this classic at the wilderness.

If this Ram’s exterior makes a positive impression, its interior continues that theme. Even if an owner is tempted to hide bed defects with paint and Bondo (but not in this case), upholstery and carpet can tell a different story. That is particularly true of a Pickup with 4×4 capabilities. The places these classics can access are often coated in mud, slime, and other icky substances. Climbing in and out of your Pickup without tracking that inside can prove challenging. That is another area where this Dodge shines. The cloth seat upholstery is free from stains and physical damage, and I can’t spot any problems with the carpet or remaining upholstered surfaces. The lack of UV deterioration is also positive, and the faux woodgrain trim is excellent. That last feature is one the company included as part of the Royal SE package. Buyers also received a chrome grille and some other cosmetic enhancements. The owners ordered this beauty with air conditioning that still blows ice-cold.

Buyers on a budget could still order their 1984 Ram equipped with a mighty slant-six motor producing 95hp, but this owner wanted more. They stepped up to the plate by selecting the 318ci V8 that pumps out 150hp and 255 ft/lbs of torque. The urge feeds to the wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case, while the power steering that is part of the Royal SE package will make life easier when the terrain becomes challenging. The ownership history of this Ram should allow the buyer to hand over their cash confidently. The seller says it runs and drives perfectly. It tracks straight, the steering and brakes feel excellent, and the transmission is smooth. If that isn’t enough to sway you, it seems this Pickup comes with complete service records.

We are used to seeing classic Pickups, especially those in excellent condition, become part of an intense bidding war. That makes this 1984 Dodge Ram Royal SE a rare exception. I struggle to see why it has only received four bids at the time of writing because its condition suggests that figure should be considerably higher. There’s still time for the situation to change and the action to intensify. If it doesn’t, it could become a genuine bargain buy. If you are hunting for a Pickup, are you tempted to monitor this auction closely?