Dodge Li’l Red Express (1978-1979)

The Dodge Li’l Red Express Truck is one of the most iconic and unexpected muscle vehicles of the late 1970s. Produced during a time when emissions regulations were strangling performance, Dodge found a clever loophole—and created the fastest American production vehicle in 1978. It was designed as a performance vehicle that offered the looks and feel of a muscle car with the utility of a truck.

The truck was exclusively painted in a bright “Canyon Red” with gold pinstriping and “Li’l Red Express” decals on the doors and tailgate. A distinctive feature was the pair of vertical chrome exhaust stacks behind the cab, resembling those on semi-trucks, which contributed to its bold appearance and sound. The bed featured oak wood panels with chrome accents, adding to its unique styling. Chrome detailing was prevalent, including the side steps, air cleaner cover, and valve covers.

The Li’l Red Express was powered by a modified 360-cubic-inch (5.9-liter) V8 engine (from the Dodge Pursuit police car), which produced 225 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. All Li’l Red Express trucks came with a three-speed automatic transmission.

The Li’l Red Express was produced for only two model years, 1978 and 1979. Dodge built 2,188 units in 1978 and 5,118 in 1979, production totaling 7,306 trucks.

Dodge Li’l Red Express Truck Overview

Features

• Bright Canyon Red paint
• Gold “Li’l Red Express Truck” decals
• Dual vertical chrome exhaust stacks behind the cab
• 15-inch chrome wheels with raised white-letter tires
• Wood bed trim panels
• Stepside body with chrome bumpers and grille

Specification	Detail
Model Years	1978–1979
Platform	Dodge D150 Utiline (stepside short bed)
Engine	360 cu in (5.9L) High Performance V8 (EH1)
Horsepower	225 hp (gross), ~195 hp (net)
Torque	295 lb-ft
Transmission	3-speed automatic (A727 TorqueFlite)
Rear Axle Ratio	3.55:1 Sure-Grip
0–60 mph	~6.5 seconds (quickest U.S. vehicle in 1978)
Top Speed	~115 mph

Production Numbers

Year	Units Built
1978	2,188
1979	5,118