The Lil' Red Express was a particular variant of the 1978 third-generation Dodge D-series pickup. It was in production from 1978 to 1979. Though designed as a truck, Dodge had indeed made a speedy vehicle for its customers who were deprived of one because of the strict emission control rules and other factors. The muscle car era was long gone, and the automobile industry was struggling with higher fuel prices, additional safety mandates, and skyrocketing insurance rates. To do away with the situation, most of the car and truck manufacturers were forced to shed the horsepower off their production automobiles.

Dodge bypassed the rule by using a loophole in it. Dodge figured out that the emission laws for medium-duty trucks had some loose ends and introduced the Lil Red Express. This little truck was shipped without a catalytic converter and packed a V8 engine that gave the car a sporty edge. The Red Express was a part of Dodge's highly customizable truck and van package, the 'Adult Toys'. Originally conceived as the 'Red Warlock', the truck saw the streets as Lil Red Express and became the most famous member of the 'Adult Toys' segment. It surpassed its other siblings, such as Street Van, Ramcharger, and Power Wagon.

The Lil' Red Express was known for its flamboyant styling, unmatched speed, and leading performance in the half-ton pickup segment. Here are just some of the many reasons why we love this Lil red monster.

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The Flashy And Bright Design

An Image Of A 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express
Via CruisinClassics.com

Evident from its name, this vehicle was all red with extensive use of chrome. The most notable and attractive feature on the outside was the flashy bright red paint. The other appealing factors were the shiny chromium-wrapped front grille and headlights, dual chromium big-rig styled upward exhaust behind the driver's cabin, genuine oak plate finish on the sides of the cargo bed outer walls, and chrome bumpers on the front and rear.

To feature its special status, both the cabin doors were adorned with golden-colored 'Lil' Red Express' graphics. The model nameplate graphics again appeared in the cargo door in the middle of oaken overlays. The cargo bed was featured with pinewood slabs. Chromium finish was also added to the air cleaner lid and valve covers inside the engine bay hood. It was apparent from its design that Dodge had planned to offer its customers a vehicle that would be as shiny and stylish as a sports car. The mid-size truck body was but a mere façade to tweak the emission control.

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The Highly-Customizable Interior

1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express's Interior
Via Barett-Jackson.com

Following the tradition of 'Adult Toys', the Lil' Express offered myriad customization options to its customers. Folks could choose from red or black trimmed seats along with a choice of the bucket or bench seats. Evoking the memory of the muscle car era, the standard gauge cluster and steering wheel were installed in a fashion that no other truck of that time had. The Tuff power steering had a transmission shifter mounted on the column. The AM/FM radio, oil pressure gauge, and convenience package were standard in every Red Express. Customers could also opt for air conditioning and tinted glass.

The Fast And Powerful Engine

An Image Of 1978 Dodge Lil' Red Express's Engine
Via Pinterest / Jerry

It was carved for outstanding speed, eye-catching style, and heavy-duty performance. The Lil' Red Express was built upon a short 115-inch wheelbase. It had a Utiline-style half-ton D150 pickup, with a 6,050-pound gross vehicle weight.

The engine was the real key behind the car's massive popularity despite its brief appearance. Specially designed for higher speed and bypassing emission laws, the Red Express's powertrain consisted of a 360 cubic inch modified Chrysler V8 engine. This engine differed from other trucks V8 because it had an E58 Police specification with Superflow head, a 252° duration with 33° of overlap camshaft, a dual-snorkel air intake, a cold air induction, and an A-727 modified 3-speed transmission.

A four-barrel carburetor, specially modified cylinder heads, and heavy-duty valve springs were also packed in the automobile to optimize the engine's performance. With these extensive upgrades, the engine could produce 225 hp and 295 lb/ft of torque through its rear wheel and could swoosh from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds with a top speed of 100 mph.

This stylish red truck gained massive popularity in its short production span, and the 7306 Red Expresses were sold like hotcakes. In 1979, due to changes in emission control rules, a catalytic converter was added to the automobile that took a toll on its performance but still, the medium truck led in its performance and was the preferred top choice. Dodge also built two more powerful 440 hp Red Expresses, but those were only limited to auto expos and never came to production.

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