The Hot Wheels Dodge D-50 was first cast in 1980 and can be found in 7 variations up to 1986. This first release from 1980 came to me in the collection of Big A.

The real-life Dodge D-50 – as well as the Plymouth Arrow – was Chrysler’s re-badging of the Mitsubishi Forte. Introduced during the compact truck craze of the 1970’s, the D-50 was meant to compete with the Ford Courier (Mazda) and the Chevy LUV (Isuzu). It was sold in the U.S. in 1979 and 1980 before the name was changed to the Dodge Ram 50.

The Hot Wheels Dodge D-50 is from the Hi-Rakers series, so it has an adjustable rear axle, shown here in the jacked-all-the-way-up position.

Hot Wheels | 1980 | 1153 | Dodge D-50 (Hi-Rakers) | red, white plastic top, orange, black, yellow trim | HK | bw

I also have the Malaysia-cast variation from 1982 which, when in good shape, has the same paint and tampo as the 1980 first release. As you can see, mine is not in good shape, but it allows the opportunity to show what it looks like without the white plastic shell (which is missing altogether).

Hot Wheels | 1982 | 1153 | Dodge D-50 (Hi-Rakers) | red with chrome tools in bed (missing shell) | MY | bw