Virgil Exner became famous for the style he added to Chrysler Corporation cars. But, from 1957-59, he added some of that style to Dodge pickups and called it the Sweptside. One of those vehicles, a 1959 Dodge Sweptside 100, is our Pick of the Day. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Rogers, Minnesota. (Click the link to view the listing)
In 1955, Chevrolet introduced the Cameo Carrier pickup (with GMC producing the similar Suburban Carrier), a truck that could be described as receiving the car treatment thanks to slick, stylized fiberglass rear fenders. If a Nomad dreamed it was a truck, the Cameo wouldn’t be far off. The look was absolutely fabulous, but they weren’t big sellers.
Nonetheless, the Chrysler Corporation felt the need for a stylish workhorse in its stable. Dodge’s Special Equipment Group developed a distinctive model by integrating rear fenders from the two-door Dodge Suburban wagon onto Dodge’s long-wheelbase half-ton pickup. The whole transformation required work to make it all fit but, with some ingenuity, new trim pieces, and two-tone paint, the newly christened Sweptside was a style success when it was introduced mid-year 1957.
The 1958 brochure bragged that “the handsome Sweptside 100 now offers you even more in the way of attention-getting style . . . more of a ‘passenger car’ ride . . . more of everything.” For work or pleasure, the Dodge Sweptside 100 pickup was a strong rival to the Cameo.
This 1959 Dodge Sweptside 100 pickup features a two-barrel 318 V8 paired with a three-speed manual on the column with hydraulic clutch. The seller says exterior has been refinished in two-tone Vista Green and Sand Dune White paint. “The steel box, which is tucked behind the unique Sweptside rear fenders, along with the steel rear tailgate and painted wood bed, are in wonderful shape,” adds the seller. The interior, including the painted dash, door panels, carpeting, and headliner, are also in fine condition per the seller.
Chances are pretty nil for someone to be doing some hauling with this Dodge Sweptside, but a nicely restored example doesn’t present itself to enthusiasts often. Perhaps the $79,995 acting price may seem a little shocking, but have you priced the more common Cameo lately?
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
