1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Indy 500 Special Edition

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Indy 500 Special Edition was a striking tribute to the 80th running of the Indianapolis 500. For any American automaker, being selected as the Official Pace Car of the Indy 500 is a prestigious honor — and in 1996, that distinction was awarded to the newly-launched Dodge Viper GTS coupe. To complement the Viper’s role, Dodge unveiled a special edition Ram 1500 pickup designated as The Official Truck of the 80th Indianapolis 500. Finished in Brilliant Pearl Blue with bold Quartz White racing stripes, the truck echoed the Viper’s iconic livery. Under the hood was a 5.9-liter Magnum V8, delivering 245 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque.

Three fully-equipped prototype pace trucks were built for the event, featuring amenities like cruise control, power accessories, and premium interior trim. One of these trucks was delivered to Tony George, then-president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and was actively used during race weekend — including leading race cars on a rain-soaked track.

To commemorate the occasion, Dodge produced a limited run of 3,212 Ram Indy Special Edition models, based on the Ram 1500 Laramie SLT — with 2,846 allocated for the U.S. market. These trucks quickly gained collectible status, celebrated for their distinctive styling and direct connection to motorsport history

This example is now offered with a clean CARFAX history report and a clean Michigan title.

Factory Equipment

• One of 3,212 1996 Dodge Ram Indy Special Editions

• Based on the upscale Ram 1500 Laramie SLT

• 5.9-liter Magnum V8 engine rated at 245 horsepower

• Four-speed automatic transmission and rear wheel drive

• Ram Indy Special Editions include:

  • Finished in Brilliant Pearl Blue with Quartz White racing stripes

  • Gray cloth bench seat with folding center armrest

  • 17-inch alloy wheels

  • 275/60R17 tires

  • Ground effects

  • Fog lamps

  • Body color grille

  • Front spoiler

  • Running boards

  • Rear roll pan

  • Dual exhaust

  • Indy 500 graphics

  • Air conditioning

  • Cruise control

  • Power windows and locks

  • Factory cassette stereo

  • Analog gauge cluster with tach

Modifications

• Aftermarket interior wood trim

• Color-matched tonneau cover with white racing stripes

• Spoiler with white racing stripes

Servicing & Documentation

• Headlights replaced

• Clean CARFAX History Report

Known Imperfections

• Air conditioning, power locks, and radio inoperable

• Some rust on hood (see photo gallery)

• Dent on rear fender (see photo gallery)

• The original paint and graphics have fading and blemishes commensurate with age

• Headliner loose above both visors and on left driver's side

• Driver seat cloth upholstery loose at the seam

• Tonneau cover does not stay up unassisted

Ownership History

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Indy 500 Special in Ohio from new until 1998, and Michigan since.