classic vintage chrome patina mopar rat rod 305 v8 auto transmission

Whether you drive it off the lot to embark on new chapters of asphalt adventures just as it is or choose to use it as a foundation to create your own pickup vision on wheels, this 1953 D-300 Rat Rod is one very appealing classic. Below its vintage form sits an updated chassis ready for plenty of future miles, powered by a fresh powerplant that's running like a top. The olive drab exterior treatment given to... this venerable Dodge is a perfect fit for an ultra-serious looking ride like this. Its patina style ornamentation strikes a very nice balance, as it's just prevalent enough to confer plenty of serious character without penetrating anywhere near enough to detract from the overall form or raise any structural concerns. The fitment on this truck is actually just as precise as you could want - the body panels all line up very nicely and the trim sits straight and flush. The duck head ornament gracing the hood and the fully painted front grille and bumper provide added touches of customization, while in back a new diamond plate bumper sits in place of the original underneath the recessed Dodge emblem on the liftgate. The interior reflects a minimalist sensibility that doesn't stray from the original configuration. It features a black vinyl bench seat at its center that shows almost no observable wear as it looms over an expanse of textured beige floor covering which contrasts perfectly with a matte black dash area. A quartet of aftermarket gauges have been recessed below a vintage looking speedometer with vibrant numbers on its display to keep tabs on motoring functions, while a speaker sits at the center, teaming with an AM/FM stereo to fill the cabin with sound. There's a relatively compact steering wheel mounted on the tilt column, so getting in and out of this classic is easy. The bed area is lined by thick wooden planks to make for a nice, sturdy floor. Their unfinished appearance does add a bit of authenticity to the look back there, but for practical purposes, the planks should be properly prepped and completed to arm them for protection against the elements. An '80s era 305 cubic inch V8 now sits in place of the original powerplant in a spacious engine compartment, backed by a diamond plated firewall. Outfitted with Vortec heads and a 4-barrel carb, the motor not only provides plenty of power, but also surprisingly good gas mileage and, paired with the smooth shifting 3 speed automatic TH350 transmission sitting behind it, completes a drivetrain that's running in top form. This classic sits on a late '80s GM 1500 chassis that not only provides a solid foundation but also offers a more refined overall ride than its predecessor - a benefit that will really become obvious during frequent driving in everyday conditions, which is a task that this Dodge is very well-positioned to handle. Power steering makes it easy to navigate, while power brakes that position discs up front bring its set of 16" American Racing Torq Thrust wheels wrapped with Michelin tires to prompt, fade resistant stops. A look below will reveal that the updated undercarriage is looking solid and straight. Combining a very welcome level of drivability with its thoroughly vintage appearance, this 1953 Dodge D-300 Rat Rod will be a great acquisition for the enthusiast looking to get behind the wheel of a timeless truck with plenty of dependable power. Call today!