1959 Dodge Sweptside Pickup
The Antique Automobile Club of America has conferred numerous awards on this jewel-like 1959 Dodge Sweptside pickup, one of the most interesting pickups of its era and now one of the rarest. Dodge was caught off guard when Chevrolet fielded the smooth-sided Cameo in 1955, and it was not until 1957 that Dodge Truck special equipment manager Joe Berr visited the car plant to procure a set of station wagon rear fenders.
The Dodge Sweptside pickup had been created, and when it got stylish two-tone paint treatment, whitewall tires, chromed wheel covers and front bumper, the Sweptside was a handsome hauler. It was introduced in the spring of 1957.
This Sweptside’s combination of a 120 HP flathead inline-6 cylinder was also a rare choice, as most were powered by a 318 CI V-8 engine producing 205hp plus automatic transmission with push-button drive.
Interior is finished in the deluxe version of two-tone cloth and vinyl, matching the exterior colors. Pickup box floor is restored with highly varnished natural oak and new bed strips. All chrome is new or replated. Chassis and engine compartment are show detailed. Other options included power steering, chrome front and rear bumpers, two-tone paint, air conditioning, radio, fresh new whitewall tires mounted on Chrysler chrome wire wheels.
Like the Sweptside, the Sweptline had a cab-width box which not only provided more cargo volume but gave a much more stylish appearance than Dodge’s regular fendered “Utiline” pickups. The Sweptline in effect replaced the Sweptside, with the result that the Sweptside was discontinued in January, 1959.
The Sweptside had been a glamorous if brief pickup truck exercise for Dodge, something it needed to boost customer interest in the face of flagging sales. Like the Cameo Carrier it was always priced significantly above regular models so it never enjoyed high sales. It did, however, leave a wonderful legacy, and Dodge Sweptsides are now popular collectibles among light truck enthusiasts.
