From experience, I have learned that one of the greatest challenges in motorsport is finding an appropriate candidate to haul racing machinery to and from the track. That is where this 1971 Dodge D700 Ramp Truck may ride to the rescue. It needs work to recapture its former good looks, but with a healthy V8 under the hood, it should be up for whatever challenge its new owner throws at it. The seller is keen for the Dodge to find a new home, listing it here on eBay in North Hills, California. They set their BIN at $29,000 with the option to make an offer.

Dodge introduced its D-Series range in 1961, with a Second Generation gracing the lot from 1965 until 1971. Our feature D700 rolled off the Warren, Michigan, line during the final year. It has led a colorful life, serving as the tow vehicle for racer Bobby Yowell’s Pro Stock Duster in the early 1970s. It is a giant, measuring over thirty-three feet in overall length. The seller is candid about its condition, admitting that the removal of the sleeper roof is pretty rough. The paint is tired, and the passenger-side fuel tank is missing. Otherwise, it appears to be complete, its only rust seems to be confined to surface corrosion, and the panels are surprisingly straight. Therefore, restoring the Dodge to its former glory should be quite straightforward. There is plenty of steel to strip before fresh paint can be applied, but the process would be no more complicated than for any other classic of this vintage. The seller notes that the tubs of racing equipment visible in some of the supplied shots aren’t included, but there are spare fenders, and they may be willing to negotiate on the Dart Sport visible in some of the photos if potential buyers are interested.

The Dodge’s interior would be quite serviceable following a deep clean, although it is missing the back seat. However, the front seat looks quite promising, with its Black vinyl cover seemingly free from major rips or other problems. Sourcing a replacement back seat shouldn’t be difficult, while refreshing the painted surfaces could occur when the new owner performs the exterior restoration. Aftermarket additions include a column-mounted tach, a CD player, and air conditioning.

Tow vehicles need plenty of torque to operate effectively, and this Dodge should deliver enough to haul whatever the new owner throws at it. Lifting the hood reveals a 440 engine block that features cylinder heads, a crank, and a water pump from a 413 Dodge Industrial truck. The power feeds to a two-speed rear end via a five-speed Spicer transmission and a 13″ double-disc clutch. The V8 inhales through an Edelbrock carburetor and intake, with power steering and air brakes improving driver comfort and safety. The seller admits that this gentle giant isn’t currently roadworthy, but it does run and drive. They are in the process of changing the fuel pump, but loading this hauler onto another hauler for the journey to its new home shouldn’t be a problem.

This 1971 Dodge D700 Ramp Truck was a striking sight in its glory days, and there is no reason why it couldn’t be again. It has good bones, and the V8 should allow it to perform its role effortlessly. It is ideal for transporting a race car but could serve equally effectively as a striking tow vehicle for a repair shop. I guess the big question would be whether you would settle on the truck alone or whether you might be tempted to add the Dart to the deal. What do you think?