1982 Dodge Pickup

[Bok Wykes]

TheDodge Rampage was a subcompact unibody[1] coupe utility based on Chrysler's L platform and manufactured and marketed from 1982 to 1984 model years. Plymouth marketed a rebadged variant for model year 1983, as the Scamp.

The Rampage combined the handling and passenger carrying characteristics of a traditional passenger car with the open-bed versatility and load capacity of a small pickup truck, similar to its competitors: the Volkswagen Rabbit Sportruck and Subaru BRAT.

The Rampage borrowed the car's unibody construction and front end panels and components from the Dodge Omni 024 (later renamed the Charger), using the suspension from its parent vehicles with coil struts and a linkless sway bar at the front, and leaf springs with shock absorbers unique to the Rampage at the rear.[2]

The Rampage was available with a Chrysler-built and designed 2.2 L carbureted inline-four engine with 84 hp (63 kW) to 99 hp (74 kW) depending on the year, a curb weight of around 2,400 lb (1,100 kg) and used a four-speed manual transmission or three-speed automatic transmission. These arrangements gave the vehicle limited performance.

In 1984, the Rampage received a facelifted front fascia shared with the Charger, with quad 165 mm x 100 mm sealed beam headlights opposed to the dual 200 mm x 142 mm sealed beam headlights found on previous models. The grille was also changed, switching from a 6-slot design to a vertically split design. The lower bumper featured revised indicators, a horizontally split lower air intake, and an impact strip that wrapped around the front end.

The Plymouth Scamp was only marketed for 1983. The Rampage lasted three years before being dropped from production after the 1984 model year. There was a "Shelby Rampage" built by Chrysler/Shelby engineers in their free time for Carroll Shelby, but there is no official record of the existence of such a vehicle. However, a special California market "Direct Connection" Rampage was built in 1984 and only sold at certain California-area Dodge dealerships, which featured the front fascia from the Shelby Charger, 15-inch alloy wheels, and a ground effects package.[3]

Dodge resurrected the Rampage name at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show with a front-wheel drive concept pickup. As opposed to the original Rampage, this concept vehicle was as large as the full-size Dodge Ram. It was powered by the 5.7 L Hemi V8 and featured "Stow 'n Go" seating taken from the Chrysler minivans.

This Dodge D50 stands out not only for its mechanical prowess but also for its sporty design. The gold exterior exudes a timeless charm, while the burgundy interior adds a touch of elegance. The color-matched wheels complement the overall aesthetic, making it a head-turner at any event.

For a compact pickup from the early 1980s, this Dodge D50 offers surprising comfort and convenience features. Equipped with air conditioning, it ensures a pleasant driving experience even during scorching summers. The pushbutton radio and tinted glass add to the retro allure of this classic truck.

As this 1982 Dodge D50 pickup truck rolls onto the auction block at Mecum Dallas Auction 2023, it brings with it a sense of nostalgia and a reminder of a bygone era when compact trucks were the norm. Its highly original condition and well-maintained 2.6-liter engine make it an enticing prospect for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

In an age where modern vehicles are increasingly growing in size, the resurgence of interest in compact trucks like the Dodge D50 is a testament to the enduring appeal of practicality and simplicity. With vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Maverick, and rumored releases from Toyota and the all-new Ram Rampage, it seems that the market is once again embracing the compact truck segment.

As the gavel falls at Mecum Dallas Auction 2023 on Wednesday, September 20th, this 1982 Dodge D50 compact pickup represents a reminder that classics never truly go out of style and that sometimes, smaller is indeed better.

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