If you’re longing for a truck that screams 1970’s, but the dual chrome exhaust stacks on the ‘Lil Red Express are just a little too over the top for you, this Dodge Warlock, for sale here on Craigslist in Hollywood, FL, just might be what you’re looking for. Thanks to Patrick S for the submission!
In the 1970’s, with their once-exciting cars now hobbled by fuel-efficient, emissions-compliant engines, auto manufacturers were searching for ways to make their wares more interesting to the buying public. One of Dodge’s efforts was their “Adult Toys” campaign, which consisted mostly of appearance packages on their then-current van and truck offerings. One such truck was the Warlock, available from 1976-79. Based on a standard short-bed stepside pickup, the Warlock added gold pin-stripping on the body, door panels and dashboard, oak racks on the sides of the bed, bucket seats and gold 8 spoke wheels. Powertrain options were the same as Dodge’s other trucks, including a slant 6 and an assortment of V8’s.
This particular male witch is equipped with a 360 V8, which in stock form should have been good for about 250 horsepower. The seller says the truck is all original and numbers-matching with only 78,000 miles on it. The seller also says that the truck is in need of a full restoration, and there’s nothing in the pictures that would convince one differently. The truck does appear to be mostly complete, with the exception of a missing front bumper, so I would think this could be a relatively easy truck to restore, assuming there isn’t too much rust besides what can be seen on the roof.
The Warlock didn’t sell as well as the ‘Lil Red Express, so the new owner of this truck will have a relatively scarce truck on their hands. I don’t think I’ve ever come across one at a show in my neck of the woods. While the styling screams ’70’s, I think this truck would make a great ride if restored to like-new condition. Throw in a potent Mopar engine, and it could be a fantastic driver, too.
Alas the rare Warlock.I’ve never seen one in person but imagine this shiny and new!
Roof rust is the worst, i wonder if it runs?
I had the MPC 1:25 scale model kit of this. MPC’s was a 4×4 though. Perfect pairing with a ‘78 Bandit.
Price seems pretty reasonable. If it was a 4×4, I’d be ALL over it!
I always like to see people say that $5000.00 for a beat up truck like this is a good price when I can get this one for $2050.00
It is also a V8 automatic. I think it just needs better wheels and to be lowered a bit.
I bought my ’77 Stepside with 360 and 727 for $1,500!! It was a runner but the reverse band in the auto had gone. There was some slight tinworm in the roof and door bottoms, but a relatively easy fix. Front fender had a ding but they still make panels for them! Done up they look excellent! Converting it to RHD at the moment because its now in Australia, and 1 of only 2 in the country!! I love ’em simply because they aren’t an F100 or C10!!
I have always been curious, when vehicles are offered with the pinstriping and the lettering and stuff… how are they painted? Are they done by hand? stencil? Decal? Like how was this one done?
Right here at Phoenix Graphics you can buy the graphics for this truck-
https://www.phoenixgraphix.com/p-d/7678dw.php
I had one, mine had the 440″ in it along with every option available. It only had about 10 % of the gold pinstriping left on it but when detailed the black paint looked like new. It boogied down the highway.
The wood bed had rotted away , the only thing holding it down was gravity. All in all it was a nice truck and I still miss it.
I came across this picture of my previously mentioned Warlock.
I remember seeing a dark green Warlock long bead with the 440, pinstripe kit back in the day. The owner said he liked it better once he got in topped out!! I wouldn’t ride with! Stripes were decals & put on the panels after paint, but before they were installed. Roof rot not good & steering wheel spokes rusty, even worse. Good luck to somebody else on this find.
Here is a green one that was for sale on Hemmings.
It is a really nice looking truck.
I see your a fellow Dodge fan Miguel!
I like clean original vehicles.
I have always liked Ford cars, Chevy trucks and Dodge vans.
I am talking about ’60s and early ’70s vehicles.
Considering the cheap price of the Didge trucks, they can be made very nice.
A dodge sells for, where I am, for around $2500 whereas the same year Chevy sells for $6000.00
I can put the extra into the truck and make it super nice.
Totally agree with you. I bought my ’77 D150 for $1,500. It has a 360 with 727 Torqueflite and it is a runner/driver – although the reverse band/lever arm/solenoid in the auto has broken. It has a bit of tinworm in the roof and the bottom of the doors but an easy fix. The front fender has a ding but they still Make replacement panels! I like ’em because they aren’t a F100 or C10. They look great done up and I am itching to get mine back on the road.
I remember checking one out as a kid with my dad at the local Chrysler dealership. Black, four wheel drive. Looking back, I should have hounded my father relentlessly.
The Warlock is a cool looking truck, for sure, but the twin stacks of the Lil Red Express are what sell it for me. The jacked up, poorly tuned 4×4 diesel pieces of crap with twin straight ‘stacks on the road today make me want to blow them up, but these trucks truly had custom style, straight from the factory.
Warlocks were NEVER offered in long bed. Only short stepside and NEVER in deisel
The Warlock was an appearance package.
You ordered your truck with the driveline ( engine, tranny, 2wd or 4wd ), interior ( bucket seats or bench ), long box, short box, radio etc etc.
Then you checked the box for Warlock and got the rims, pinstriping, decals.
I believe the stake sides were a separate option too.
We have a Lil Red Express and talked to quite a few guys about the differences.
Lil Reds were Lil Reds. 360 PI motor, Automatic with shift kit, posi rear end with 3:52 gears, chromed rims, and the smokestacks..
I have seen Warlocks with slant sixes to 440’s, 4wd, standard and auto, all different colors
Hello, they made a nice truck by all standards. I have one like it and I need help to buy spare parts for a Dodge 1978. Can anyone guide me, thank you