The Dakota was a mid-size pickup built by Dodge from 1987 to 2011 across three generations. From 1990-92, Dodge dealers offered a Dakota Li’l Red Express tribute, detailed by a contractor to resemble the D-Series Li’l Red Express trucks of 1978 and 1979. It’s thought that no more than 500 were produced, and the seller is offering one from Westminster, South Carolina. It looks great (from the few photos) and has lots of new parts. The little red wonder is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $16,000. A nod goes to “PRA4SNW” for the tip.
Dodge cooked up the revitalized “LRE” to give their dealers something different to sell. They sent between 250 and 500 assembly-line trucks, finished in red paint, to LER Industries in Edwardsburg, Michigan, which added the finishing touches, excluding the faux wood paneling of the original 1970s limited-production pickups. You may recall the 1978 editions were able to skirt emissions controls and became the fastest production U.S. vehicles until the Feds caught on.
Like the originals, the Dakota Express models had dual exhaust stacks behind the cab. But they were strictly for looks and did not work. The interiors were stock stuff, and two engines were offered: a 3.9-liter V6 or a 5.2-liter V8. The seller’s truck has the latter, which should make it a more capable performer. This truck was purchased new to be used rather than shown, as it has 112,000 miles and counting.
This tribute looks to be in solid shape, and the seller has recently installed new front brakes, a new starter, alternator, and fuel pump (needs seal). Declining interest has led to its sale, and the seller will not entertain lowball offers as they “know what we have.” I guess that’s why the number of photos provided is limited, because he/she assumes you will know what they have, too.
No matter how nice, the appeal is probably pretty limited. Expensive for a Dakota.
Steve R
Some ideas are better left behind, this one included.
I would be embarrassed to drive this in public. I’m not kidding.
This is not a tribute, it’s not even a real truck. Hopefully it’s the only one left.
Eh, I don’t think the LRE look works on a truck made in the ’90s. Nonfunctional stacks, come on. At least Dodge was trying to be creative with the Dakota making the Shelby, convertible, and this. I wonder if it has the magnum version of the engine in that year. And why Dodge, why no manual trans with the 318 in first gen Dakotas?
I’ve seen a nicer one for sale with the stacks made to be functional.
I’m assuming that the bed’s made out of fiberglass,
although there’s no mention of it.
When the early Chevy LUV’s came out with an aftermarket
fiberglass bed,I stopped by the Chevy dealer in Visalia,California,
where there was one in the showroom.
As I was looking at it,the salesman said not to use the step
part at the front of the bed,as it would cause damage.I thought that
would be totally worthless in the real world.
I always liked the 4wd Convertible Dakota 💁♂️
Great shots of Talladega Superspeedway! My home away from home!!
Thanks! I was wondering where they were at.
A good laugh to start the day!
The Lil Red Express Dodge, built by Chrysler corp in 1978 Was the Fastest American Vehicle produced in America, that Year. 0 to 100 MPH faster than production Corvette. (according to Car and Driver) Limited to 500 units, they were converted from stock by a private company in Michigan.
Limited numbers still available, mint sell North of $60 K.
I don’t know what to say about someone embarrassed to drive “anything” from Barn Find. It takes all kinds to make a World.
Some,.. Can’t justify the genuine article, myself included; we, at least I try to mitigate the “want” and mix-in a little “need” None are perfect for everyone. That is why so many make makes and models exist. Someone liked it enough to make it. ‘nuf said; now go make it a great day. Bob N. Indy N.
No love here for repro LREs!
So, was the Lil’ Red Express a factory trim package, or something else from the factory?
That I can recall, I have only seen three or four of these on (or near) a road.