The Dodge Rampage was a FWD subcompact version of the Chevrolet El Camino, based on the Omni 024 sport coupe. Produced from 1982 to 1984, it had 90% of the Chevy’s towing capacity, so it was rated as a half-ton. This 1983 Rampage GT has been in storage for three years but had prior work done (no mention of whether it runs now). Located in a garage/barn in Barker, New York, this likely project is available here on craigslist for $2,800. Barn Finder Barney strikes again!
Dodge apparently targeted the Rampage at the VW Rabbit Sportruck and Subaru BRAT but may have come up short in sales. Over three years, they built 37,400 of them plus Plymouth’s version, the Scamp, which was a one-year wonder at 3,600 copies. It was made of unibody construction and had a 2.2-liter inline-4, which was carbureted and developed no more than 100 horsepower depending on the year. The seller’s version has an automatic transmission, so even though it wears GT stripes, it probably won’t set any land speed records.
While the seller’s truck is called a GT, we don’t know that the option included anything more than stripes and fancier bucket seats. We’re told it’s been stored for three years, receiving the following before its exile: rebuilt carb, tune-up, and a fluids change (that will need to be done again). The seller says the brakes and transmission work great, so the health of the 4-banger may be in question.
We assume the body is in decent shape, though no rear bumper is present. A batch of extra wheels and tires occupy the bed and come with the sale. The seller says the dashboard needs fixin;o does that mean a pad or something else? With no mention of mileage, we can’t be sure how much life may be left in this machine once you get it running.
Those underside shots show pretty solid. The dashboard needing fixed refers to the plastic overlay for the gauges I believe. Those seats look plenty comfy and supportive. If the engine runs I would intercool and turbocharge it a la Shelby. Those engines can make 175 go with mods. Too bad it’s fwd.
I believe a turbo block is stouter then this one. Might give unpleasant results after time and expense if you tried it here. Plus, the auto transaxle might not be beefy enough.