This rare 1957 Dodge D100 Sweptside pickup is a hot one

On the heels of Virgil Exner’s smash-success Forward Look design program in mid-1950s, Chrysler expanded the project to include its 1957 pickups. And the Dodge D100 Sweptside is indeed a looker (forward and backward). Unfortunately, there aren’t many to gawk at anymore. Some say as little as 180 were produced in ’57 and fewer than 100 are known to exist; although our own research suggests that 1050 D100 Sweptsides hit the market in ’57.

Here’s your chance to own one. Available on Bring a Trailer, this red-and-white gem was restored five years ago but still looks fresh. With two days remaining in the auction, the bid is at $18,000, but that number definitely won’t stay there. The average value of a 1957 Dodge D100 Sweptside pickup in #1 (Concours) condition is $55,000, and one in #2 (Excellent) condition is just over $40,000.

Some have sold for a lot more. A 1957 Dodge D100 Sweptside went for $150,000 at Mecum’s 2017 Kissimmee sale (Mecum stated that “less than 200” were produced, by the way), and another sold for $90,200 at Barrett-Jackson’s 2018 Palm Beach event (Barrett used the 1050 number).

A mid-year addition, the 1957 D100 Sweptside was Dodge’s response to Chevrolet’s stylish Cameo Carrier. Led by Dodge Special Equipment Group (SEG) Manager Joe Berr, the D100’s stock rear fenders were replaced with the fenders and bumpers from a finned 1957 Dodge two-door wagon—which required cutting the tailgate—and the body side moldings were reworked. SEG also added two-tone paint, a wood cargo bed, full wheel covers, and whitewall tires.

Buyers had a choice of a 120-horsepower, 230-cubic-inch inline-six flathead engine or a 204-hp, 315-cu-in V-8, which could be mated to a three-speed, push-button transmission. Other options included power steering, power brakes, and a DeLuxe cab with wrap-around rear window.

Located in Katonah, New York, the Sweptside offered on BaT is powered by an inline-six connected to a manual column-shift transmission. Its five-digit odometer shows only four miles; actual mileage is unknown. The comprehensive listing includes 227 photos and four videos, so there’s plenty to see whether you’re buying or just looking.

The truck also has an aftermarket heater, by the way. We’re guessing it blows hot.