315 cubic-inch V8 engine, 204 horsepower, A230 three-speed manual transmission, front and rear leaf spring suspension, drum brakes, rear-wheel-drive; Wheelbase: 116-inches
• Complete restoration, including new hardwood bed
• 1 of just 1,260 built between ’57 and ‘59
• 1 of less than 200 built in 1957
• Desirable Sweptside model with unique ‘50s styling
"Straight Out of Tomorrow," was how its maker described the 1957 Dodge D100 Sweptside Pickup. Indeed, Dodge's 1957 cars had what it claimed was a 1960s look, so why not its pickup truck? So, this stylish hauler came complete with contemporary tailfins, "Forward Look" emblems, and an optional push button LoadFlite automatic transmission. In reality, Dodge, which usually ran fifth in truck production and held only seven percent of the truck business, couldn't respond with a ground-up rival to the stylish Chevrolet Cameo Carrier pickup. Dodge's version had to be built with off-the-shelf parts.
Joe Berr, special equipment sales manager at Dodge Truck, went over to the car plant and borrowed a set of rear fenders from a Dodge Wagon. He had them welded to a long-wheelbase 1957 Dodge Custom Cab 1/2-ton Pickup, bolted on a Station Wagon bumper, cut down the tailgate to accommodate the fenders, and made chrome molding pieces to continue the lines forward on the Pickup's front fenders. He added two-tone paint, full wheel covers, and whitewalls, and Berr had his Cameo fighter. Curiously, Dodge knew that the expensive Cameo was a sales dud well before the May 1957 introduction of the Dodge D100 Sweptside Pickup but went ahead with the car-cued styling anyway, using the stylish pickup as a publicity piece rather than a serious money maker. Sweptsides were after all costly to build – always finished in the Special Equipment Group shop and never transferred to a regular production line.
The Dodge D100 Pickup had a short life spawn and was only built between 1957 and 1959, with a mere 1,260 leaving the factory. Less than 200 were built in the first year, and this D100 is a very fine example. The recipient of a complete restoration, this ’57 is finished in a striking two-tone color scheme of green and white. Dressed in decorative chrome trim, unique ‘50s styling components, and a recently redone hardwood bed, this D100 Sweptside is a “high-class” pickup truck. Power is delivered by a correct 204 horsepower 315 cubic-inch V8 engine that is paired to a A230 three-speed manual transmission. Used to help promote Dodge’s upscale brand and built by the Special Equipment Group division of the company, the D100 Sweptside Pickup holds a special place in automotive and one that was built in very limited numbers, making them a rare sighting in today’s busy, fast-paced world.
