The Birth of a Muscle Truck
In the late 1970s, Dodge took an unconventional approach to creating a series of ‘Adult Toys’ that blurred the line between playthings and reality. The result was the Dodge Li’l Red Express, a pickup truck that would become the fastest American vehicle on the market in 1978.
A Wild Ride from the ’70s
Imagine the Beverley Hillbillies trading their 1921 Oldsmobile Model 46 for something more muscular and modern, and you get a picture of the Li’l Red Express. This wasn’t just any pickup truck; it was part of a short-lived series of grown-up Hot Wheels-style vehicles by a major muscle carmaker. Its insane speed was made possible by a loophole in regulations, making it a standout in the automotive world.
Unleashing the Beast
The Li’l Red Express was fitted with a 5.9-liter V8 engine, packing serious performance for its time. With a top speed of 118.9 mph and the ability to sprint to 100 mph in 19.9 seconds, it outperformed many sports cars, including the Porsche 928 and Ferrari 308/GTS. Its quarter-mile time of 14.71 seconds at 93 mph was impressive for any vehicle in 1978.
The Secret to its Speed
Dodge exploited an emissions loophole that allowed them to tweak the engine without recertification, giving the Li’l Red Express its oomph. The engine, based on Chrysler’s police car mills, featured a more aggressive camshaft, an 850-cfm Carter Thermoquad carburetor, cold-air intake, and heavy valve springs. This configuration resulted in 225 net horsepower, a respectable figure considering many muscle cars of the era had less than half that output.
A Brief but Glorious Run
The Li’l Red Express was produced in two model years: 1978 and 1979. The 1978 model was the more desirable of the two, with only 2,188 units manufactured. The 1979 model received a catalytic converter and a milder cam, which reduced its performance. Despite this, a total of 5,188 units were sold in 1979.
Collectibility and Value
Today, the Li’l Red Express remains relatively affordable for its performance and uniqueness. According to Hagerty Valuation Tools, a 1978 model in good condition is worth around $25,700, while a 1979 model is valued at $22,700. Prices may vary based on condition and rarity.
Visual Highlights
