The full-size Ram D150 pickup prototype was a Dodge Design Center one-of-a-kind. The exterior featured the Shelby Charger color scheme of Santa Fe Blue and Radiant Silver finished off with the standard Shelby striping.
Along with that it received a custom fiberglass tonneau cover, roll bar with a row of off-road lights, side skirts, and front spoiler. The custom-made chrome crosshatch grille featured a large Chrysler Pentastar finished off with a massive chrome front bumper with brush guard.
The interior’s stock bench seat was placed by special Konig bucket seats upholstered in blue cloth with a Shelby monogram. A Direct Connection steering wheel, CB radio and custom switches for the off-road lights were also added.
The suspension was modified in order to lower the center of gravity for better handling.The stock wheels were replaced with Chrysler alloy wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle STs.
Under the hood, the stock 318-cubic-inch engine was replaced with a 360-cid V-8 short block containing 10:1 pistons and a mild Purple Shaft camshaft.
The top end consisted of W2 cylinder heads with 2.02 intake valves, Holley Street Dominator intake manifold and Holley 600 CFM carburetor. Air Cleaner was a chrome Direct Connection unit based on the 1968-1969 high performance unsilenced air cleaner.
Ignition was a Direct Connection Gold Box. Exhaust was handled by Hooker headers. Transmission was a 727 Torqueflite with shift kit.
The modified engine delivered over 300 brake horsepower making this 3500 lb pickup capable of running 0-60 in 7.7 seconds and the quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds at 87.8 miles per hour.This prototype Ram truck is part of Carroll’s collection.
Team Shelby photo reprinted with permission