1936 Dodge Pickup Rat Rod Is Right For The Wrong Reasons

rat-dodge-2

Rat rods are the ultimate antithesis to hot rods, eschewing chrome and custom paint for rust and ancient relics. When the designers of Mad Max’s fleet of custom vehicles needed inspiration, they looked at rat rods, and today’s particularly oxidized example would look right at home in Frank Miller’s epic apocalyptic Road Warrior movie.

What started life as 1936 Dodge pickup has morphed into something else entirely, boasting a 5-cylinder Deutz engine for extra obscurity while proudly sporting the finned rear fenders of a 1950s Plymouth. It’s a mishmash, hodgepodge of a Dodge, and we’d totally drive it through an apocalyptic wasteland.

Backing up a bit though, you’re probably wondering (like we were) what the hell is a Deutz engine? It probably comes as no surprise that it’s a German engine, in this case a five-cylinder air-cooled diesel that’s known for being rugged, reliable…and not much else. It’s a weird engine to opt for, and was likely chosen in the pursuit of being more “far out” than the other guy. It’s all about being different in the weirdest way possible.

The sale posting on Hemmings Auto Blog proudly states that unique Oriental rugs have been drafted as floor mats, with vintage grain sacks doing duty as seat and door covers. Generally speaking these features would only hurt the value of a vehicle, but in the case of rat rods, grain sack seat covers are apparently highly prized. We assume that goes for the custom-made wooden steps, bull horns, and tinted (manual) windows.

Go figure.

About the author

Chris Demorro

Christopher DeMorro is a freelance writer and journalist from Connecticut with two passions in life; writing and anything with an engine.
Read My Articles

Hot Rods and Muscle Cars in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Street Muscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

We'll send you the most interesting Street Muscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


fordmuscle
Classic Ford Performance
dragzine
Drag Racing
chevyhardcore
Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • fordmuscle Classic Ford Performance
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • chevyhardcore Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading