1986 Dodge Ram 50: A Rare Find in the Junkyard
In the world of small pickups, the 1986 Dodge Ram 50 stands out as a rare gem. While other automakers like GM and Ford had replaced their badge-engineered trucks with their own models, Chrysler continued to sell Dodge-badged Mitsubishi Forte pickups in the United States until 1994. This particular Ram 50, discovered in a Colorado car graveyard, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of these unique trucks.
Originating as the Dodge D-50 in 1979, the Ram 50 emerged in 1981 as its successor. Meanwhile, Plymouth dealers offered their own version with Arrow badges until 1982. The introduction of Mitsubishi’s own vehicles in the United States in 1983 added another layer of competition for the Ram 50, as it now had to vie for sales with a nearly identical twin sporting Mitsubishi badges. It was a time of excitement and fierce rivalry within the Chrysler-Mitsubishi universe, with multiple marques selling essentially the same car.
Underneath the hood of all Dodge D-50s and Ram 50s lay Mitsubishi power. This particular model boasts a 2.0-liter SOHC straight-four engine, delivering a respectable 88 horsepower and 108 pound-feet of torque. While a 2.3-liter Mitsubishi diesel engine was once an option, it had been discontinued by 1986. Paired with a base five-speed manual transmission, this Ram 50 is a testament to simplicity and reliability.
Interestingly, when this truck was found in the junkyard, it was being used as long-term storage for various household items. The contents, scattered nearby, included stacks of newspapers and magazines from the 1960s and 1970s. Amidst the collection were historical artifacts such as an Art Buchwald column about then-Vice President Spiro Agnew and a Beetle Bailey comic strip from 1971. It seems that the Ram 50 had inadvertently become a time capsule, preserving snippets of the past.
Unfortunately, there were also remnants of someone’s lost memories. Water damage had rendered most of the family photo albums beyond salvageable, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of proper storage for sentimental items. Discovering such personal artifacts in discarded vehicles is not an uncommon occurrence, emphasizing the need to avoid storing cherished memories in a vehicle that may eventually be towed away.
With just over 50,000 miles on the odometer, this Ram 50 had ceased moving under its own power or encountered a broken speedometer cable. Regardless of its fate, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of these small pickups. While more expensive Japanese trucks may capture the attention of some, the Dodge Ram 50 proves that size doesn’t always dictate capability. It’s a small pickup ready to tackle the biggest jobs.