Car enthusiasts sometimes face tough choices: The rugged utility of a pickup truck or the exhilarating freedom of a convertible? This 1989 Dodge Dakota Sport pickup, recently for sale on eBay, eliminates that dilemma. It’s one of the very few Dakotas built with a convertible top to complement its pickup bed, and it’s priced reasonably.
Midsize Pioneer With a Twist
The Dakota was one of the first midsize pickups when it was introduced for the 1987 model year. It arrived with big truck attributes like traditional body-on-frame construction, a choice of a 6- or 8-foot bed, and either rear- or four-wheel drive.
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The Dakota resonated with buyers, and it remained in production for two decades. Dodge offered many variations and trim packages. The rarest is the convertible, which joined the lineup in 1989.
Product planners conceived the Dakota convertible to fill a niche market that other manufacturers hadn't. The American Sunroof Corporation - opens in new window or tab. of Warren, Mich., performed the transformation. ASC brought veteran expertise to such projects, with a client list that includes Porsche - opens in new window or tab., McLaren - opens in new window or tab., Ford - opens in new window or tab., and General Motors. ASC technicians removed the roof, installed a padded roll bar, and added a manual convertible top.
Dodge and ASC built fewer than 2,500 convertible Dakotas before production ended after two years. This rear-wheel-drive example is one of the few that remain.
Loaded with '80s Extras
Like all convertible Dakotas, this one is a mid-trim Sport model. That adds a variety of desirable extras, including:
- AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player
- Leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
- Gauge package
- Mopar air dam with Bosch fog lamps - opens in new window or tab.
- 15-inch aluminum wheels
The Dakota convertible was offered in three colors: red, black, and the Polar White on this truck. Contrasting gray and black stripes add a dash of period style, as does bold Dakota Sport lettering on the doors. A blacked-out grille, bumpers, and bed rails complete the look. A hard tonneau cover - opens in new window or tab. was fitted over the bed.
Well Preserved
The Dakota’s body appears to be in excellent shape, if in need of a good cleaning. There’s no evidence of dents or rust in the photos. The red velour interior is also in good shape, with no signs of damage.
This well-preserved Dakota shows 134,000 miles and looks like a truck with far fewer. As one of fewer than 2,500 Dakota convertibles ever built, this truck represents a unique piece of automotive history. Its reasonable $12,000 Buy-It-Now price gains the buyer entry into an exclusive club.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.