Late to the occasion, however prepared for the enjoyable.
Dodge was slightly 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 manner 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 section was simply beginning to develop by 1974, and the design and options wanted by consumers within the area of interest have been simply beginning to change into clear. And because the advert under demonstrates, Dodge capitalized absolutely on its late-to-the-game standing.
Now often I get pleasure from 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 fully significant tools that may have completely appealed to interval SUV consumers.
The launch advert for the Dodge Ramcharger, seen under, makes notice of three fascinating and worthwhile normal options:
Detachable Hardtop:
Additionally accessible on the competitors, however completely cool, and actually, a vital function within the section.
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 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 sort of a redneck experience, and you already know these coolers would nearly all the time 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 consumers in additional city environments. Once more, having waited to introduce the Ramcharger, Dodge could have performed the perfect hand—and constructed the perfect experience 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 best way 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 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 stuffed with Stroh’s.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
1974 Dodge Ramcharger Footage
Click on under for enlarged photographs
