Original, Rust Free Survivor 318 V8 Automatic W/dash Shift D-200 N/r No Reserve! on 2040-cars

Presenting This All Original

1968

Dodge D200 Sweptline 

Camper special

With

No Reserve Price!

 

Featuring:

• Original 2-Tone Color Combo

• Zero Corrosion or Collision History

• Rare, Dash Mounted Automatic Shifter

• Edelbrock Intake Includes Manifold, 1405 Carburetor & Chrome Valve Covers

• Heavy Duty 3/4 Ton "Camper Special"

• Twin Gas Tanks

• Positraction Rear End

• 8 Lug Wheels

• Original 318 Engine & Automatic Transmission

• Original Step Rear Bumper

• Lots of New & Rebuilt Mechanicals

• New Seat Upholstery & Padding

• Pre 1975 Smog Exempt: No Smog Test Required!

• Lots of Extra New & Original Spare Parts

• Much More!

 

Please allow time for all 95 photos to load and inspect as exceptional, classic trucks such as this rarely come along.  If you are a Mopar enthusiast, you will truly appreciate this amazingly well preserved specimen!

For a slideshow of all the photos, click this link:

http://s746.photobucket.com/user/cars2k/slideshow/1968%20Dodge%20D-200%20Pickup

 

The ’61-‘71 Sweptline Series of pickups are as much of a classic to truck guys as the Corvette is to muscle car fans and demand for nice examples like this Camper Special has intensified. 

It has been over 40 years since the last Sweptline left the Warren Truck Plant in Warren, Michigan. Very few survive in the world today.

If you’ve been out there shopping for a restored classic pickup, you’ve probably noticed that many have been chopped, shaved, lowered, modified and molested far beyond their original, utilitarian purpose and beauty.

With the average  lifespan of a truck being about a dozen years and the attrition rate often accelerated by careless, second-hand owners, it'd be a nice surprise to find an example of the species that, despite being 46-years old, still resembles what it looked like when it rolled off the assembly line. The most likely place to unearth such a rare gem would be Southern California, with its mild climate and large number of affluent, classic truck enthusiasts. Such an amazing find is the miraculously well preserved example presented for auction here!

The truck has a powerful V8 engine with automatic transmission, limited slip rear-end, power steering and power brakes. Like all the “Camper Specials” it has dual fuel tanks, higher AMP alternator, heavy duty suspension, rear step bumper and cab-mounted, electrical plug for the slide-in-camper.

This ‘68 three-quarter-ton pickup has led a charmed life.

Always a Southwestern, dry climate truck, it was owned for decades by a retired military officer who lived in the 29 Palms area; located in high desert. The unmolested body and rust free undercarriage speaks volumes about the loving care the truck has always received and underscores its Southern California provenance.

Let’s take a closer look now.

Exterior:

After 46-years on the road, the pickup's is in pretty good, original condition.

If you know just how rust-prone the "Class of '68" was, you’ll truly appreciate the fantastically rust-free sheet metal of this D200.

The brightwork is complete and amazingly straight. The two-tone paint, though older, is still very attractive with a buttery finish and only a few scrapes, scratches and blemishes.

A couple running light lenses on top of the cab need replacement.

With the exception of a few minor dents, the bed panels are arrow-straight and the cab is equally nice.

Even the most vulnerable spots, such as the cab corners and the rear wheel arches, are absolutely healthy.

The 8-foot, bed will accommodate your biggest camper or load of hay.

Small scrapes and scratches along this panel below the right gas filler and lower cab.

Another scrape here on the corner or the hood.

Remarkably, there is zero evidence of previous rust or collision repair; and no body filler.

 

With the exception of a few re-sprayed panels, much of the body and interior panels appear to be wearing the original factory finish.

The laser straight lines on this "Camper Special" are reference quality!

Let's check out the wheels and tires.

Upgraded, American Racing 8-lug wheels (including the spare) look great.

The Goodyear radial tires show plenty of tread but - due to their age, should be replaced before taking a long trip.

 Equally as important as good looks and working mechanicals is what lies beneath the shiny surface.

While we are close to the ground, let's get down on our knees to explore the state of things below, shall we?

Befitting a dry climate truck, everything looks wonderful down under.

If you know just how rust-prone these completely unprotected D200s are, you will highly appreciate this marvelous specimen!

Engine and suspension became oil soaked when the truck was run 70 miles with the oil cap left off! A new "breather" oil cap was fitted and all is well.

Most importantly, body, frame, sills, rocker panels and floorboards are SOLID and there is absolutely NO evidence of collision repair that would cause the enthusiast sleepless nights.

This splendid Sweptline turns heads everywhere and can be proudly exhibited at local Mopar shows here in the Southland or anywhere in the World.

Let’s have a peak under the hood.

The D-200 is powered by a rock-solid, 318 CID pushrod engine that has earned its reputation of being unbreakable. 

Mechanically, the pickup is very strong.

According to the daughter, (who recently inherited this truck) her dad had rebuilt the engine in 2012. 

Additionally, he installed a new water pump, Edelbrock intake, chromed valve covers, battery, belts, hoses and re-cored the radiator before he passed away last year.

The engine occasionally smokes a little (typically at start-up) and has an intermittent valve tick. Beyond that, it’s very reliable as it starts every time and runs strong with superb oil pressure, cold or hot.

The 8-cylinder power plant is coupled to its original 3-speed, Automatic transmission that shifts superbly in all gears.

It may come as a revelation to many, but all you ever need to keep this strong vee-eight going is a little knowhow and a few basic tools.

For anybody who's paying his own bills, it surely provides peace of mind to know there are no black boxes (except the battery), no injectors, electronics, and fancy stuff like that…

Yes, any Dodge can be very tough and reliable with a bit of preventative maintenance!

Speaking of maintenance, the rear brake shoes and hardware were recently replaced along with rebuilt slave cylinders.

Although the truck currently stops okay and has a firm pedal, the brake hubs are thin and should be replaced prior to driving on a long trip or hauling a heavy load.

We'll inspect the interior next, shall we?

There is no substitute for originality, and this CD-200 proves the point.

The Saddle Interior looks 100% original and is 100% immaculate.

The original bench seat was completely reupholstered in its original color and pleating and new dense seat padding replaced the 46-year-old, foam for a firm, “new truck feel”.

No rust to be found on the doors, sills, rockers or anywhere around this area.

Paint inside the cab and headliner are 100% original.

The big steering wheel is free of any major cracks.

Highlighted by chrome-ring horn and a simply array of gauges and push-pull knobs, one is transported back in time.

Dodge's steel dash reminds us of the good old days, long before they became completely plasticized. 

With the exception of the speedometer and fuel gauge, the instruments work fine.

The passenger side “crash pad” and dealer added seat belts provided all the protection needed in 1968.. 

An upgraded Sony audio system features 3-way stereo speakers which were installed below the seats. 

No holes cut in the doors or kick panels. 

Transmission is fully automatic with rare dash shifter (the last year was 1968).

All in all, this original interior is immaculate.

 

Drivability:

In any climate, the powerful 8-cylinder engine starts every time, idles, revs and pulls effortlessly through the gears. Warmed up, the oil pressure ranges from about 55 lbs. at idle to a reassuring 70 lbs. at speed. Coolant temperature remains absolutely stable, with no hint of overheating even after extended runs in hot summer traffic. The 3-speed transmission shifts very smooth and precise. Low-speed handling is challenged by a leaky power steering system which needs servicing. Braking is simple and the ride is stiff with minimal rattles, shakes, shimmies or pulls.

All in all, this D200 is a kick to drive!

Classic pickup trucks are as iconic as Coca Cola and very collectible to boot. Chevy and Ford lovers can take their pick of the litter, but what about us MoPar enthusiasts who have developed a taste for the finer things in automotive life?

Well, here’s one that not only survived the ravages of time but has avoided the challenges of harsh farm and ranch life, and decades-long abuse at the hands of itinerant gardeners or uncaring juvenile owners.

This is not a restored show truck by any means, but one that has always been nicely maintained by its caring owner. However, due to its rarity and original condition, it certainly has the potential to be transformed into a prime candidate for the show circuit, if it's that what you are aiming for.

 

 

Very few of these vintage trucks have survived the ravages of time. They are rarer than hen's teeth today. The D200 for auction here surely must be among the most original, unrestored examples in existence. Never rusted, never in an accident, with correct engine, transmission, rear-end, all trim pieces and running strong; where else but in Southern California could you possibly find a D200 that you’d be proud to drive for utility and to MoPar meets.

 

MoPar or No Car!

Presently, we have a clear, California Title. CA tax, license and registration fees have been paid through June, 2015. Only local sales tax and $15 DMV transfer fee apply to residents in CA.

This Dodge’s present condition and buying terms have been described as accurately as possible. If you have ANY questions or want to bring a mechanic to inspect, please email us. You will receive a prompt response.

All questions must be answered and all inspections must be completed PRIOR TO BIDDING. Proof of insurance will be required for a test drive. Because this is a 46-year-old, antique truck, it is being sold in AS-IS CONDITION and comes with absolutely NO WARRANTIES EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.

We are proud to have 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK. Bid with confidence, knowing everything represented in this auction is accurate. BIDDERS WITH ZERO OR NEGATIVE FEEDBACK MUST EMAIL US FOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO BIDDING OR THEIR BID WILL BE CANCELED.

This wonderful 1968 Camper Special is a true survivor. It never suffered from neglect and is original as one could ever hope for. Offered here with No Reserve, this a great opportunity to purchase a prime example of one of the World's most acclaimed pickups, the immortal D-200 which is sure to remain an outstanding investment for the winning bidder and a joy to drive for many years to come.

Thank you, good luck and HAPPY BIDDING!