There’s an abundance of special edition domestic vehicles on the market at any given moment, so much so that it’s near impossible to keep track of the sheer variety of cosmetic dress-up kits and ambiguous “limited production” variants. This 1977 Dodge Ramcharger is yet another example of automotive dealer marketing gone wild, but it’s hard to say exactly which special edition model this was when new. It’s listed here on eBay with bids to $6,600 and no reserve.
The seller doesn’t offer any specifics, either, so it’s up to us to figure out what made this Ramcharger a stand-out. Of course, off the cuff, you could identify it’s seemingly non-rusty condition as a selling feature on its own, and the engine bay looks relatively complete as well. The Dodge is located in Medford, Oregon, so it certainly hails from a place known for clean vintage bodies even if the vehicle in question is still used with some regularity.
The interior is complete but also doesn’t give up too many secrets, unless that upholstery is a clue as to its special edition status. The inserts in the upholstery may offer a clue, however, as a scan of an old dealer brochure indicates that SE-trim Ramchargers came with “high-back Command bucket seats” clad in “Boca Raton” cloth and it should have a matching rear seat and adjustable arm rests. I can’t see if it has arm rests in the middle of the seat or whether there’s a back seat, but the upholstery pattern seems to match what’s in the brochure.
Of course, more than any sort of trim code treasure hunting could reveal, the real prize here is a project-grade Ramcharger that isn’t a total rust bucket. Most of these trucks north of the Mason-Dixon line are rotten to the core when found as non-runners that have been standing for a spell, so anyone who wins this no-reserve auction is likely starting out way ahead of another Ramcharger owner who has rust issues to contend with.
It is an interesting collection of options: cruise control but no A/C, high trim but clear glass (except the windshield), tach, dog dish hubcaps, etc. I found one of these in a junkyard 20 years ago and it had two extra gauges on the left for voltage and vacuum (I think) as a factory option – maybe part of a tow package or something. These were nice trucks in their day.
Nice project to start, I assume 4wd so immediately put lockouts on the front spindles. Interior upgrade about $2,000, new paint and brakes $6,000, you would break even in the selling mkt.
i’m on my 2nd poptop ramcharger and the only thing i never cared for was that fuel sucking fulltime 4wd. the current one is actually a kansas 2wd withe all the same trim and factory ac. it’s getting the vacumm engaged 4wd when it makes it back into the shop.
this one from the under hood tag got the tow package. better gears better cooling and alternator to go with the trim. it looks like a good project. from what i can see.
Cool 😎 Ramcharger 🐏
Medford OR. Almost in California.
Some very nice country over there.
California = Mexico
TomP= dummy
Had a 1979 Trailduster (same vehicle, different badge). Fully decked out, 360 engine. Absolutely the WORST vehicle I’ve ever had: poor handling, terrible mileage (upper single digits, even when not loaded), couldn’t stay in the lane, uncomfortable seating, etc. Could go on and on.
No thanks
I remember my old Ramcharger. It was fun to drive but it rusted so much that we used to joke about being able to see the rust spreading if you stared at it long enough.
This is a Ramcharger SE which did stand for Special Edition but was just the level of trim, there was also Prospector and LE
I ordered a “plane jane” Ramcharger in ’80-’81 ear the end of the model year. It was ordered with the 318 2bbl carb, 3 speed Torque-Flight Transmission, two wheel drive with posi-track rear with 2.92 gears, AC, PS, PB, vinyl buckets up front, bench in the back, no console, no carpet, radio delete, dog dish hubcaps, dark blue with tan interior. When I took delivery, I had dark blue carpet installed in the front and just under the bench but left the rubber matting from there back to the tailgate to haul things in and an aftermarket AM/FM radio. I got 13-15 mpg with regular gas in town and routinely got 19 mpg on the road loaded with four adults and our baggage. I put over 110,000 miles on it, hauled fire wood, took it hunting, pulled my boat, and was my daily driver. Regular oil and filter change, one service on the AC and no other issues. Great Truck!
Clean body, easy to work on and lots of spare parts. Plenty of aftermarket parts too! If the body and subframe aren’t rusted it’s a easy job for anyone.
I have a ’78 Ramcharger and love it. Special Edition refers to the trim level in this featured truck. Two trim levels were offered, Custom and SE. SE trim level included the high back bucket seats, fancy padded door panels, and side trim panels in the back area among other things. Mine is the Custom trim level, but was still ordered with two tone paint, factory A/C, Tilt wheel, cruise control, roll bar, outside spare tire carrier, skid plates, thirty six gallon gas tank, and many more options. Jus add factory or aftermarket A/C to the featured truck, fix the few rusty areas seen in the photos and it’s good to go. Buyer of this one will be very happy with it, I predict.
I like it, and always wanted one, but have my 74 New Yorker I’m still getting sorted out,…. Some day I will get one!,Mopar or no car!