What is a 1979 Dodge Lil Red Express worth?
Prices for a 1979 Dodge Lil Red Express typically range from roughly $25,000 for a project to well into six figures for a fully restored, well-documented example. Most solid, driver-quality instances sit in the $40,000–$90,000 range, with top-tier show cars sometimes exceeding $100,000.
Why the Lil Red Express stands out
The Lil Red Express is one of the late-1970s Mopar classics that blended factory performance with pickup practicality. Built on the Dodge D-Series platform, it featured a 360 V8, distinctive dual exhaust stacks, and a wood-grain bed that gave it a throwback, muscular look. Its limited production and bold styling have made it a coveted collector’s item among Mopar enthusiasts, contributing to its value in today’s market.
Value in today's market
Pricing varies widely based on condition, originality, and provenance. The following ranges summarize current market data from classic-car guides and recent auction results, reflecting how condition translates into price for this niche model.
- Project or non-running/ poor cosmetic condition: approximately $15,000–$25,000
- Driver quality with visible flaws but solid foundation: approximately $25,000–$40,000
- Nice driver in presentable cosmetic condition: approximately $40,000–$60,000
- Very good to excellent condition, solid body, and well-presented restoration: approximately $60,000–$90,000
- Concours-level or highly documented, numbers-matching restoration: $90,000–$140,000+ (top examples can exceed this)
Prices are influenced by market demand, regional interest, and the availability of high-quality, documented examples. The ranges above reflect typical sale results and listings seen in recent years across guides and auction sites.
What affects price
Several factors determine the final value of a 1979 Lil Red Express. Buyers and sellers should weigh these elements when assessing a car’s worth.
- Overall condition: rust, structural integrity, and paint/work quality.
- Originality and matching numbers: engine, trans, and major components should align with factory specifications when possible.
- Provenance and documentation: build sheets, window sticker, service records, and prior restoration receipts add value.
- Restoration quality: period-correct parts and attention to detail can significantly boost value; sloppy or non-original work can hurt it.
- Specific features and options: rare color combinations, factory options, and historical significance can lift price.
- Market and visibility: cars appearing at recognized auctions or on popular platforms like Bring a Trailer often command higher prices due to exposure.
When shopping, aim for a balance of mechanical reliability, authenticity, and documentation. A well-documented restoration with correct parts tends to fetch the strongest prices, while a solid driver with good cosmetics can provide enjoyable ownership without the premium of a concours-quality car.
Where to find pricing data and recent sales
Market data for the Lil Red Express is best tracked across multiple sources to get a clear sense of current values. Reputable valuation guides and recent auction results help gauge where a car sits in today’s market.
- Hagerty Price Guide and valuation tools for classic Mopar trucks
- NADA Classic Car values for collector pickup trucks
- Hemmings price guides and market reports
- Recent auctions and listings on Bring a Trailer, Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, and local classic-car dealers
These sources collectively show a strong and continuing interest in the Lil Red Express, with pricing that can swing based on the car’s condition, history, and the perceived quality of any restoration work. Prospective buyers should consult multiple sources and, if possible, have a qualified classic-car appraiser inspect the vehicle before buying.
Recent market activity
In recent years, well-documented Lil Red Express trucks have appeared at major auctions and on online marketplaces, with several examples achieving six-figure results at high-profile events. Many solid, driver-quality units attract substantial attention due to the model’s rarity and distinctive styling, while mainstream examples typically settle into the mid-range of the market. The price trajectory remains favorable for pristine examples with verifiable provenance.
Summary
The 1979 Dodge Lil Red Express remains a standout late-70s Mopar that attracts both casual collectors and serious Mopar fans. Its value hinges on rarity, condition, authenticity, and documentation. For buyers, a careful evaluation of mechanicals, originality, and provenance is essential; for sellers, highlighting concours-quality restoration or well-documented history can unlock top-dollar potential. As always with classic cars, market conditions can shift, so consulting multiple valuation sources and watching recent sales is the best way to gauge current worth.
Why is the Lil Red Express collectible?
This fairly rare truck features a rebuilt 360ci V8, a Holley Sniper EFI system, a lowered stance, and some other tasteful mods that make this a well sorted desirable collectible that was showy from the start.
How much is a 1979 Dodge Little Red Express worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,800 for a 1979 Dodge Lil' Red Express in good condition with average spec.
What is a little red express worth?
A: The average price of a Dodge Li'l Red Express Truck - 3rd Gen is $31,770.
How many Dodge Li-L Red Express were made?
A total of 7,306 Dodge Li'l Red Express trucks were made during its two-year production run from 1978 to 1979. There were 2,188 produced in 1978 and 5,118 produced in 1979.
- 1978: 2,188 units were produced.
- 1979: 5,118 units were produced.
