There’s always some shock value to seeing a vehicle that brings good money in restored condition languishing in a private yard. That’s not to say this 1978 Dodge Lil’ Red Express pickup is worth crazy money, but it is one of those vehicles that more than a few enthusiasts would like to have in their collection. Find this rare sport truck here on eBay with an opening bid of $2,500 and no reserve.
Just 2,188 Dodge Lil’ Red Express trucks were produced in 1978, the first year of the special edition model. These were serious performers for the era, recognized as the fastest truck Car and Driver had ever tested and coming from the factory without catalytic convertors. The iconic chrome stacks along the back of the cab are still present, as is the wood trim on the bed.
The interior isn’t a total loss and appears downright usable despite the truck appearing to be abandoned in an Albany, New York, backyard. The “tuff” steering wheel is a classic design and it’s good to see it still in place here. However, turning a wheel will be a while as the seller notes a few issues: first, it no longer has its cop-spec 360, as a 318 resides under the hood. And despite a rebuild in the past, that motor is now locked up.
The seller notes, “Body is very solid with minimal rust here and there. The bed is rotted out where it is wood and metal strips.” Sounds like that ornamental wood did it no favors, but you can bet if this truck is restored, those are among the first cosmetic items that will be refreshed. The opening bid seems fair for such a tired truck, and we certainly hope this awesome Lil’ Red Express is restored rather than parted out.
The seller states that he might have the original block, if so, it should be included. Atleast, that’s what I think.It’s not complete with out it.
Meh.
Rust bucket
The tired “I” word again. Chrome stacks do not fit that definition.
Had a similar but not Lil’ Red Express. It was a 1979 Dodge D100 Avenger like this one without the Lil’ Red Express package. Stepside wood bed floor all of the same interior but different engine and no stacks.
Worst vehicle I ever owned. I chalk that up to Dodge going into bankruptcy.
Bought the thing new and had it towed back to dealer 19 miles later. Check engine light came on at 300 miles. 2 quarts low on oil. Truck was using a quart ever 150 miles. Dealer replaced head gaskets, intake manifold gaskets and valve cover gaskets. Got oil consumption down to 1 quart every 600 miles. Complained about this and was told if gets more than 500 miles a quart it was within specs. That was only the beginning.
This truck had an electrical issue of some kind. In 3 years about 40,000 miles this thing had 3 alternator’s, 2 electronic control modules, headlight switch, emergency brake cable, rear wheel bearings, new brake calipers and more under warranty. Headlights were another story. Had to keep a spare in the truck because every few months I had to replace one. I would guess 10 to 12 headlamps in 3 years.
On top of all that the thing had a mind of it’s own. Driving it would just buck and bounce at will if the temperature was under 40 until it warmed up. If temp was over 80 it would just decide to start shaking, engine loose most power not all but go no more than 30 MPH a sudden drop when on the interstate had to move to sholder, then all of a sudden regain power usually blowing all kinds of black smoke out the back.
It did not have the police engine but did have the past reliable 318. What a piece of junk. If the truck pictured was anything like mine I know why it was left to rot.
By the way the lemon law was just coming into existence and did not help me.
Good purchase. It’s worth restoring.
Nothing says Mopar like a pistol grip shifter!
Restore the body. Update chassis. Add Cummins turbo diesel or Hemi. All this if original motor is not available.
I always love a rebuilt stuck engine. It reminds me of a line like original Corvette with correct date code engine (ie not original).
This thing is sitting to close to the muddy ground and going to need serious rust removal. It’s sad to see a junkyard car that was nice once .
Here is a running much better start than this parts car at best
https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1978/dodge/li_l_red_express/100842029
That’s a Vegas no rust baby for 8k!!!
Gr8 deal!
Not a mopar fan but I’ve always liked these trucks. Not meant to be a work truck, these were hot rods in truck disguise. A fellow cruise night man in 7-points, Texas has one in perfect condition. He actually lives in nearby Athens, but loves to show the truck at every opportunity. Big difference between 8k and 2500. I think I’d rather go with the junk yard dog, sometimes they turn out to be the best as in “Real Steel” go Atom.
If original Motor not there, and build sheet, this is just another rusting out dodge pick-up, and they are all over the landscape.
What else is in that yard? There’s a ’70 Plymouth B body front bumper in the bed, and I spy the left front corner of a ’66/67 Belvedere to the side in another pic.
I have loved these since they first came out! I hope someone can return this poor baby to what it was decades ago because right now it looks more like it was a Lil Red manure hauler for much of its life.
Lil red express truck ? How about lil dead express truck. Its going to need everything and you’ll have a lil dead wallet when your done.
That one is more than just a lil dead. Its a-lot-o-dead.
Always been a fan of the Lil Red Express truck, but sad to see one in this bad of shape. Unless someone has money to burn (a lot of money!) you will never recover the restoration cost…this is an easy pass for me…