1961
Dodge, in a rush to stop the 7 year sales drop,
decided to base their all new truck on one of their passenger cars.
They decided their well selling Dart would be the choice.
They began by starting from the ground up,
their goal was to have passenger car styling and handling characteristics.
this is what they came up with:
1961 W-100.
This was the first year that the slant six was used,
along with the poly-spherical (not LA)318 cid V-8.
1962
This year, the Dart pickup was no more, but the truck stayed
the same, with only minute changes, like a new grille.
1963
There were absolutely no styling changes for 1963 because of
Dodge's promise to introduce options as soon as they were ready.
1964
For 1964, Dodge introduced an all new truck.
The compact A-100 pickup and van were introduced
along with the Custom Sport Special.
The Custom Sport Special was really a package that could be included on any
D100, D200, W100, or W200 in swept line or utiline form.
This package included many interior options, chrome grille, and sports car
racing stripes. You could order anything from a 225ci slant six, to a 426
Wedge V-8 rated a 365hp. The A-100 pickup and van was Dodge's first attempt
at the compact truck market, and hit the nail on the head, they soon took
over the lead for the compact truck market.
A-100 pickup.
NEW
1965
For 1965, all Dodge stretched all D100, D200 and W200 wheelbases
to 128". The added length meant an 8ft box standard. also new for this year
was the tailgate had just one latch in the center. In mid '65 Dodge introduced
a new front fascia for the D and W series trucks.
1966
Changes for '66 were minimal, the Custom Sport Special had
the 426 removed from the options.
1967
For '67, styling changes were minimal. also a 383ci V-8 was added
to the engine options. This was the last year for the Custom Sport Special.
1967 Conventional cab Power Wagon Crew Cab.
1968
In 1968 Dodge re-designed the front fascia
of the truck with a
new grille, parking lamps, and headlight rims. Although the C. S. S. was
discontinued this year, it was replaced by the Adventurer Pickup.
Adventurer though, was only available with swept line beds. They were also
available with vinyl covered tops.
Adventurer pickup.
1969
For '69, Dodge restyled the hood on the D and W
series pickups,
by dropping the louvers that dated to 1961. Also, the interior was improved
and the instrument panel was re-styled. Dodge also moved the gearshift
to the steering wheel after having it on the dash since 1957.
1970
1970 very little changed from 1969. This was also the last year
for the A100, van and pickup. The only changes to the D and W series trucks
was a new grille. Dodge designers, this year, were the first to have an
easy-off tailgate ready for the public, and especially the campers.
A new package for 1970 was the Dude package. This package could be
added to any swept line D100 and D200. It contained a "C" stripe over the fenders,
cab and bed, ending with the Dude Logo and a hat.
There is supposed to be a Fargo version of the Dude called the Top Hat Special.
Unlike the Dude, the T. H. S. was only available in Canada for 1970,
while the Dude was available in 1970 and 1971. If you Know anything about the
Top Hat Special, or own own one, PLEASE CONTACT
ME OR THE DUDE
REGISTRY.
The Dude Package.
1971
This was the last year for the Swept Line
Era,
so Dodge changed very little. The Swept line Special was introduced
as a low price pickup designed to sell for less than the competition.