Mark this one in the WTF Files.

While perusing eBay, daydreaming of buying a sweet classic full size Dodge Ram, I stumbled upon this auction. It’s not uncommon to see classics up for auction with very low miles, but usually they are limited edition models  or cars that were considered at the time of purchase to be future classics. More importantly, these cars are bought with the intention of keeping them absolutely pristine, and kept indoors out of the weather. Enter the subject of this story: a 1993 Dodge Ram 150 Club Cab. This one was bought new and parked outside, never to move again from it’s spot in the yard for 23 YEARS. Let’s take a closer look at this practically new-yet-weathered truck!

1993 was the final year of the “classic” Ram body style that stretched all the way back to 1972. Over the years, these trucks received multiple refreshes, but they were basically the same underneath. This one sports the final trim revision that took place in 1990, which is easily identifiable by the one piece chrome grille/headlight surrounds up front. A year later, the mini-big rig styling that continues on in one form or another even today made its debut.

Judging by the depth the tires have sunk into this guy’s yard, this truck hasn’t moved in a while. While dirty, the body appears to be intact and rust free. Since it’s parked on the grass, a thorough inspection of basically everything underneath the truck should be preformed. Vehicles just don’t like sitting, especially in people’s yards.

Yes, that odometer states just 70 miles have passed under this old workhorse’s wheels. While one could claim that the odometer has been tampered with, I don’t think so here; it’s just too clean inside the cab. And since it’s been sitting outside, there’s evidence of small critters living in it, like those leaves stuck in the trim bezel. That’s not good.

More evidence that substantiates that 70 mile claim can be found by looking at this door panel. It’s a low-optioned truck, destined to be used as a tool rather than a comfortable vehicle, and there’s virtually no wear on that arm rest! Yes, I know that they can be replaced, but again, I believe it to be as-delivered from the dealer.

You usually see the delivery upholstery plastics covering seats found in limited edition stuff like 1982 Commemorative Edition Corvettes and 1979 10th Anniversary Trans Ams. It’s both funny and fascinating to see this kind of thing in a work truck.

Since this Ram is a Club Cab, you get those little jump seats on the sides behind the front bench. Extended cab pickups have come a long way since then. About 5 minutes with a vacuum would have this area looking factory fresh.

Oh, did I forget to mention that this truck is equipped with a V8 and a manual transmission? In this case, we are looking at a “EFI V8” (I would assume a 318) and a 4-speed manual transmission. Aside from the fuel injection, this truck could have been ordered this way going back in to the 1970’s. The seller, who is also the original owner, says he ordered the truck just the way he wanted it, which makes it even more bizarre that he didn’t drive the thing at all over the years.

Looking at the steering wheel and especially the pedals further backs up that scant 70 miles on the odometer. It’s also odd to see a truck like this with rubber floors, vinyl seats, crank windows, and a manual transmission, optioned with a cassette deck, the Club Cab option, and air conditioning. Usually, that didn’t happen back then.

There are a few things that irk me about the ad. One is that it’s advertised as a “Barn Find”. First off, it’s not. It’s been sitting in some dude’s yard in Idaho for the past 23 years, nowhere near a barn. Can we stop using that term unless the car has been sitting in some farmer’s barn please? It’s getting up there in annoyance with advertising an old rotted beater as a “Rat Rod”.

And the second thing: for a truck that’s basically “brand new”, would it be too much to ask to get out a vacuum and a bucket of suds and clean the thing, and maybe a quick once-over with some cheap wax to get that Emerald Green paint shining again? They might as well have erected an actual barn around the “barn find” to present it’s current condition. Is that the joke?

Now, let’s discuss the price. The auction is currently listed with a Buy-It-Now price of $19,000. Is that a fair price? I’m not sure, honestly. If the truck is indeed rust free, and it was presented well, I would say yes without hesitation. But this thing has been a literal lawn ornament for over 20 years now, and I don’t care how new it was when parked, because there’s bound to be some under-body condition issues with it. The seller says that he starts it regularly, so at least the thing runs; whether it moves or not is another question entirely. One thing is for sure, and it’s that this was a rare truck in it’s day in the way it was optioned, and even rarer now. But does that translate well when it comes to it’s value? The 1972-1993 trucks that usually go for all the money are early 440-equipped trucks, Power Wagons, sporty trucks like the Lil’ Red Express and Warlock, and the late production Cummins-equipped models. This isn’t any of those.

Here’s a link to the original ad, and the seller’s description:

Barn find.

 

1993 Dodge Ram 150  3/4 ton full size pick-up truck, with  70 (seventy) original miles on it. You read it right, 70 orignal miles on this beautiful  brand new truck. The cab still has that brand new smell, and the factory plastic is still on the seats. I kept the interior covered with paper so that it could breath and not trap moisture.

There is no rust on it even under it.

It is a 2 DR 2 wheel drive FI V8 engine with 4 Spd standard transmission, air conditioning, tape deck, clock, and radio, roll down windows, wing windows the last year for them, a “Club” Cab and is a slightly faded on one side from the Sun, Emerald Green metallic color.

I bought this truck brand new, it was a custom order made just for me. There is no damage to this truck of any kind, it is in perfect condition.  I drove it home and parked it, it has not moved since, (the motor turns over just fine) I just kept driving my old beater truck. I am now in my late 70’s and I need the money more then the truck.

I will have it picked up and delivered any where in the US for you free of charge.

So, with all of that said, what do you readers think of this truck? Is the price right, or is the seller daydreaming? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Editor’s note: Last time we saw this truck was February, 2015, and it’s good to se that not much has changed since then. Will anybody save this poor Ram 150 from the tall grass? Not with that price. -McTaggart