In the 1970s, Dodge dabbled with some “adult toys” in the pickup truck market. The best-remembered iteration was the Lil Red Express. Besides the latter, the Macho Power Wagon, and the Adventurer, Warlock was also offered from 1976 to 1979. The Warlock differed from the Express in that it didn’t use the police-quality 360 V8 or have vertical side-mounted twin exhausts. This 1978 edition has been sitting in a garage for many years but does start and run according to the seller. It’s located in Athens, Ohio, and is available here on craigslist for $7,800. Kudos to Gunter Kramer for the tip!
Most Warlocks were painted black (as a nod to the whole bewitching thing?), but later ones like the seller’s truck offered a greater variety of colors. They could be had in both two and four-wheel drive configurations and with any then-current Chrysler engine. Known visual characteristics of the Warlock were the use of custom gold wheels, wider tires, bucket seats, a tufted steering wheel, and beds with oak racks. So, unlike the Lidl Red Express, the Warlock was more about show than go.
After 56 years in total and a decade in a garage, this Warlock doesn’t seem to be more unique than a routine D/W Dodge truck from that era. We’re told it has a running 318 “big block” engine, but our readers will likely disagree with that adjective. It was a show pickup for many years before it was into hibernation and – by the looks of its surroundings – it hasn’t been far lately.
The seller describes the truck to be in “excellent” condition, but it’s covered with dirt and seen only indoors. Perhaps it will look a lot better outside after a wash. We’re told that the seller has “put a lot of work” into it, but what does that entail? A list of enhancements or repairs would make it more saleable. The seller would consider a trade for a one-ton pickup, ideally diesel-powered. Does this truck work any magic on you?
2WD , dirty dusty, ugly rims, not outside for a good photo, stupid steering wheel, big block 318, does he even know the truck, looks like not touched for years but runs, what a joke, interior does look like no damage, but need to see it outside and running.
could also be a scam
The ad also states it’s a manual transmission. Clearly not the case, seeing as the interior photo shows the one big brake pedal. Buyer beware!
That’s a stick and I can see a clutch pedal
I was expecting a 440 because that was a engine option hence the name. I knew a guy that had the black warlock 4×4 440 ! They made some interesting rides back then power wagons etc but yes who knows what to make of a 318 big block !
It’s not 56 years old…check the math ;)
46 years ,not 56
From what I understand the 440 in a Warlock is very rare. I believe most came with a 318.
If it’s a 318 big block, it’s a 318 poly swap. If that’s the case, my next question is why? A 383 or 440 would make more sense.
I like the neat and organized garage this comes in,and if it runs why not take pictures of it outside!
If she runs and drives, the price isn’t really far off the mark(et), especially for “classic” pick up trucks these days.
Yep, she needs some deep cleaning and new wheels and tires, but the 318 (assuming it’s an LA block) can be perked up to provide some excitement.
If you could get her for $5000 (without rust or other issues) I’d call it a good buy and for $7000 still worth it.
Just wish that people would take more photos and clean up their rigs before taking pictures.
I had a 1977 dodge half ton. It was a six cylinder with a four-speed transmission, the fourth gear called an overdrive gear. It was the worst Truck I’ve ever owned and I am 72 years old.
Is it a 318 or 360. What the mileage.
Perfect example of a terrible ad!
My Ram has bophomet on the center console. They didn’t learn- people don’t pay attention.
So many people assume every dodge step side/utiline is a Warlock. There’s nothing here that can convince me that this is an actual Warlock. No chrome steps, no tuff wheel, no pinstriping on the black bezel or inside of the doors. All it does have is the seat and that was a fairly common option, I have two trucks with the bucket seat and they’re not warlocks as this also is not a warlock.
Come on. It says Warlock, a bit cattywampus, so it must be true.👎
I agree with Mopar Mike I have a black 77 Warlock I personally think it’s the gold pinstripes and wheels that make the truck and what’s with the goofy mirrors
The dude that thinks the E brake pedal is a clutch, clearly doesn’t know how to drive.