Late to the party, but ready for the fun.
Dodge was a little lake to the SUV game, trailing Chevrolet (Blazer, 1969), Ford (Bronco,1966) and GMC (Jimmy, 1970). Also, among the early pickup-based removable-roof SUVs was the International Scout 80, which debuted way back in 1960.
1974 Dodge Ramcharger
Ramcharger History
Dodge’s late arrival wasn’t really bad news for the brand, as sales volume in the segment was just starting to grow in 1974, and the design and features sought after by shoppers in the niche were just starting to become clear. And as the ad below demonstrates, Dodge capitalized fully on its late-to-the-game status.
Now usually I enjoy reading ads that list a bunch of meaningless features as high-value content—like this nightmare ad for the 1980 Dodge Aspen Special—but this Ramcharger ad is chock full of completely meaningful equipment that would have totally appealed to period SUV shoppers.
The launch ad for the Dodge Ramcharger, seen below, makes note of three desirable and worthwhile standard features:
Removable Hardtop:
Also available on the competition, but totally cool, and really, a necessary feature in the segment.
Standard Full-Time 4WD:
Full-time 4WD was pretty rare in the Seventies, and a serious perk of Ramcharger ownership. Most period trucks featured part-time systems, which could not be employed on dry/paved surfaces.
Center-Console Beer Cooler:
OK, the ad doesn’t mention beer specifically, but come on, this is kind of a redneck ride, and you know these coolers would almost always be stocked with Pabst, Schaefer, or Stroh’s. But equipping a truck with a built-in cooler in 1974? Pretty cool.
Turning Radius
Also, the tight turning radius noted in the ad is both impressive, and a nod to more practical shoppers in more urban environments. Again, having waited to introduce the Ramcharger, Dodge may have played the best hand—and built the best ride in the segment.
Engines
Also cool, the Ramcharger’s all V8 lineup, per the ad, included a honking 440-cubic-inch V8. If you can afford the gas, the monster big-block was the way to go.
Ram Ramcharger 1500
This iteration of the Ramcharger would last through 1993. During that time Plymouth dealers would sell a clone of the Dodge called Trailduster. The ‘Duster pretty much mirrored the Dodge detail-for-detail. The Ram brand would resurrect the Ramcharger name for 2026, applying it to a plug-in hybrid variant of the 1500 pickup. Sadly, the pickup doesn’t have a removable top, though it might have a console full of Stroh’s.
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1974 Dodge Ramcharger Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
