By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Stellantis North American Archives, Old Car Weekly, BBspot.com
Published 8.21.2024
The 1965 Dodge Little Red Wagon (Old Car Weekly)
One of the most popular custom pickup trucks during the 1960s was the Dodge Little Red Wagon, which was introduced in 1965. As a young kid at the time, I became a huge fan of this truck.
Sales material for the 1965 Dodge A 100 (Stellantis North American Archives)
The pickup truck was created by truck model builders Jim Schaeffer and John Collier. The two talented model builders designed extensive modifications to a 1965 Dodge A 100 model pickup truck to accommodate a 426 V8 Hemi engine, a very popular Chrysler engine that became one of the company’s trademarks.
The 1965 Dodge Little Red Wagon with wheels up (BBSpot.com)
According to automotive historians, the Dodge Little Red Wagon was an exhibition drag racing truck and the first wheel standing truck. The Hemi engine made it one of the fastest trucks on the racetrack.
Another view of the 1965 Dodge Little Red Wagon (BBSpot.com)
The Little Red Wagon attracted huge crowds during the 1960s and 1970s on both the racing circuit and indoor shows. The truck became so popular that toy companies started manufacturing model kits and replicas of the 1965 Dodge Little Red Wagon.
The IMC 1965 Dodge Little Red Wagon model kit (Robert Tate Collection)
On the track, the Dodge Little Red Wagon model was driven by Bill Maverick, whose real name was Billy Lawrence Golden (December 31, 1933 - September 14, 2015). The truck’s red color also became very popular among spectators and enthusiasts.
Unloading the 1965 Dodge Little Red Wagon (Old Car Weekly)
The Dodge Little Red Wagon featured a modified rear wheel drive connection that allowed the truck to launch with incredible acceleration on the track, setting quarter mile records. The truck created a chapter for developing high-performance trucks and opened up a new performance market for pickup trucks that appealed to younger drivers.
The 1965 Dodge Little Red Wagon (FlickRiver.com)
In 1993, driver Bill Maverick was inducted into the International Drag Racing Hall Of Fame, recognized for his great talent and performances behind the wheel of the Dodge Little Red Wagon.
The 1965 Little Red Wagon on display for fans (BBSpot.com)
In conclusion, the Dodge Little Red Wagon truck played a crucial role in reshaping the perception and design of modern-day pickups. It made history with its great performance and was recognized all over the world as a great-looking truck. You can see examples of it in many museums across the country.
Bibliography
Serious Truck.Com. “The Legendary Power of the Dodge Little Red Wagon Pickup Truck: A Classic Masculine Icon Revs up the Roads.”
Motor Trend. “Where it all began: The Little Red Wagon.” March 1, 2013.
Ernst, Kurt. “After a 16-year Absence, the Little Red Wagon Wheel Standup Returns to the Track.” Hemmings.com, March 25, 2024.