How many 1957 Dodge D100s were made?
Exact production totals for the 1957 Dodge D-100 are not publicly published by the manufacturer, so there is no single definitive figure. Most credible sources describe the number as an estimate within the tens of thousands, but the precise total remains unknown.
Context and what is known about the 1957 D-100
The 1957 Dodge D-100 is part of the era’s light-duty pickups, and discussions of its production rely on archived records, dealer literature, and veteran registries rather than a published official tally. Record-keeping from the period was inconsistent, and many numbers are reconstructed from secondary sources rather than primary factory sheets.
To understand the question and its challenges, here are the key points researchers consider when addressing 1957 D-100 production figures:
- No widely published official production total for the 1957 D-100 exists from Dodge or its parent company.
- Enthusiast historians and reference guides typically provide estimates rather than a precise count, often describing the figure as "tens of thousands" without a firm public denominator.
- Variations in model naming, regional markets, and export versus domestic sales complicate attempts to derive a single national total.
Conclusion: Without access to primary factory records, the exact number of 1957 D-100 pickups cannot be confirmed from public sources alone.
How researchers approach the question
For researchers seeking a firmer sense of the scale, several avenues are commonly pursued, though none guarantees an official total:
- Consult factory archives and production sheets when available, often held by corporate historians or private collectors.
Bottom line: Even with multiple sources, the exact production count for the 1957 D-100 remains uncertain, and researchers typically present a range rather than a precise tally.
What to do if you need a firmer figure
If you require a more concrete number for research or restoration projects, consider these practical steps and caveats:
- Reach out to Mopar's historical services or the Dodge Heritage archive for any released production data or leads to primary records.
- Contact national or regional Dodge truck clubs and museums that maintain archival collections and year-by-year production notes.
- Compare multiple published references (Hemmings, old dealership brochures, and collectible catalogs) to identify common estimates and note variance.
- Document the sources and clearly indicate the estimated nature of any number used in your work.
Note: Even with diligent archival work, a universally accepted official figure for the 1957 D-100 is unlikely to be produced publicly, so researchers should present a well-sourced range rather than a single definitive total.
Summary
The exact production total of the 1957 Dodge D-100 remains unconfirmed in public records. While sources commonly place the number in the tens of thousands, there is no universally accepted official tally. For researchers, the best path is to consult primary archives where possible, corroborate with multiple reputable references, and clearly communicate the uncertainty inherent in historical production data.
