Said to be a one-owner truck that has stayed with that owner since it was bought new 60 years ago (!), there is reportedly no bodywork, no new paint, no new nothin’. I mean, anything. Even the camper shell is said to have been bought new at the same time as the truck. This 1966 Dodge D100 is listed here on Hemmings in Lander, Wyoming, and they’re asking $17,000.
WAKE UP!!!!!! I love the eyes-wide-open look of the second-generation Dodge D-series pickups. I prefer the single-headlight Dodge pickups, but that’s just me. I had a photo gig in Lander, Wyoming, exactly a decade ago, and this truck would have been perfect to have as my ride of choice for those two days. It’s a beautiful area, and this sure looks like a beautiful truck. They say it’s all original paint and body with “zero” bodywork. I have to believe that one weekend of cleaning and polishing, and this truck would look almost like new again. I may have done that if I wanted to get top dollar, but that’s just me. I also would have added some correct hub caps or wheel covers to dress it up a bit. Speaking of top dollar, Hagerty is at $16,000 for a #3 good-condition truck with a 318 V8, as a general reference.
The seller shows the highlights, but, sadly, they don’t show any photos inside the topper/camper/shell, which is unusual. It would have taken one minute to open the tailgate and the back door and take at least one photo. I don’t get it, but I hope it’s nice in there. At the very least, it would have been nice to see the condition of the bed floor. They say, “Purchased new along with its camper, this truck has remained with the original owner and has been carefully preserved since new. It retains its factory finishes throughout with no bodywork ever performed and remains completely original,” other than wearing new tires. The seller included photos of all the paperwork included, so please check out the Hemmings link to see all of the photos. One piece of paperwork is the original invoice, showing a price of $2626.50! That equates to just $26,769 in today’s dollars. You aren’t getting much of a pickup today for that money, at least a brand new one.
The fun part, other than the general condition of this truck, is that it’s fitted with the optional 4-speed manual transmission and a 318 V8. The second-generation Dodge D-series pickup line was made from 1965 through 1971 and is the last of the heritage Dodge pickups (I just made that up, but I like it). As in, before they got modern’ified with sleek new designs and modern, more comfortable interiors. Speaking of that, the seller says this truck is an “extremely well‑preserved survivor,” and is in “outstanding original condition.” I’m assuming the seat has been redone, but we don’t know. For it to look like new after 60 years would be amazing, and I don’t see that pattern in any 1966 Dodge brochures, unless I somehow missed it? This truck looks outstanding inside and out, though, doesn’t it? The original owner paid extra for an oil gauge, according to the sales slip included in the photos.
Wearing a new alternator and heater hoses, the 318-cu.in. OHV V8 engine looks clean. The original receipt says “chrome covers,” and I assumed that meant chrome valve covers, since they’re shown in that ’66 Dodge pickup brochure, but these are painted red. I don’t see power steering or power brakes, but maybe they’re hiding on the other side? The 318 put out 200 horsepower and is backed by a 4-speed manual, sending power to the rear wheels. The seller doesn’t say how it runs and operates, but we have to believe it works as great as it looks. Any thoughts on this ’66 Dodge D100 survivor?
These were good trucks in the day. Lots of them around the home town, due to the aggressive nature of the local dealer. A friend of mine had one the same age as this although his was a three-speed behind that 318. He took fanatical care of it and it took care of him. I’m sure he put 100K miles on it after he bought it (it had just under 50K when he picked it up), and it looked the same when he got rid of it.
He eventually sold it and bought a ’70 Adventurer with a 383/Auto. Same thing; he bordered on the fanatical the way he took care of it, and it looked brand new all the time.
I was actually surprised to see him sell it but the local Chrysler dealer kept asking if the truck might be for sale. My friend finally gave in and let it go. Now he just has his ’70 Challenger T/A and his ’59 Chrysler New Yorker, both in showroom condition…
Solid looking old Dodge. I’m going to agree with Scotty about the cap. That certainly looks like a “Day One” addition. It even has the Cap dealers sticker still intact!! I’m thinking this was garage kept. I think some time with a buffing wheel and compound and do a careful polishing job would do wonders here. Dollars for donuts that dark red stripe on the sides of the cap probably matched the paint on the truck originally before fading. If I was in the market for one, I’d give this one a good long hard look.
I don’t think that’s a cap but a very small slide-in camper, doesn’t look like it’s sitting on the bed sides. Either way, nice unit till you’re sleeping and somebody slams the tailgate shut!
Jim Randall, you are correct as usual! That Is a slide in camper. The nice thing about these campers is that you could store your fishing poles along side and close the tailgate to keep them from sliding out! Those 318 “Poly” engines were good. But the next edition of the 318 was better AND gave better fuel economy. Not being a true Mopar Head. So I don’t know if the bell housing pattern is the same. But at the first sign of trouble with this engine. I would upgrade to the newer 318. Nice truck!
Thank you Jim. I did not realize that it was a small slide in camper. Thats even better. Hope it stays with the truck.
I guess we can surmise who that “one” owner was, Tom passed away, and Eileen couldn’t use the truck. “Apt 3”, no kids, and here we are. I believe the “chrome covers” is referring to chrome full wheel covers available on the Sweptline. Doesn’t say “Sweptline” in the ad, but I read all Sweptline trucks had that side stripe Tom must have talked them into. Tell you what, Tom got a sweet deal, and I bet Eileen never drove it. Those “pie plate” headlight surrounds always reminded me of Betty Boop( who?), and I hope someone enjoys Toms fissin’ truck, just another good ol’ truck.
looks like a solid truck for sure and has lived in a western climate. this looks like it will buff up and look like new. lots of docs from the pics. i guess the price is fair. you won’t see another 1.
It does rain and snow in Lander, but overall it is a dry climate. Thus, conducive for vehicle preservation. This looks like a clean, well-kept Dodge. I’m not a big cap/camper fan but this one looks period-correct. Amazing shape for a sixty year old vehicle. Has the typical cool Dodge shift lever.
Good job SG.
Looks though as nails. Love the 4-speed but I’m getting older. That choke on the dash will throw a few folks.
WOW!!! Barn Finds has come up with another great5 Pick Up Truck. As said above these old Dodge’s were built to last and this one has been well taken care of. A great unit for a retire4d couple to enjoy some traveling, as well as Cars & Coffee.
I had a ’64 for many years until recently. A few things – the upholstery has been redone in modern materials. It does not have power steering or brakes, and can say from experience that these are a bear to steer with radials. I would want to check for rust in the floor under that rubber mat, and it does have the rust in the lower fender and door corners that plagues almost all of them, even my life long Arizona truck.
Still, a cool piece.
Nice old truck. Never see these with a camper anymore.All brand new class A,s..If he didn’t leave that camper on it,it would have about 20.000 miles