By the mid-1960s, pickups were continuing their steady evolution from basic work vehicles to personal transportation. People were often ordering their pickups with stylish two-tone paintjobs, plusher interiors and amenities like air conditioning and power accessories, making them more enjoyable. Meanwhile, this era also saw camping growing in popularity among people, which meant that pickups were getting shells and prefab campers placed atop their beds with growing regularity. To better serve the market, Dodge introduced the Camper Special, a pickup needing no modifications to accommodate a new modular slide-in camper. The Camper Special could be ordered in either the D100, D200, D200 Crew Cab or W200 guise, and it came complete with the heavy-duty chassis equipment to accommodate the weight of the camper. The D200 received wider wheels, stiffer front and rear springs rated for 1,500 and 2,600 pounds, respectively, a heavy-duty cooling system, “western-type” wide-spanning sideview mirrors, a 70-amp-hour battery, 59-amp alternator and power brakes. The standard engine was the 225 CI slant-6, but customers could opt for the 318 CI V-8; both engines came equipped with the 3-speed manual transmission, though a 4-speed manual or LoadFlite 3-speed automatic were also available, as was a wide array of other accessories. This 1966 D200 Camper Special was purchased new on August 15, 1966, at Kirby’s Sales and Service in Arlington, Virginia, and it remains in unrestored condition with only 10,837 miles. Sporting the original light blue paint with white trim, it features the optional 318/200 HP V-8 engine with a matching-numbers 4-speed manual transmission. Equipped with the Camper Special Package No. 2, this D200 features the rear bumper, fresh air heater, oil gauge and a traffic warning hazard flasher. The Appearance Package allows it chrome and black trim molding, a ram hood ornament and other elements, raising its style. Inside, passengers will enjoy a black bench seat, armrest, engine-turned aluminum instrument cluster surround and knob and switchgear housing beneath the dash, all within a light blue and white interior. Very original, the paint has been metered, and the wide, white, steel wheels are wrapped with Terra Trac radial tires. To be sold with a copy of the original invoice, camper package information and a sales brochure, this Dodge D200 Camper Special is a remarkable discovery.
