Late to the get together, however prepared for the enjoyable.
Dodge was somewhat 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 section was simply beginning to develop in 1974, and the design and options wanted by buyers within the area of interest have been simply beginning to turn into clear. And because the advert beneath demonstrates, Dodge capitalized absolutely on its late-to-the-game standing.
Now often I take pleasure in studying adverts that listing 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 utterly significant tools that will have completely appealed to interval SUV buyers.
The launch advert for the Dodge Ramcharger, seen beneath, makes observe of three fascinating and worthwhile commonplace options:
Detachable Hardtop:
Additionally obtainable on the competitors, however completely cool, and actually, a obligatory function within the section.
Commonplace Full-Time 4WD:
Full-time 4WD was fairly uncommon within the Seventies, and a critical perk of Ramcharger possession. Most interval vehicles featured part-time techniques, 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 understand these coolers would virtually at all times 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 buyers in additional city environments. Once more, having waited to introduce the Ramcharger, Dodge could have performed the most effective hand—and constructed the most effective journey within the section.
Engines
Additionally cool, the Ramcharger’s all V8 lineup, per the advert, included a honking 440-cubic-inch V8. For those who can afford the gasoline, the monster big-block was the way in which 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 referred to 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 prime, although it might need a console stuffed with Stroh’s.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
1974 Dodge Ramcharger Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged photos
