Swansong Sleeper: 1985 Dodge Ram 150 Utiline – SOLD!
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May 9, 2022, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.
The final model year of Dodge’s stepside-style “Utiline” bed proved to be 1985. Chrysler’s final production year for its famed 440 cubic inch Big Block V8 engine was 1978. With no significant details provided, this mildly customized 1985 Dodge D150 Utiline originally listed in April 2022 on Craigslist in St. Louis, Missouri features a 440 V8 combined with a custom black velour interior.
Currently offered for $16,900, comparing that price against the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask is higher than this guide’s #1 “Excellent” estimate of $11,200.
As one of the early steps in his bold turn-around plan, Lee Iacocca directed Dodge to rebadge its aging D-Series pickup facelift in October 1980 as the Dodge Ram. Updating a ten-year-old design, changes including an embossed “DODGE RAM” name on the tailgate along with similar trim updates for the grille, hood, taillights, and the entire interior. More subtle was the addition of a “shoulder” line reminiscent of the GM competition. Beginning in 1982, Dodge began using even more corrosion-resistant steel in the construction of the trucks. Dodge continued building its version of the traditional pickup bed, branded as the “Utiline” through the 1985 model year. Coinciding with the styling changes was a narrower range of engines. The base power plant was the 225 cubic inch Slant Six, with the 318 cubic inch and 360 cubic inch LA-series V8s optional.
This 1985 Dodge Ram commercial featured on the BetaMax YouTube Channel tried to play on the sentimental side of potential truck buyers:
Unfortunately, in addition to providing very few details, the seller of this 1985 Doge Ram D15o Utiline did not provide an underhood picture of the 440 V8. We suspect the power provided by the big block Mopar makes this sedate-looking Dodge Ram a very surprising sleeper.
Here’s the seller’s brief description:
“I am selling a 1985 Dodge D150
440 V8 Automatic
2WD”
Show or go: What would you do with this 1985 Dodge Ram D-150? If so, comment below and let us know!
I would do a “go” build. Maybe a V-10 with all the extras.