Late to the occasion, however prepared for the enjoyable.
Dodge was a bit 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 had 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 utterly significant gear that will have completely appealed to interval SUV buyers.
The launch advert for the Dodge Ramcharger, seen under, makes observe 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.
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 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 type of a redneck trip, and you realize these coolers would nearly 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 buyers in additional city environments. Once more, having waited to introduce the Ramcharger, Dodge might have performed the perfect hand—and constructed the perfect trip 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 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 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 prime, although it may need a console stuffed with Stroh’s.
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1974 Dodge Ramcharger Footage
Click on under for enlarged photos
