The Ford Ranchero came out in 1957, originally based upon the full-sized Ford platform, and shortly after Chevrolet followed suit with the 1959 El Camino, based on the full-size GM platform. Chrysler’s first attempt at a ute in the United States? 1982, on the front drive Omni platform. While dropping the ball on ute production in the United States market really didn’t have an impact one way or another, it is kind of disappointing to see an auto manufacturer ignoring an entire section of the marketplace, especially when there were chances to capitalize on a trend left and right. Chrysler really didn’t bother with a ute (anyone who has spent any time with a Rampage/Plymouth Scamp can vouch for that) but that doesn’t mean that the average Joe can’t give it a shot.

This 1971 Demon is sitting on Craigslist and style-wise, would have given Chrysler designers a run for their money, if they had actually tried to build a ute out of the A-body. Overlooking the lack of a tailgate, the Demon checks off every other desirable trait: High Impact color, stripes, slot mags, a 360 small-block under hood that will provide plenty of grunt when needed, and a bed out back that has been spray-lined. If you are detail-oriented, you can do some clean-up work and present this Demon as a phantom restoration, but as it sits, it looks useable…exactly what you want out of a ute. Plus, I bet it would fry those skinny little tires out back into oblivion.

Craigslist Link: 1971 Dodge Demon ute conversion