Revived 1986 Dodge Ram 50 Fetches $60,000 in Stunning Restoration Sale

The hammer fell at an eye-watering $59,900 for a vehicle many forgot existed—a meticulously restored 1986 Dodge Ram 50 Sport 4×4. This compact pickup, once a humble workhorse, transformed into a show-stopping masterpiece, proving nostalgia and craftsmanship command serious value in today’s collector market. Originally badge-engineered from Mitsubishi’s L200, the Ram 50 battled Ford Couriers and Toyota Pickups in the 1980s before fading into obscurity. This particular example, however, emerged from a painstaking restoration that blended subtle upgrades with factory-correct brilliance.

The Forgotten Compact Pickup Reborn
Few vehicles embody “they don’t make them like they used to” like this Dodge. The Ram 50 nameplate adorned Dodge’s compact trucks from 1981–1994, with this 1986 model representing the first generation’s final year. Beneath its jade-green finish lies a 2.6-liter inline-four engine, producing 109 horsepower and paired with a manual transmission and all-wheel drive—a configuration Dodge marketed as the “Power Ram.” Vanguard Motor Sales, which listed the truck, notes that most of these utilitarian pickups met hard lives and junkyard fates, making survivors exceptionally rare. The restoration honored this history while elevating every detail beyond factory standards.

The $60,000 Transformation Journey
What justifies such a staggering price? Every inch of this Ram 50 reflects obsessive care. The show-quality jade paint contrasts with period-correct orange and yellow graphics, while the bed features elegant wood lining. Subtle enhancements include:

• Performance tweaks to the 2.6L engine for improved breathing
• A rugged roll bar and leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Meticulously refurbished interior and chassis components
  Vanguard Motor Sales emphasizes that the cost of restoration likely far exceeded the sale price—a labor of love rather than profit. As classic truck demand surges (Hagerty reports a 34% value increase for 1980s pickups since 2020), uniquely preserved models like this Ram 50 attract deep-pocketed enthusiasts seeking rarity.

Why Vintage Trucks Command Premium Prices
This sale underscores a booming market for “lost era” vehicles. According to ClassicCars.com, interest in 1980s–90s Japanese-influenced trucks has spiked 48% year-over-year. Models like the Ram 50 resonate for their simplicity, durability, and nostalgic design—qualities absent in modern trucks. The Ram 50’s Mitsubishi DNA also appeals to JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) collectors. With fewer than 10 first-gen Ram 50s listed nationally on platforms like Bring a Trailer, scarcity fuels desire. As one collector told Automobile Magazine, “These were disposable trucks. Finding one restored is like unearthing a time capsule.”

This $60,000 Dodge Ram 50 sale isn’t just a transaction—it’s validation for preservationists proving every vehicle has a legacy worth saving. As vintage trucks surge in popularity, forgotten heroes like the Ram 50 remind us that authenticity and craftsmanship are timeless investments. Check local classic auctions; your childhood dream truck might be waiting for a second chance.

Must Know

What engine is in the 1986 Dodge Ram 50?
The 1986 Ram 50 featured a 2.6-liter G54B inline-four engine producing 109 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. This Mitsubishi-sourced engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, with optional all-wheel drive (“Power Ram” models).

Why did the Dodge Ram 50 sell for $60,000?
The price reflects a concours-level restoration using rare original parts, subtle performance upgrades, and exceptional preservation. With few first-gen Ram 50s surviving, its rarity and show-ready condition justified the premium.

Is the Dodge Ram 50 a rebadged Mitsubishi?
Yes. The Ram 50 was a North American variant of Mitsubishi’s Forte/L200 truck. Dodge sold it as the D50 (1979–1980) before renaming it Ram 50 in 1981 through 1994.

How rare are Dodge Ram 50 trucks today?
Extremely rare. Most were used as work vehicles and scrapped. Industry experts estimate fewer than 500 first-gen (1979–1986) examples remain in drivable condition across the U.S.

What’s the Dodge Ram 50’s market value?
Unrestored models typically sell for $5,000–$15,000. Restored examples vary; this $60,000 sale sets a new benchmark for show-quality builds, per Classic & Sports Car magazine’s 2024 valuation guide.