Photo: cheim52/eBay
When talking about Dodge pickup trucks, we usually think about the long-running D-series (1960-1993) or the Ram nameplate that debuted in 1980. But Dodge also offered a forward control hauler based on the A100 compact van.
The latter arrived in 1964 as a competitor for the Ford Econoline and Chevrolet Greenbrier, which debuted in 1960 and 1961, respectively. And much like its competitors, it was also aimed at the Volkswagen Type 2 (also known as the Transporter/Bus). Dodge offered the A100 as a passenger van, cargo van, and pickup.
The latter shared underpinnings, including the engine, with the van version. The hauler debuted with a pair of Slant-6 units. The base 170-cubic-inch (2.8-liter) mill delivered 101 horsepower, while the optional 225-cubic-inch powerplant was rated 145 horses.
In 1965, Dodge added a 273-cubic-inch (4.5-liter) LA V8 to the lineup. It was replaced in 1967 by the bigger 318-cubic-inch (5.2-liter) V8, good for 210 horsepower. In 1970, the A100's final year on the market, a 125-horsepower 198-cubic-inch (3.2-liter) inline-six was also available. Transmission choices included three-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.
Come 2023, the A100 pickup isn't a super-rare truck, but examples in solid condition are becoming increasingly more difficult to find. The survival rate of this pickup is quite low, with only a few thousand examples still out there. And most of them are waiting to be rescued in junkyards or barns. The 1969 version you see here just came out of hibernation after a whopping 42 years.
Not surprising for a vehicle that sat for more than four decades in a barn, this A100 has a few rust issues to complain about. But amazingly enough, it's still in one piece and it looks like it could make it back on public roads with proper restoration. Moreover, it appears to be highly original, a rare feat on workhorses from the past.
Much like the exterior, the interior has seen better days. The upholstery needs a complete overhaul, while the floor displays surface rust. The dashboard is in fairly good condition, though.
This pickup relied on the 225-cubic-inch Slant-6 before it was parked for good. It was the base engine at the time, slotted under the 318 V8. The unit appears to be complete, but the seller says it's stuck. This unfortunate situation will most likely require a rebuild, but a swap is also an option should you need more oomph.
Is this pickup worth restoring? Well, it really depends on how much cash one wants to pour into it. While these trucks aren't as sought after as their van counterparts, some have crossed the auction block for more than $30,000 in recent years. I've also seen a couple of custom builds change hands for over $40,000.
All told, restoring a pickup like this needs to be a labor of love before anything else. But a V8 swap and psychedelic paint job would turn it into an attention-grabbing hot rod. At $5,000 or best offer, is this pickup a solid project?
The latter shared underpinnings, including the engine, with the van version. The hauler debuted with a pair of Slant-6 units. The base 170-cubic-inch (2.8-liter) mill delivered 101 horsepower, while the optional 225-cubic-inch powerplant was rated 145 horses.
In 1965, Dodge added a 273-cubic-inch (4.5-liter) LA V8 to the lineup. It was replaced in 1967 by the bigger 318-cubic-inch (5.2-liter) V8, good for 210 horsepower. In 1970, the A100's final year on the market, a 125-horsepower 198-cubic-inch (3.2-liter) inline-six was also available. Transmission choices included three-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.
Come 2023, the A100 pickup isn't a super-rare truck, but examples in solid condition are becoming increasingly more difficult to find. The survival rate of this pickup is quite low, with only a few thousand examples still out there. And most of them are waiting to be rescued in junkyards or barns. The 1969 version you see here just came out of hibernation after a whopping 42 years.
Not surprising for a vehicle that sat for more than four decades in a barn, this A100 has a few rust issues to complain about. But amazingly enough, it's still in one piece and it looks like it could make it back on public roads with proper restoration. Moreover, it appears to be highly original, a rare feat on workhorses from the past.
Much like the exterior, the interior has seen better days. The upholstery needs a complete overhaul, while the floor displays surface rust. The dashboard is in fairly good condition, though.
This pickup relied on the 225-cubic-inch Slant-6 before it was parked for good. It was the base engine at the time, slotted under the 318 V8. The unit appears to be complete, but the seller says it's stuck. This unfortunate situation will most likely require a rebuild, but a swap is also an option should you need more oomph.
Is this pickup worth restoring? Well, it really depends on how much cash one wants to pour into it. While these trucks aren't as sought after as their van counterparts, some have crossed the auction block for more than $30,000 in recent years. I've also seen a couple of custom builds change hands for over $40,000.
All told, restoring a pickup like this needs to be a labor of love before anything else. But a V8 swap and psychedelic paint job would turn it into an attention-grabbing hot rod. At $5,000 or best offer, is this pickup a solid project?
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