The Li’l Red Express: America’s Fastest Vehicle of the 1970s
In the 1970s, Dodge created a life-sized Hot Wheels truck that would become a piece of automotive history – the Li’l Red Express. This pickup truck wasn’t just the fastest in America; it was once the fastest vehicle in the US, period.
The Li’l Red Express was part of Dodge’s Adult Toys lineup, designed to resemble real-life Hot Wheels with a Western theme. It featured wood paneling, a Canyon Red paint job, and rodeo-ready decals. Despite its unique design, the truck received mixed reviews and was only produced for two years due to its high price of around $7,400.
How Li’l Red Express Became the Fastest Truck in America
The Li’l Red Express boasted a 5.9-liter V8 engine, producing 225HP and 295LB-FT of torque. In 1978, it achieved the title of the fastest American-built production vehicle, even outperforming Corvettes and Camaros. This feat was possible due to a loophole in emission laws for light trucks, allowing Dodge to install a police-spec V8 engine.
The truck could accelerate from 0 to 100MPH in 19.9 seconds and reached a top speed of 118.9MPH. Although it was later surpassed by Ford’s Mustang and Chevrolet’s Corvette, its legacy remained. Only 7,305 units were produced, making it a rare collector’s item. Today, a 1978 model can fetch up to $25,700.
The Li’l Red Express may have faded into relative obscurity, but it deserves a spot in the Automotive Hall of Fame for its exceptional specs and toy-like looks. Its story is a fascinating piece of nearly forgotten automotive history, making it an interesting subject for car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
