The 1966 Dodge A100 pickup remains one of the most distinctive silhouettes of the 1960s, characterized by its cab-over unibody design and compact 90-inch wheelbase. Originally intended as a utilitarian workhorse, the A100 has become a darling of the custom community due to its mid-engine layout and flat-front styling. This particular example has moved far beyond its origins as a service vehicle for Mountain Telephone & Telegraph, having undergone a radical transformation that incorporates a vintage Hemi powerplant and modern sports car geometry. Finished in a two-tone Mayan Gold and Satin Black scheme, it presents a bold, “driver-quality” aesthetic that prioritizes mechanical character and high-performance hardware over show-floor perfection.
Two-Tone Mayan Gold and Custom Cab-Over Styling
The visual character of this A100 is defined by its media-blasted and refinished exterior, featuring a striking contrast between Mayan Gold and Satin Black. The cab-over silhouette is enhanced by the addition of an aftermarket folding sunroof and 15-inch US Mags alloy wheels. These wheels are wrapped in staggered Cooper Cobra Radial G/T white-letter tires, measuring 235/60 in the front and 275/60 in the rear for a classic hot-rod rake. While the paint is described as driver-quality with some visible blemishes and panel inconsistencies, the truck’s presence is undeniable, further accented by the lack of front and rear overhangs and the iconic “flat-nose” Dodge face.
Corbeau Bucket Seats and Vintage Cabin Amenities
Inside the cockpit, the driver and passenger are flanked by a custom two-piece engine cover and seated in Corbeau Classic bucket seats trimmed in black vinyl. The interior functionality has been significantly upgraded with a Vintage Air heater and defroster system, alongside a vintage-style aftermarket stereo mounted in a Corvair-sourced under-dash enclosure. The dashboard features a clean array of Marshall electronic instrumentation, including a 160-mph speedometer and a dash-top tachometer. Despite its modified nature, the cabin retains its vintage charm with three-point seat belts and a chrome-spoke steering wheel, providing a visceral environment that places the pilot directly over the front axle.
Triple-Carb 315ci Hemi and Corvette C4 Chassis
Performance is delivered by a 315ci Hemi V8 sourced and installed by the seller, featuring a triple Holley/Ford 94 two-barrel carburetor setup. This mid-mounted engine produces a unique mechanical symphony, sending power through a rebuilt A727 TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission. The truck’s handling has been completely revolutionized via the installation of C4 Corvette independent front and rear suspension, complete with coilovers and power rack-and-pinion steering. Stopping power is managed by power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes featuring Corvette calipers and cross-drilled rotors, making this A100 capable of maneuvers its original designers never envisioned.
| Technical Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 315ci Hemi V8 |
| Induction | Triple Holley/Ford 94 Carburetors |
| Transmission | A727 TorqueFlite 3-Speed Automatic |
| Suspension | Independent Front/Rear (Corvette C4) |
| Steering | Power Rack-and-Pinion (Detroit Axle) |
| Wheels | 15-inch US Mags Alloy |
| Fuel Storage | Dual 7-Gallon Aluminum Tanks |
Market Uniqueness and Custom Truck Competition
The 1966 Dodge A100 pickup occupies a niche market, often competing for the attention of collectors who also admire the Ford Econoline and Chevrolet Corvair 95 Rampside. While many A100s are restored to original specifications or “Little Red Wagon” wheel-stander tributes, this Corvette-suspended restomod offers a different value proposition focused on drivability and unique engineering. Its combination of a non-standard Hemi V8 and a modern independent suspension system makes it a standout entry that doesn’t fit into a traditional category. This uniqueness is a significant selling point in a market that increasingly rewards individual expression and mechanical creativity.
Restomod Reliability and Maintenance Profile
Ownership of a heavily modified A100 like this requires an enthusiast who appreciates the ongoing nature of a restomod project. While the major mechanical hurdles, such as the engine-to-transmission mating via a Wilcap adapter and the suspension swap, have been cleared, the truck retains some “unfinished project” characteristics. Prospective owners will note the need for an alignment following the February 2026 steering rack installation and some minor blemish repairs. However, with documented build narratives, a clean California title, and a high-torque mini starter already in place, the foundation is solid for a driver who wants a classic Mopar with a significantly updated performance envelope.
A Mid-Engine Masterpiece of Mopar Ingenuity
Ultimately, this 1966 Dodge A100 pickup is a celebration of custom culture and mechanical audacity. It takes the inherent “weirdness” of the forward-control Dodge and amplifies it with the roar of a triple-carb Hemi and the agility of a Corvette chassis. It is a vehicle designed for the driver who wants to be noticed, whether through the vibrant Mayan Gold paint or the undeniable sound of six barrels of induction. While it may have started its life as a humble telephone truck, it has transformed into a one-of-a-kind grand tourer that proves the only limit to a classic Mopar is the builder’s imagination.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
