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Rare Convertible Pickup: 1989 Dodge Dakota Sport

It’s not very often you can use the words “pickup” and “convertible” in the same sentence. Well, back in the late 1980s, Dodge made a “convertible” version of the Dakota pickup. Hagerty.com said in a 2018 article: “…the 1989–91 Dodge Dakota Sport convertible…Built in partnership with American Sunroof Corporation (ASC), the topless Dakota was a true oddball from Detroit’s favorite mod shop.” There were only 2,842 of these trucks made in 1989 and this one can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $4,300. Located in Almond, New York, there isn’t a lot of information in the ad, but the seller seems to think it is mostly original. Take a look at this unique ride.

Here is part of an ad for the Dodge Dakota Convertible. Fun in the sun while hauling surfboards in the back seems like a good idea to me. The ad stated it was all-truck but with the sun, moon, and stars at night.

The interior is fairly standard for late 1980s/early 90s pickups. The seller says the interior is all original.

The Sport model had the standard 3.9-liter V6 that put out an anemic 125 horsepower. You could get a manual or automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive was also an option.

Overall, these trucks are collectible due to the limited number that were produced. I’m not sure why the trend never took off? What do you think about convertible pickups?

Comments

  1. Avatar Maestro1

    There was an Isuzu dealership on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco that sold an Isuzu Pickup Convertible. They are the only two conversions I’ve ever seen.
    If you are a light hauler this would be ideal in the right climate. Dodge Trucks i the 70s and 80s were erratic in quality so you need to be careful about this one
    but I have to say if I had the room I’d get serious about it.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Daryl Conley

    I have a 1994 Dakota that I still drive daily, it has been a great truck. I’ve had it for 20 years which is about three times the average that I own a vehicle, and have never had any major issues. I’ve always wanted wanted one of these convertible models ever since I first hear of them.

    Like 3
  3. Avatar Angel Cadillac Diva Member

    In 1989, I was living in Nederland, CO and worked at a Chrysler/Dodge dealer in Boulder. We had one of these on the lot. I remember wanting to buy it, but, that wasn’t practical at the time. We needed the full size Chevy pickup We already had. But it sure brings back memories.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar Howie Mueler

    Cool, but how thick is the dirt on it? 59 bids.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar stillrunners

    Wanted a Dakota when they came out in about 1981….and then the Shelby and then these convertibles and then I finally bought a 1994 V/8 I still have today and then the R/T’s and then…… this looks like a nice one but no frame shots make me warry ? Let’s see how high it will go……

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Gary

    Don’t care for the ragtop, but have always wanted one with a 318 to use as a truck. Still looking for one that can be found reasonably that hasn’t been trashed. Amazing how these were abused and thrown away. Don’t need four wheel drive, just a trailer hitch and a solid frame.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar DaveD

    Love this, always have. Dakotas were great trucks until they strayed from what they were meant to be……inexpensive (compared to the ram), entry level trucks. My ‘94 has 255k, and has been a great machine. Tough machine with many ram parts on it to boot! Too bad the convertible was pre magnum….the 3.9 magnum with the five speed got great mileage and had plenty of power (when compared to pre magnum engines). Anyway, a great truck that was nicer to me than I was to it!!!!

    Like 0
  8. Avatar chrlsful

    remember a few going by, 2?
    Seems like a good idea, how do U protect it , maintain, make it last tho?

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Patrick Lambert

    Maybe I’m in the minority, but I like trucks & I like convertibles. What a great combo. I might have bought one of these if I was in the market for a car at the time these were made.

    Like 0

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