Top Down Truck: 1989 Dodge Dakota Convertible – SOLD!

June 28, 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.

Everything that is old tends to be new again at some point. We need to look no further than the current list of top pop music hits, movies, and fashion styles to be reminded that we’re really not all that original as a society. And that’s fine if we keep bringing back things that were once good. Why, then, don’t we have a new convertible pickup offering? This 1989 Dodge Dakota Convertible pickup originally listed in May 2022 on Craigslist in Manning, South Carolina, is a rare bird, and a fantastic reminder that a pickup bed and a convertible roof are a combo we should bring back to life. The seller is asking $10,500 for the truck, and comparing that price against the Classic.com model guide for the pickup shows us that the seller is slightly above what some of the latest sale prices have been, which hover between $7,000 and $9,000:

If you are serious about buying this rare pickup, you can start the conversation by calling Bill at (484) 356-3588. When you connect, please remember to mention you saw their Dakota featured here on GuysWithRides.com.

Personally, I have a conflicted relationship with convertibles. I understand that people love to drop the top and let the sunshine in. Myself, I am less enamored with it and generally see a convertible top and the corresponding motors as an expense waiting to happen. However, I could be swayed for the combination of a manual top that doesn’t take up much real estate and the convenience of a pickup truck bed behind me. A traditional convertible usually gobbles up usable cargo space by virtue of how the top stows; not a problem with the Dakota. And when it comes to rad-era nonsense, a pickup truck with a convertible top is about as extreme as it gets, outside of a Pontiac Fiero pace car with an air induction hoop that goes over the roof of the car (what a garage pairing one of those and this Dakota would be!) The only thing cooler would be a Dakota Shelby pickup with the convertible treatment.

The Library of Old Car Ads YouTube Channel features this 1989 Dodge Dakota commercial:

The seller’s truck presents quite well in photos, with the only real “ding” being the aftermarket wheels that look far too blingy for this pickup. The original five-spoke wheels are a wonderful look for one of these pickups, and thankfully, the seller has retained the factory rollers. Mileage is listed as being 125,000, which isn’t crazy high or low; it certainly isn’t a museum specimen, but at least it has been used. The cost of upkeep should be pretty low aside from any rare bits associated with the top mechanism, and the seller reports he’s done the usual tune-up work with plugs and wires, hoses, air cleaner element, alternator, water pump, and power steering motor. Some minor cosmetic faults are listed in the description but nothing major, and since this Dakota hails from Florida, rust isn’t likely to be an issue. You’ll be the only one at Home Depot with a pickup truck and a convertible in one!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Between 1989 and 1991, Dodge offered something the world hadn’t seen since the 1931 Ford Model T Runabout: a pickup with a folding convertible top. Modified by ASC in California, this rare 1989 Dodge Dakota Sport Convertible is one of just 2,842 built in its’ introduction year. In 1990, a reduced 909 units were produced, followed by a mere 8 in 1991, fulfilling Dodge’s contract with ASC; a grand total of just 3,759.

o This all-original Pickup has a Clean CARFAX Report, indicating it has been Florida owned since purchased on 5/15/89. With just 125K Miles (3,800 Mile Annual Average), it has a rust-free body, and the factory-installed 3.9 Liter V6 and 4 Speed automatic transmission. It is factory equipped with A/C, P/S, P/W, P/D.

o White with Black Convertible Top / Fender Trim / Grill / Front & Rear Bumpers / Pinstripe/ Dark Tinted Windows.

o New P225/70R15 Cooper Cobra Radial G/T White Walls on Custom Chrome Wheels; Balanced w/ Front End Alignment. ‘Drives Smooth & Straight.

o Original Dodge Dakota Wheels Included in Sale

o Interior is all original Burgundy Striped Cloth Seats with matching carpet, DAKOTA embossed Driver & Passenger Seats w/ Folding Armrest, Original AM/FM Cassette w/ Digital Clock

o 125 MPH Speedo w Tach

The Truck has just been fully serviced, with all new Fluids, Spark Plugs & Wires, Hoses & Belts, Air Cleaner, Alternator, Water Pump, Power Steering Unit, & 4 Tires. It is in need of nothing mechanical to my knowledge.

Cosmetically, minor pictured imperfections include 2 Dash Cracks / Holes (fully covered by a new matching Burgundy carpeted dash pad), a small tailgate dent (fully covered by a metal Black American Flag matching the License Plate Frame), and a small hood paint chip (with touch-up paint) at the Dodge emblem. The 6’6” Bed is fully equipped for a snap-on Tonneau Cover, with support brackets, if desired). The Black Grill and Front & Rear Bumpers have faded with age (cosmetically enhanced with new Black paint, if desired).

Personal &/or Independent Inspections are welcomed. Florida Certificate of Title, clear of Lien, is in hand.”

Convertible question: would you drive a pickup truck with a soft top?