Late to the celebration, however prepared for the enjoyable.
Dodge was just a little lake to the SUV sport, trailing Chevrolet (Blazer, 1969), Ford (Bronco,1966) and GMC (Jimmy, 1970). Additionally, among the many early pickup-based removable-roof SUVs was the Worldwide Scout 80, which debuted means again in 1960.
1974 Dodge Ramcharger
Ramcharger Historical past
Dodge’s late arrival wasn’t actually dangerous information for the model, as gross sales quantity within the phase was simply beginning to develop in 1974, and the design and options wanted by customers within the area of interest have been simply beginning to change into clear. And because the advert under demonstrates, Dodge capitalized totally on its late-to-the-game standing.
Now often I get pleasure from studying adverts that record a bunch of meaningless options as high-value content material—like this nightmare advert for the 1980 Dodge Aspen Particular—however this Ramcharger advert is chock stuffed with fully significant gear that will have completely appealed to interval SUV customers.
The launch advert for the Dodge Ramcharger, seen under, makes be aware of three fascinating and worthwhile commonplace options:
Detachable Hardtop:
Additionally out there on the competitors, however completely cool, and actually, a needed characteristic within the phase.
Commonplace Full-Time 4WD:
Full-time 4WD was fairly uncommon within the Seventies, and a severe perk of Ramcharger possession. Most interval vehicles featured part-time programs, which couldn’t be employed on dry/paved surfaces.
Heart-Console Beer Cooler:
OK, the advert doesn’t point out beer particularly, however come on, that is form of a redneck journey, and you recognize these coolers would virtually all the time be stocked with Pabst, Schaefer, or Stroh’s. However equipping a truck with a built-in cooler in 1974? Fairly cool.
Turning Radius
Additionally, the tight turning radius famous within the advert is each spectacular, and a nod to extra sensible customers in additional city environments. Once more, having waited to introduce the Ramcharger, Dodge might have performed the perfect hand—and constructed the perfect journey within the phase.
Engines
Additionally cool, the Ramcharger’s all V8 lineup, per the advert, included a honking 440-cubic-inch V8. In the event you can afford the fuel, the monster big-block was the way in which to go.
Ram Ramcharger 1500
This iteration of the Ramcharger would final via 1993. Throughout that point Plymouth sellers would promote a clone of the Dodge referred to as Trailduster. The ‘Duster just about mirrored the Dodge detail-for-detail. The Ram model would resurrect the Ramcharger title for 2026, making use of it to a plug-in hybrid variant of the 1500 pickup. Sadly, the pickup doesn’t have a detachable high, although it might need a console stuffed with Stroh’s.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
1974 Dodge Ramcharger Footage
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