Survivor SPX: 1988 Mitsubishi Mighty Max 4WD
This 4WD Mitsubishi Mighty Max 4×4 could either be serendipitous or a stark reminder to wait for what you want. See, a few days ago, I went running down a new street in my neighborhood and found a 2WD Mighty Max – shockingly rust-free – sitting on four flat tires in a driveway. Of course, I want to take this on, but the 4WD version is the one to buy. For example, this 1988 4WD model here on eBay, listed with a $5,500 Buy-It-Now and looking quite tough on its heavy-duty suspension.
I’ve left a letter and chatted briefly with the owner, who has a sentimental attachment to the truck despite it not moving since 2011. I’ll let it go – maybe wait for a spouse to catch wind of my offer to re-home it – but I’m not going to chase it, especially considering how little I wish to pay for it. This truck, however, being the far-rarer 4WD version, I would pursue quite aggressively if it were sitting on deflated tires a few doors down.
These were simple, utilitarian vehicles, shared with Dodge as their uninspiring D50 pickup. But they’re so damn rare now, either due to rust or just being generally unpopular, that I can’t help but notice them when they (rarely) pop up. The Mitsubishi version is inherently cooler, too, and I’m trying not to think too much about outfitting the one down the street with a roll bar, spotlights and some white rally wheels on white-letter tires. It’d look so tough!
It’d look tough, sure – but that’s about it. These were pretty weak numbers-wise, but I’ve always found them to be quite handsome. And with a name like Mighty Max, how can you not smile? The seller say this is a rust-free example that’s been in Florida since new, complete with cold A/C and the rare SPX package. The money is strong but not unreasonable for a fun off-roader like this 4×4 Mighty Max. I’ll keep you posted if one ends up in my driveway.
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Comments
Nice little 4×4 truck! I had a ’76 Dodge D50 2wd Spring Special, road tested a ’88 Dodge/ Mitsubishi D50 4×4 for a long weekend. It was a very capable Little truck, But road Very harsh. Durable, tuff, and good looking. I didn’t buy it, needed a bigger cab. Good luck to the new owner and seller.
I would give my eye teeth for this little truck. I would then also have to keep my youngest daughter from stealing the keys.
That is one great looking truck. My little orange D-50 Sport doesn’t look as tough as this one does.
Listing already ended; too bad, but watch for a relist. Looks like it’s got the desirable Weber carb conversion, presuming that’s a genuine Weber and not the disreputable Chinese knockoff. Pretty sure it’s genuine, going by the glimpse of what appears to be a white plastic choke cover on the end (the knockoffs have a black cover).
BTW, the Dodge version of this generation would have been a Ram 50; the D50 was the rebadged first-gen.
Did they offer a diesel?
At one time I had one of these, except in 2 wheel drive! I can testify that they are tough little trucks! I used it every day in the cattle pasture in Kansas! Very rough terrain, I used it for everything including pulling a few fence posts out of the ground! Heck I was trying to kill it, so I would have a excuse to go truck shopping! Well I never could kill it, so I went truck shopping anyway! LMAO, great memories!
I happen to have a 91 Mighty Max. I got it on a barter for my 81 El Camino with a nice running crate 350ci. Recently, a fellow wanted to barter his 70 Ranchero with a 302ci for my MM, but the Ranch does have rust through on the sides mainly on the rear quarter panels.
This is a Power Ram. It has been for sale locally in Craigs; it’s a relist, and it looks like they raised the price by 1k?https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/louisville-1989-dodge-ram-d50/7607058321.html