You’ve probably seen the "Li’l Red Express" at a car show. It’s iconic. It’s loud. It’s... well, red. But then there’s its shadow—the Dodge Midnight Express. Finding a real Dodge Midnight Express for sale in 2026 is a bit like hunting for a ghost that someone painted black.
Most people think it’s just a paint job. Honestly? It’s way more complicated than that.
The Midnight Express wasn't a factory-produced model in the same way the Li’l Red was. It was a dealer-installed package, primarily pushed by Grand Spaulding Dodge in Chicago (the legendary "Mr. Norm’s"). Because it didn't roll off the official Chrysler assembly line as a "Midnight Express," production numbers are a total mess. Some experts, like those over at HotCars and various Mopar forums, swear only about 200 were ever made. Others say the number is even lower because a fire at Grand Spaulding supposedly wiped out the records.
The 440 Mystery: Why It’s Rarity on Wheels
Here is the big kicker: The Li’l Red Express used a high-performance 360 (5.9L) V8. But the Midnight Express? It was often built using the Warlock as a base. This meant you could potentially get the massive 440 cubic inch (7.2L) V8.
Imagine that for a second.
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A short-wheelbase, stepside truck with vertical smoke stacks and a 440 big block. In 1978, that was basically a middle finger to the entire EPA. Since it was a "dealer conversion," Dodge got around the strict emissions laws that were killing muscle cars at the time.
If you are looking for a Dodge Midnight Express for sale, you have to be incredibly careful. Because they were dealer-installed, there is no specific VIN code that says "Midnight Express." You're looking for a 1978 D150. You’re looking for the black paint (code TX9 usually, or a repaint of a Warlock), the gold pinstriping, and those glorious chrome stacks.
Spotting a Real One vs. a Tribute
Since the values are climbing, "tributes" are everywhere. I saw a "Midnight Tribute" sell recently for around $39,900. It had a 440 swap and looked the part, but the seller was honest about it being a clone.
- Check the Engine: A real deal Midnight Express often sports the 440, though some had the 360. If it has a 318, it’s likely just a dressed-up D150.
- The Bed: It has to be the Utiline (stepside) bed with the real wood trim.
- The Door Decals: The "Midnight Express Truck" door decals should look aged if they're original. If they look like they were printed yesterday on a Cricut, be suspicious.
- Warlock Roots: Many were actually converted Warlocks. Check if the interior has the "Warlock" gold dash trim or bucket seats.
What Should You Pay in 2026?
Prices are all over the map. Honestly, it's wild. A high-quality Li’l Red Express is currently averaging around $27,000 to $35,000 for a driver-quality truck. But a documented Midnight Express? You’re easily looking at $45,000 to $60,000 if you can actually find one with a 440.
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I’ve seen "project" versions—trucks that need a total restoration—listed for $15,000. Don't do it unless you love sanding. The wood in the bed is usually rotted, and those chrome stacks are expensive to replace if they've rusted through.
The market is shifting. Collectors are tired of the same three Mustangs and Camaros. They want "lifestyle" vehicles. These trucks fit that perfectly. They have personality. They make a ridiculous amount of noise. They're fun.
Where to Look for a Dodge Midnight Express For Sale
You won't find these at your local used car lot. Trust me.
- Mecum and Barrett-Jackson: This is where the "investment grade" trucks live. If a 440 Midnight Express hits the block at Scottsdale, expect a bidding war.
- Bring a Trailer (BaT): Great for seeing high-res photos of the underside. If you see oil everywhere, run.
- Facebook Mopar Groups: Surprisingly, this is where the best deals are. Join the "1972-1980 Dodge Truck" groups. Often, an owner will post there before listing it officially.
- Classic.com: Use this to track actual sale prices rather than "asking" prices. Asking prices are fantasies; sale prices are reality.
A lot of people get burned because they buy a black truck with stacks and think they've found a gold mine. Without documentation or a clear history linking it to a dealership conversion like Grand Spaulding, it’s just a cool custom truck. That’s fine if you just want to drive it, but don't pay "collector" prices for a "tribute."
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Actionable Steps for Buyers
If you’re serious about putting a Midnight Express in your garage, do this:
- Verify the VIN: Ensure it’s a 1978 D-Series. If it's a '79, it's almost certainly a clone or a very late, undocumented conversion, as the 440 was phased out.
- Inspect the "Stacks": Look at how the exhaust is routed. On cheap clones, they just bolt the pipes to the bed and don't even connect them. A real one (or a good tribute) will have functional heat shields and proper routing.
- Request a Marti-style Report: While Chrysler records aren't as tidy as Ford's, companies like GTS Services can sometimes help verify high-end Mopars.
- Check for Rust: Look at the cab corners and the floorboards. These trucks were workhorses before they were classics. They rot from the inside out.
The Dodge Midnight Express is the ultimate "if you know, you know" vehicle. It’s the dark twin of the 70s truck world. Just make sure you aren't buying a ghost.
Next Steps for You:
Check the current listings on Bring a Trailer or Hagerty Marketplace specifically for "1978 Dodge D150" to see if any unlisted Midnight Express trucks are being sold simply as "custom black trucks"—that is where the real bargains are hidden.