Well it didn't take much to get me up to Norwich for this test drive and day out.. I've been handed a Dodge Ram 360 CID, 5.9 Litre V8!  Ooooosh!

​​Not only does this pickup have an insane delivery of torque - it also likes to do burnouts ;-)  I'm loving this already!

First stop was a trip to Wymondham to get some oil for the beast.  Running an American Truck definitely isn't a cheap job. You have to be prepared to spend on a LOT of Petrol and make sure you buy the CORRECT Oil to keep the engine running smoothly.  This owner makes no exception, and will always spend 100% from the motor, right down to his chunky B.F.Goodrich Tyres.  Maintenance is key!

The drive to Wymondham and back was purely to get the engine up to a decent operating temperature before I was handed the keys.  Being sat in the passenger seat was enough really, because it keeps delivering torque in a way that makes my toes curl.  I am loving this pickup!

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Have you ever watched a Horror Movie and sat there grinning as one of these Pickups drives past a family then slams on the brakes?  Its obviously whats going to happen and I'm sorry, that stuff makes me grin on the edge of my seat.  Anyway - that is what it feels like being sat in the drivers seat of this thing!  Its as though I've taken on the role of a serial killer in search of a victims and I may have foamed at the mouth slightly..  Starting the engine gives an enormous roar and sadly my cameras just aren't up to recording the sound effectively! You really do have to get inside one of these, or stand next to it for true appreciation.  I want!  I want!


​The Chassis

Well it is a pickup.. so I can't comment too much on the handling.  In honesty it didn't feel bouncy or out of place.  My bowels weren't subjected to any Roller-Coaster nonsense as we drove around Norwich City.  I said more that once during this drive that I would happily have this truck, and I feel the same way one week later.

The Body

This vehicle wasn't designed to reach 150mph + and has very straight, long lines from the bonnet to rear.  Aerodynamics aren't important in this review, so we will move on..

The Throttle

Yes... Oh yes! Oh God yes!  The response from this engine is delicious.  Reminds me very much of the older BMW E36 models that ran Bosch ECU's.  None of this waiting around nonsense - I want to 'feel' my engine the minute I request power.  Part throttle is very much how I set cars up once tuned, because sadly, technology and computers have gotten ahead of manufacturers and I personally find many software limitations annoying.  Ferrari seem to be the only manufacturer who don't play by these 'rules', and although their Ferrari F430 (for example) runs the same ECU Protocol as my Porsche 911 - they ignored most of the torque limiting map areas and just let you have the power!  This is what I am getting from the Dodge, also.  It is an absolute pleasure to drive!  All 5.9 Litres with no restriction or computer hindering my afternoon.  Pure joy!

The Exhaust

What a racket!  And why shouldn't it be? This is a REAL old school machine, maintained and kept alive by people who understand what driving is all about.  Unfortunately I was just unable to capture the engine note - but will try again in the new year with some microphones near the engine bay.  It is a noise I will take with me to the grave  ;-)  To end, the noise from this thing is definitely memorable


So.. what started as a normal day morning Suffolk ended up a really great day in Norfolk!  I'm really grateful to have had the chance to drive this thing - despite my uselessness in Left Hand Drive.  I remember driving a Left Hand Drive BMW E39 and didn't have as much difficulty on corners. The size of this thing is intimidating when you get behind the wheel for the first time.  Next time we meet I think I'll be the passenger :P


Nicholas Lawrence //ON CARS
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