If there’s one thing I’ve learned about the car world, it’s this: every vehicle has its fan base. Even the forgotten ones. Case in point: the 1986 Dodge Ram 50 Sport 4×4 currently for sale by Vanguard Motor Sales in Plymouth, Michigan. It’s not a Charger, it’s not a Road Runner, and no, it doesn’t have a V8 under the hood. But what it does have is a jaw-dropping, nut-and-bolt, rotisserie restoration that turns this little truck into the best Ram 50 on the planet. No exaggeration.
Now, let’s rewind a bit. The Dodge Ram 50 wasn’t really a Dodge in the traditional sense—it was a rebadged Mitsubishi Mighty Max, imported during Chrysler’s deep partnership with Mitsubishi in the 1980s. Introduced in the U.S. as the D50 in 1979 and renamed the Ram 50 in 1981, it filled a growing demand for compact pickups, rivaling those of Toyota, Datsun, Ford, and Chevy.
By 1986, Dodge offered a four-wheel-drive (4WD) variant known as the Power Ram 50, and this specific truck is one of those rare survivors—only this one has been rebuilt better than new.
Vanguard’s listing describes it as a full frame-off restoration, with everything redone—paint, interior, engine bay, chassis, suspension, and even the wooden bed floor, which now features finished red oak. Underneath, it’s so clean you could eat off the axles. The undercarriage has been refinished with satin-coated components, fresh bushings, and factory-style hardware, resulting in a concours-ready look that’s typically reserved for high-end muscle cars.
Powering this restored rig is Mitsubishi’s trusty 2.6-liter 4G54 I4, making about 105 horsepower. It’s not going to win any races, but it’s mated to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission and a 3.90 rear axle, giving it just enough grunt to feel old-school capable. This one is also equipped with selectable 4WD hubs, proper shocks, and front disc brakes—more than enough to make it a backroad champion or a Cars & Coffee conversation starter.
Inside, it’s just as impressive. The interior has been restored to what I’d call “period perfect” instead of just “period correct.” It features a two-tone vinyl and cloth combo that feels very ‘80s but looks showroom fresh. The gauges work, the A/C blows cold, and the dash is still intact—a rare feat for any 1980s truck. The five-speed gear lever clicks into place like a modern performance car.
So, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price. Vanguard is asking $59,900, which is likely more than it cost brand new ten times over. And while that figure might shock some folks, it’s worth noting that the restoration likely cost even more. The truck previously failed to sell for $56,500, but that doesn’t make it any less jaw-dropping. It just means this is a collector-grade example for a very niche buyer—someone who wants a museum-quality Dodge mini-truck with a great backstory.
At the end of the day, this Ram 50 isn’t just rare—it’s practically extinct in this condition. And in a world where even average Broncos and Blazers are cracking six figures, who’s to say what a pristine compact 4×4 with factory roots in Japan and a Mopar badge is worth?
If you want something different, something detailed, and something you’ll never see at the next truck show, this 1986 Dodge Ram 50 Sport 4×4 might just be your unicorn.
1986 Dodge Ram 50 Sport 4×4 Image Gallery:
