Soon the oil will run out and combustion engines in cars will be illegal because all remaining fossil fuel is needed to fly to Beijing or Mallorca for 39 euros. So let's take it until then. For example, by scoring a 4WD Dodge Ramcharger, of course with a V8.
He used to be taller
The looks of such a Dodge Ramcharger were quite intimidating in its day. In the meantime, cars have grown in such a way that the term "American battleships" is really outdated. But even now, such a Dodge remains impressive. Certainly if you see his nose rushing into your rearview mirror. The line is just practical but certainly not Russian utilitarian ugly. "Tough with a certain clumsy elegance." Something like that.
For example, around the change between the 1970s and 1980s, few 4WD cars were sold in the Netherlands. They were not yet discovered by trendy, hip or fashionable thinking people. And what would you need a large four-wheel drive car in the Netherlands?
Of course there were - apart from the army, the police and a few forest rangers - people who drove 4WD. But citizens? Barely. Yet even then there were 4WD cars that were quite civilian. There were Range Rovers. And Dodge Ramchargers.
Basic and good. A great tool
Such a Dodge Ramcharger was a bulky container that weighed over two tons and had a 5,2 liter V8 pushrod in the front as standard. A six in line was optional. The V8 was specified for a lazy 150 DIN horsepower at 4.000 rpm. And that consumption at 120 km / h was something like 1 to 4,5? What do you want with so much weight, transmission losses and the air resistance of the Paleis op de Dam? This air resistance also ensured that the wind noise at 120 km / h was just as impressive as the consumption. But hey: At that time, such a Dodge Ramcharger was not a car for motorways or to stroll along boulevards. It was a tool. According to our ideas at the time, it was of course crazy that an implement had an automatic transmission and a cruise control, but in the US of A that was common. There was, by the way, a serious transfer box that made the choice between a high and low gearing possible and the four-wheel drive was not switchable. Just in between: We're talking about the W series. There was also a rear-wheel drive D series only.
The Dodge Ramcharger was, as said, thought of as a car that had to work for a living
He was a good-natured lobster on normal road surfaces. The suspension lacked the characteristic American softness, the dampers started soft, but then worked progressively. They had thought about it. In the field, he linked those qualities to an impressive determination to overcome all difficulties. The high seating position of the driver was very useful in directing the terrain skills of the thick box. Behind the wheel it was noticeable that the Americans had really done their best to show that such a Ramcharger was more than a bulky tractor for basic programmed rednecks. The dashboard, which is clearly arranged, was decorated in a fair-like way with shiny edges and meaningless decorations.
Dodge Ramchargers now
Dodge Ramchargers are a strong breed. You can still buy them as good as new. And the youngest ones have grown with all their contemporaries. They have remained impressive, seem to be supplied only in tough threatening but still cheerful black. Recent Dodge Ramchargers are preferably somewhat raised, they have wide all-terrain tires and preferably an open exhaust system that also allows such a modern V8 to prove how happy it can roar. Here in the region there is one that is proud of the name "Fuck fuel economy" on the tailgate.
The classic Ramchargers are regularly offered here in the Netherlands
There are even a few of our advertisers who are sort of specialized in these types of cars. Technically Ramchargers (and Bronco's and Scouts) are virtually indestructible with proper maintenance. But they are certainly not insensitive to rust. And technically speaking, the devil is in 'maintaining it correctly'. Americans have a historical tendency to refrain from maintenance from the moment of purchase. So all in all, you have to pay attention when buying a classic Dodge Ramcharger.
Bye Ed. Sonic is probably subscribed to the newsletter because the newsletter is a free service. And free is also sustainable. Yet?
????That must be it !
Focus on shipping and aviation where emissions are thousands of times greater than the fleet that drives around this planet. Your waste oil that you hand in at the millieustation is traded expensive (!!) and simply burned on the open sea without filters or whatever.
Years oh, what you don't see and know doesn't hurt, right? No, our Fiat, our Opeltje, our BMW, etc. must be made priceless (especially only in the Netherlands) to save our planet.
I hear “you have to start somewhere”, I hear, but then start where the pollution really takes place and don't go bitching about the “emissions” of the handful of classic cars that we still have and carefully maintain and cherish.
Nice to read that Dolf regularly sees the opportunity to put some good breasts, all-ripers or Gaastra carriers against her hair. This time another freaked-out environmental freak disguised as a classic lover ... I say, keep it up Dolf, we enjoy it. As if the Dutch car park only consists of Dodge Ramchargers. Pffff
Well, with such an article AM Klassiek proves that greening oldtimers stays with that “fuck fuel economy”. See if the sky also turns cheerfully black. Anyway, the last time I bought your magazine for a fascinating reportage was 2 years ago. It promises to be longer
Best Sonic alternative, electric with coal firing?
Sonck.
Like to keep it that way. We are not looking for vinegar lovers here as true petrol heads. That you are still subscribed to the newsletter at all.