Dodge Warlock: The Original Factory Custom Truck

Dodge made a huge splash when it rolled out its factory-built custom trucks. And this might be the nicest example you’ll ever see!

These days, factory-built, “custom” pickups are all the rage. But it’s been decades since automakers first recognized the popularity of truck customization and began offering turn-key solutions for customers. Dodge was a trailblazer in that regard. Their first attempt happened way back in 1970 with the “Dodge Dude” trim package. But things, as they say, got serious in 1976 when the Dodge Warlock burst onto the scene.

The Dodge Warlock pickup started life as nothing more than a concept. But public reaction was so strong that Dodge quickly put the truck into production late in the 1976 model year. The Warlock was based on a short-wheelbase pickup with a Utiline bed, and was offered in either two or four-wheel drive. A host of goodies came with the package, including five-spoke wheels, tinted glass, oak bed sides, and special pinstriping. That striping carried on inside, where standard bucket seats and a “tuff” steering wheel came standard as well.

The Dodge Warlock continued to be produced through the 1979 model year, paving the way for the more well-known L’il Red Express. Many of the unique features of the Warlock carried over to this new factory custom as well. Despite its rabid popularity, however, the Warlock remains a rare truck to this day. Which makes this gorgeous 1978 example, which we spotted over at Classic Cars, even more special.

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.