Back in late 1970s, the U.S. Government imposed limits on average fuel consumption by light passenger cars, forcing manufacturers to ditch large engine blocks in that segment. This Dodge D150 nicknamed “Li’l Red Express” escaped this fate by virtue of being a truck, and is now up for grabs at an auction.
The bidding has reached $22,300 with a few days remaining. This D150 comes powered by its standard catless 5.9-liter V8 with exhaust pipes sticking out behind the cab. The power output is rather retro at 225 PS (222 hp / 165 kW), but back in its era, Car and Driver called the Li’l Red Express the fastest new American car on the market.
Around 10,000 pickups were produced in total, finished in red with natural wood bed lining. In this particular example, the engine receives assistance from an Edelbrock carburetor, but the seller does not provide any power or torque numbers. A three-speed automatic gearbox drives the wheels.
The pickup went through a complete overhaul eight years ago, ending up with a new paintjob and interior trim, an AC and 15-inch chrome wheels.