STORIES ON WHEELS

According to Dodge, its shortbed Custom was America's lowest priced full-size pickup on the market in 1975 and 1976, capable of achieving a 26 mpg highway rating from a standard Slant Six engine. "For a few dollars more," a customer could have added the Spirit of '76 package, which included star-spangled and Spirit of '76 decals, a premium interior upholstery package, added exterior brightwork, and bright finish wheelcovers, all of which are present on this example (save for the aftermarket wheels). 

During the 1977 season, Dodge released a Limited Edition version of the Charger mid-year, often called the Midnight Edition or Midnight Special. Regardless of nomenclature, each started off as a regular production model that was pulled from the assembly line and sent to Motortown Inc. for conversion. Obvious changes were made to include a body-colored grille, painted outside mirrors, and a landau vinyl covered roof cap. How many were built? According to a 1977 Motor Trend article, approximately 2,400 were to be made - it's been speculated far fewer were actually built and even fewer survive. This all-original example has only traveled 13,000 miles.

A shift in buying power combined with market overlap within Chrysler Corporation ultimately led to the demise of the De Soto brand just a couple months into the 1961 production run. The division had to have seen it coming, for the controversially styled cars didn't even sport a model designation. One could buy a two-door De Soto, or a four-door. Trim level? What trim level?

Just 911 two-door examples, such as this one, were built. Four-door production ceased after 2,123 rolled off the assembly line.

This is a magical combination for Mopar performance enthusiasts: a Challenger R/T convertible fitted with a 440 cubic inch V-8 engine. In U.S. market trim, like this one, the engine was paired with a four-speed manual just 34 times, whereas the V-8 was installed with a TorqueFlite automatic just 129 times.

The one and only owner of this Satellite convertible was 18 when he purchased it. State law stated that because he was under 21, he needed an adult signature, so his mother co-signed on his behalf. With a pair of sisters recently purchasing cars, the local banking institution wasn't ready to do more business with the family, so a loan had to be secured through Chrysler financing. Look for a full feature about this incredible one-owner story in the near future.

What looks like a Dodge light-duty pickup but isn't a Dodge light-duty pickup? The answer is a Fargo: Chrysler Corporation's Canadian version of the American truck brand. This 1968 edition was in the famed, all-original "Survivor" tent at the show.