Back in the mid-1980s, Chrysler was known for taking bold risks. After bouncing back from financial hardship, the company sought to carve out unique niches in the automotive market. One of their most unconventional yet exciting ideas was the Dodge Dakota Sport Convertible—America’s first and only convertible pickup truck.
The Origins of the Dodge Dakota
The Dodge Dakota made its debut in 1987, positioned between compact and full-size trucks. Unlike the Chevrolet S-10 and Ford Ranger, which were smaller in size, the Dakota offered the practicality of a pickup that could haul a full 4×8 sheet of plywood in its bed without the tailgate down.
Chrysler marketed it as America’s first midsize truck, bridging the gap between small utility vehicles and large workhorses.
A Bold Move: The Convertible Pickup
Chrysler decided to push boundaries by creating a convertible version of the Dakota. This wasn’t just a chopped-roof experiment; it was a fully engineered model built in collaboration with American Sunroof Corporation (ASC).
The Dakota Sport Convertible debuted in 1989 and remained in production until 1991. It was targeted at adventurous drivers who wanted both utility and open-air freedom.
Features and Performance
Engine Options
The Dakota Sport Convertible was available with a variety of powertrains:
- 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing 99 horsepower
- 3.9L V6 engine with 125 horsepower, later upgraded to 180 horsepower
- 5.2L V8 engine (available in later models), delivering up to 230 horsepower
Unique Features
- Manually retractable soft top
- Sporty exterior graphics
- Bucket seats with a center console
- Four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive options
- Optional roll bar for extra styling and safety
Collectibility and Market Value
Initially, the Dakota Convertible was met with curiosity but failed to achieve massive sales. However, decades later, this oddball truck has become a sought-after collector’s item.
Well-maintained models now fetch between $15,000 and $25,000 in the collector market, with pristine low-mileage examples commanding even higher prices.
Conclusion
The 1990 Dodge Dakota Sport Convertible remains one of the most unique vehicles in American automotive history. It blended practicality with fun, and though it was a sales underdog in its time, its rarity and distinctiveness make it a beloved classic today.
