Late to the occasion, however prepared for the enjoyable.
Dodge was somewhat lake to the SUV recreation, 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 unhealthy information for the model, as gross sales quantity within the phase was simply beginning to develop by 1974, and the design and options wanted by customers within the area of interest had been simply beginning to change into clear. And because the advert under demonstrates, Dodge capitalized totally on its late-to-the-game standing.
Now normally I take pleasure in studying advertisements that checklist 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 filled with utterly significant gear that will have completely appealed to interval SUV customers.
The launch advert for the Dodge Ramcharger, seen under, makes word of three fascinating and worthwhile commonplace options:
Detachable Hardtop:
Additionally obtainable on the competitors, however completely cool, and actually, a obligatory function within the phase.
Normal 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 methods, 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 sort of a redneck experience, and you realize these coolers would nearly at all times have been 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 one of the best hand—and constructed one of the best experience within the phase.
Engines
Additionally cool, the Ramcharger’s all V8 lineup, per the advert, included a honking 440-cubic-inch V8. Should you can afford the gasoline, the monster big-block was the best way to go.
Ram Ramcharger 1500
This iteration of the Ramcharger would final by means of 1993. Throughout that point Plymouth sellers would promote a clone of the Dodge known as Trailduster. The ‘Duster just about mirrored the Dodge detail-for-detail. The Ram model would resurrect the Ramcharger identify 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 filled with Stroh’s.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
1974 Dodge Ramcharger Footage
Click on under for enlarged photographs
