1979 Dodge Li’l Red Express – A High-Octane Flashback in Medium Canyon Red

In the twilight of the 1970s, the muscle car era was waning, choked by tightening emissions regulations and insurance surcharges. But Dodge found a brilliant loophole—and the result was the Li’l Red Express Truck. Built to thrill and designed to turn heads, the 1979 Dodge Li’l Red Express was unlike anything else on the road. With its towering chrome exhaust stacks, bold graphics, and unapologetically muscular stance, it became the outlaw icon of a regulatory-constrained era. And the example that passed through PC Classic Cars in Sherman, Texas, was a truly time-capsule-worthy specimen.

This 1979 Li’l Red Express came finished in Medium Canyon Red (paint code PY3450), a vibrant and rare factory-correct hue that was repainted to maintain its brilliant showroom luster. Beneath its striking skin lived a date-code correct EH1 360 cubic-inch V8—one of the hottest small-blocks to ever grace a light-duty truck. Matched to a TorqueFlite 727 three-speed automatic transmission, the engine bay retained its stock-style appearance, upgraded with a performance-minded Edelbrock carburetor and bolstered by an authentic 3.55 rear axle ratio and 9.25” rear differential.

One of just 5,118 Li’l Red Express trucks built for 1979, this example proudly wore the "YH6" package code and roared through its distinctive dual vertical chrome exhaust stacks—true to the original vision, but with aftermarket mufflers lending a deeper growl. Power front disc brakes, power steering, and a front sway bar offered confident handling while still staying true to its light-duty work truck roots.

Despite showing only 987 miles on the odometer (with mileage unverified), this Li’l Red Express was remarkably complete and solid underneath. According to PC Classic Cars’ in-depth inspection, the truck retained a factory-style undercarriage and solid suspension with replaced shocks and sound steering components. Factory air conditioning had been thoughtfully converted to R134A and blew cold—an excellent addition for those hot Texas roads.

The black bucket seat interior (code KT1) looked period-correct and well preserved, from the four-spoke Western-style steering wheel to the AM/FM stereo and dash-mounted clock (original, though non-functional). The truck also included a center console, original trim, a cargo light, and functioning gauges for voltage, temperature, and oil pressure. Dash lighting and some trim pieces showed age, in keeping with a vehicle that's lived an honest life across nearly five decades.

Rolling on chrome 15x8 five-slot wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires (dated 2020), the stance remained both menacing and era-authentic. Small cosmetic imperfections such as paint chips and minor wear were noted during inspection, but did little to detract from the truck’s standout visual appeal. The bed wood, a signature visual centerpiece, was stained and clean, adding to the truck’s overall presentation as a driver-quality classic that hadn’t lost its charm.

The 1979 Li’l Red Express was the final model year for this short-lived but beloved series. Initially launched in 1978 as a bold marketing and engineering experiment, the Express Truck earned its place in history as one of the fastest American vehicles in its time—outrunning many sports cars in magazine road tests. With its semi-style vertical exhausts, bright wood accents, and bold red paint, it wasn’t just a performance vehicle—it was performance theater on wheels.

This particular truck, thoughtfully maintained and preserved, served as a rolling tribute to the short-lived brilliance of Dodge’s renegade spirit during a restrictive automotive era. It reminded enthusiasts that even as the golden age of muscle faded, there were still bright, roaring exceptions—and the Li’l Red Express was the loudest of them all.

PC Classic Cars is passionate about preserving automotive icons like this 1979 Dodge Li’l Red 

Express. Located in Sherman, Texas, their expert team is committed to honoring the legacy of classic American iron. With an eye for quality and authenticity, PC Classic Cars carefully curates and presents vehicles that tell a story—and this truck was no exception.

Do you own a Dodge Li’l Red Express or another rare classic truck? PC Classic Cars is actively seeking vintage vehicles like this one. Whether it’s preserved, restored, or in original condition, reach out to their team today to discuss how they can help you pass the torch to the next enthusiast. PC Classic Cars—where your classic becomes part of a legacy.