The Dodge Dakota Li’l Red Express Is A Mid-Size Pickup Unicorn

Most enthusiasts are familiar with the original Li’l Red Express truck from Dodge, which was based on the D-Series platform in the late 1970s and sold across the 1978 and 1979 model years. During a time when emissions regulations were sapping power, Dodge utilized a loophole allowing vehicles with a gross vehicle weight over 6,000 pounds to run without a catalytic converter. The Dodge D150 featured a 6,100-pound GVW and was equipped with a 225-horsepower, 360-cubic-inch V8 engine, along with semi-truck-style exhaust stacks and signature graphics. Over 7,000 customers bought one across two model years, and Hagerty notes that top-condition original models can command in excess of $40,000 or $50,000.

Interestingly, Dodge revisited this formula with its first-generation Dakota, offering a Dakota Li’l Red Express across the 1990, 1991, and 1992 model years. It featured bright red paint, optional V8 power, and non-functional vertical exhaust stacks. Exact production numbers are not specified, but it is widely believed that only between 200 and 500 were produced, with just 30-something built as 1992 models. The base engine for the Dakota was a 3.9-liter V6 producing 125 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, while an upgraded 5.2-liter Magnum V8 delivered 230 horsepower. Unlike the original 1970s truck, performance by the early 1990s was more common, and recent auction results show that Dakota-based Express trucks struggle to gain traction past $15,000.