1976 Dodge Other Dodge Models

Rare 1976 Dodge Pickup Truck

VIN:  D13BD6S235431

• 440 HP Engine
• 727 Transmission
• Over 500 Horsepower
• Appraiser 20 years ago said 7 vehicles or less were made
• Rare VIN number, difficult to find information on vehicle.
• Unknown "XX" marks on placard (see photo)
• Oak boards in bed

Background:  This truck was a prototype created by Dodge in 1976. Difficult to trace VIN.  Reached out to Dodge classics and they were also unable to provide information on the VIN (see copy of letter at end of description) . It may be the only one that has survived time. In 1976 there was a strike by the union and then later, the gas crunch. Dodge decided to jettison this prototype and created another vehicle instead with better gas mileage. Years later, the "Little Red Express" came to fruition. The project was scraped and an executive from Dodge took it home while the other vehicles were crushed. If there were other trucks made, it may have been 7 or less.

This is an original orange vehicle but has been repainted in a similar color. A new bed floor has recently been installed. The vehicle has also been equipped with a set of Keystone mags and 60/70 series tires.  Two Centerline rims also come with the truck along with other racing kits and parts.

Engine/Engine Compartment

Overall Condition:  Some surface rust is popping up in places. It has over 500 horsepower and was used for drag racing back in the day. Air conditioning compressor remains installed but is not functioning since it takes away the horsepower. Previous mechanic wanted to defy gravity and made this truck as fast as possible. A set of aftermarket tube headers have also been installed.

Chassis

Underside floor pans show some small areas of rust through. Custom dual exhaust system is in decent condition. A new oak bed floor has just been installed in the box and looks nice. Vehicle is equipped with a set of older Keystone spoke wheels mounted on P205/70R15 and P275/60R15 rubber. Front bumper remains in fair condition but chrome is aging and somewhat scratched.

Interior

Upholstery is in good shape. Seat upholstery shows some light wear. Carpet also shows some wear. Door panels appear in good condition. Gauges remain in good condition with some slight discoloration and light lens scratches. Dash pad shows no cracks or warpage. Stock AM push button radio remains in the dash.

Exterior

Has been repainted in a similar color to original. Paint is of amateur quality. Body panels appear straight and panel gaps are acceptable. All glass remains in good condition with no chips, cracks or separation. Front grill remains in good condition.

Summary/Comments

This is an interesting and rare performance truck that led to the start of the Warlock and True Spirit and eventually, the Little Red Express several years later. This would be a fun truck for an avid Mopar truck collector. Trucks are hot at the moment and this is one you normally don’t see. I bought this from a family member over 20 years ago and just kept it in storage and slowly have been restoring it over the years.  Wife wants it out of the garage to improve quality of marriage.

Reasonable Price is Negotiable!

Letter from Dodge:

Thank you for contacting the FCA Historical Archives and I apologize for the delay.  Unfortunately, we do not have build records or production records for trucks in our files.  These records were never transferred to the archives and do not exist within the company.  As for the "XX" under MDH on your tag, I am unsure what this means and am not currently working in the office at this time, due to COVID-19.  If you happen to have access to a service or parts manual for this year, the front general section gives an explanation as to what the plates represent.  I am not sure that it will specify the meaning of the "XX", though.  You could also try reaching out to car clubs to see if members are able to help.