Dodge D100 Warlock Custom Truck
The late 1970s was a strange and wonderful time in the American truck market. As pickups began their transformation from utilitarian work vehicles to lifestyle accessories, manufacturers experimented with factory-customized packages that pushed the boundaries of style and taste. Dodge's contribution to this trend was the Warlock, a short-bed D100 pickup that arrived in 1976 dressed to impress.
The Warlock package was available exclusively on the utilitarian (Utiline) short-bed D100, creating an immediate visual impact with its combination of gold pinstriping, genuine oak slat sideboards in the bed, gold-finished mag wheels, and a predominantly black exterior. The effect was dramatic, theatrical, and entirely in keeping with the decade's love of excess.
Beyond the cosmetics, the Warlock was based on Dodge's proven D-Series platform. The standard engine was the 318 V8, but most Warlocks were ordered with the more powerful 360 V8, which produced 155 SAE net horsepower in its two-barrel form. The A727 TorqueFlite automatic was the most common transmission, though a four-speed manual was available. The chassis featured Dodge's torsion bar front suspension, which provided a better ride than the leaf-spring setups used by Ford and GM.
The Warlock's interior was upgraded with bucket seats, a center console, and upgraded trim materials. While it was not luxurious by modern standards, it was a significant step above the basic bench-seat, rubber-floor interior of a standard D100.
Dodge produced the Warlock from 1977 through 1979 (the 1976 pilot year was limited). Production numbers were relatively modest — estimates suggest approximately 10,000-12,000 total — making them scarce today. The Warlock's outrageous styling and limited production have made it a sought-after collectible among truck enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate the unique character of 1970s factory customs.
The Warlock represents an era when Detroit's marketing departments were willing to take creative risks with truck styling, producing factory-customized vehicles that reflected the personality and excess of their times. Today's revival of factory custom trucks (like the Ram Warlock name used in the 2010s) pays homage to the original's pioneering spirit.
As with all late-1970s Dodge trucks, check for rust in the cab corners, rocker panels, lower fenders, and bed floor. The oak sideboards are extremely difficult to find if missing or damaged — their presence adds significant value. Verify the Warlock-specific trim pieces: gold pinstriping, Warlock decals, mag wheels, and bucket seat interior. The 360 V8 is reliable and parts are abundant. The A727 TorqueFlite is one of the most robust automatic transmissions ever built. Be wary of clones — the Warlock package is sometimes faked on standard D100s. Check for the Warlock build code on the fender tag.
The Warlock package was introduced as a mid-year 1977 model (some sources cite 1976 pilot production). It was available only on the D100 Utiline (short bed) model. The package included the cosmetic upgrades, bucket seats, and console. The Warlock was one of several Dodge 'Adult Toys' trucks, alongside the Macho Power Wagon and Li'l Red Express. Total production across all years is estimated at 10,000-12,000 units.