In the genre of “Truck”, Dodge generated its share of collector-worthy models. The Sweptside, the Power Wagon, the Adventurer…. wait, the Adventurer? The Adventurer was introduced as a trim package for the second generation D-series Dodge truck when it arrived in 1968. The name was an attempt to capitalize on the public’s predilection for camping. The actual attributes of the Adventurer amounted to “bright finish” trim, carpeting, courtesy lights, and hold onto your hats – extra padding in the vinyl seats. Cleverly, Dodge advertised the Adventurer as a “work and play” option: tough by day, but “handsome playboy” by night. These trim items were slightly upgraded with the second-gen D-series in 1973. Now with the Adventurer SE, you got bucket seats, fiberglass door panels with armrests, still more trim, color-keyed horn button and seat belts, a radio, and special rear interior panels. Almost too much to bear. Kidding aside, the truck did benefit from a decent motor option: the 400 cu. in. V8. Here on eBay is a 1973 Dodge Adventurer SE truck in pristine original condition with only 18,800 miles and far more handsome than usual with its factory hood scoops and hood-mounted tachometer. The bidding has reached $8450, reserve not met. This truck is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Thanks to Larry D. for the tip!
This truck is optioned with the 400 cu. in. V8 motor. The dual exhaust was offered when the motor was equipped with a four-barrel carburetor. This motor/carb package would be good for 250 bhp. The transmission here is a three-speed column shift automatic. Underhood presentation is fair with room for improvement, but that’s an easy job. The seller says the radiator has been re-cored and the truck is driveable.
The interior is strong – clean seats and dash, clean carpets. This truck has factory air conditioning and cruise control. The seller bothered to spend a moment on the presentation, too, which I take to be a sign of a careful owner. He adds that everything on the truck works as it should. As a bonus, it has toolboxes in the bedsides.
The underside is spiffy as well, buttressing the mileage claim. The dual exhaust is a thing of beauty. The seller does indicate there’s some rust here and there; it’s evident in the truck bed but the body is pretty clean. My only complaint is the SRT wheels, but fortunately, the buyer receives the factory wheels and tires. This exuberant little truck is cheap at the current price – it won’t remain so. Any guesses as to the final bid?
I don’t recall any peel-n-stick hood scoops or hood tach as options on Dodge trucks during those years. Those look like JC Whitney catalog items to me.
Those are 1970 – 1971 abody hood scoops and where also used on 1969 – 1970 Super Bee’s. The hood mounted tach looks stupid too I think.
None of the add ons do anything to make this more appealing . It would look better stock . I wish low profile wheels would fall out of fashion .
The hood scoops (although I’d never do it) don’t bother me as much as the Dixco hood tach sitting out in the middle of nowhere…
Trucks, tachs and scoops all haver their place but, to mix and match for no real purpose…. I don’t see the point here.
Glad you all caught it. A little more research please, these did not come with “factory hood scoops”.
Nice truck but with Florida vehicles I’m always wary of hidden rust form the humidity.
Original?
Tacked on hood scoops: check
Tacked on hood tach: check
Cut bed and install tool boxes: check
cut holes for ’68 side markers: check
Nifty wheels: check
Did I miss anything?
Tacked on 1980s Chrysler logo hood ornament – check
Reupholstered seats in a different color than the rest of the interior – check
The trucks also never came with top fender mounted turn signal markers ; they were part of the Light package and were available in the car line only .Plus there’s what looks like a fender mount Pentastar stuck in the center of the grill
Yes PaulG, You missed one more thing;
I bought a ’73 Dodge truck new, and still have the brochure and the accessory brochure as well. Not only were all the items you mentioned not on the accessory list, but those chrome and rubber bumper uprights are not MoPaR accessories.
I did notice a fairly rare accessory for the truck line, it’s got the AM/FM stereo radio [note the speaker grills at the lower corners of the dash].
My 75 Dodge Adventurer Sport had the brushed aluminum wide trim and looked good!
The only thing missing which would make it worthy of a National Lampoon movie is a flat smoke tinted bug guard which deflects air away from the hood scoops, chrome windshield visor, lowering the body, add full length running boards, 22 inch tires and wheel spinners!
Unfortunately, this is a Clown truck. Why can’t owners just leave them original. I guess each owner has it’s own agenda as far as looks.
It’s a nice, well-optioned truck that will serve somebody well. I wonder how many had factory A/C and cruise control. It ought to get up and go all right w/ that drivetrain.
I guess most of us agree, not unlike some plastic surgery cases, sometimes “stock” is better.
At least the wheels can be switched back easily.
I’m in total agreement with the scoops and tach. Otherwise, nice truck. Worst case scenario, a paint-matched replacement hood (if needed) and you’re good to go.
Beware! No sales, no feedback, zero additional listed items. Call EBay seller before bidding. It could be legit, but talk to the owner first.
I don’t believe they offered factory dual exhaust and there was only one 400 engine available for trucks, you couldn’t upgrade to a factory four barrel or a dual snorkel air cleaner on a truck 400 in 73. Factory hood scoops and hood tachometer 😂. This seller should’ve done some research on these trucks before making himself look like a fool. I would lose the wheels and pull that hideous tach from the middle of the hood before I even take it home. The B body scoops also look really awkward on the bird bath hood.