These days, custom pickup trucks are everywhere, with interested buyers offered a plethora of choices both from the aftermarket and straight from the factory. However, 40 years ago, it was far less common to get a bespoke aesthetic direct from the manufacturer. In that sense, the original Warlock pickup broke the mold, and now Ram is taking the nameplate off the shelf for a fresh special edition iteration of the 1500.

Old School Formula, New School Equipment

As you might imagine, the new Ram 1500 Classic Warlock is based on the contemporary 2019 Ram 1500 Classic. And it makes sense, given the recent surge in pickup sales numbers for Ram - now’s the time to get more buyers into the 1500, and a custom throwback is a surefire way towards that goal.

Kicking off the build is a host of visual features, starting with a black grille treatment and center-mounted Ram badge. You’ll also find powder-coated bumpers up front and out back, while LED lighting elements are used for the fog lights and taillights. The fascia also incorporates new projector headlights with dark bezels, which add even more to the overarching stealth theme.

Moving around to the corners, the Warlock mounts 20-inch semi-gloss black aluminum wheels underneath large black wheel arches. Details include a variety of “Warlock” decals and badging throughout, plus tow hooks and unique hood decals that run longitudinally towards the windshield. Buyers are also offered an optional Sport hood, if desired.

Exterior color options include True Blue, Granite Crystal Metallic, Blue Streak, Diamond Black, Delmonico Red, Flame Red, Maximum Steel, Bright White, Pearl White, and Bright Silver Metallic.

Ram offers both a Quad Cab and Crew Cab configuration for the Warlock’s body style. The bed is limited to a five-foot, seven-inch measurement, but still comes with a standard RamBox storage system.

The profile also reveals the Warlock’s power foldaway mirrors and black side steps. Take a peek in the bed and you’ll find a spray-in bedliner and LED lighting.

Per tradition, the Warlock gets a decent suspension lift, with a full inch added to the ride height compared to the standard model. For reference, the standard 2019 Ram 1500 offers about 8.5 inches of ground clearance.

Complementing the extra tallness is a set of heavy-duty rear shocks, which are installed on the same link-coil rear suspension as the standard truck.

Moving into the cabin, the Ram 1500 Classic Warlock is decked out with standard Diesel Grey cloth upholstery. It also gets tech like the ParkSense rear parking assist feature as standard, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an automatic-dimming rearview mirror, and an overhead console control layout.

A 7.0-inch cluster display is standard as well. Heading the list of options is a heating function for the bench seating (you can also get it with bucket seats), plus an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with navigation feature.

Two engine options are offered with this special edition, starting with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 making 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, you can upgrade to a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 making 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque.

For reference, the standard Ram 1500 offers a max payload rating of 2,100 pounds and a max tow rating of 7,730 pounds when equipped with the V-6. Throw in the 5.7-liter ‘eight, and max payload is rated at 1,970 pounds, while the max tow rating jumps to 12,750 pounds.

Transmission options across the board are limited to a TorqueFlite eight-speed. Either a 4x2 or 4x4 driveline are offered for putting it to the pavement.

The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock will be available later in the first quarter of 2019. Pricing starts at $35,345, which is a relatively small up-charge over the standard 2019 Ram 1500’s MSRP of $31,795. And in an age of overpriced special editions, that’s a welcome sight to see.

1976 Dodge Ram Warlock Vs. 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock

If you recognize the Warlock nameplate, you’ve got a pretty good memory. The first Warlock pickup was offered in 1976 as part of Dodge’s “adult toys” lineup, and was aimed at “young buyers looking for a custom-look truck right from the factory floor.”

Originally shown as a show concept car, the Warlock quickly gained fans, and demand was high enough to justify an outright production version.

This factory custom offered all the good stuff of a factory-spec Dodge truck, but with the extra trimmings you’d want out of a custom build.

The first thing to catch our eye is the very cool pin striping added across the fascia and profile, which was complemented by new wheels and big tires. The original Warlock also came with either chrome trim or oak for the running boards.

Exterior paint options included Bright Red, Green Sunfire Metallic, or Black Sunfire Metallic, while gold accents were added inside and out. The cabin was also decked out with bucket seats.

Either a six-cylinder or an eight-cylinder powerplant could be had under the hood, while a LoadFlite automatic transmission swapped cogs. Both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive versions were on offer, while front disc brakes threw the anchor.

Framed as a truck that could “play as hard as it works,” you can see the lineage from the modern crop of custom pickups.

“They are ‘tough’ and sporty looking on the street as well as off road,” said a release for the Warlock in the late ‘70s. Sound familiar?

Production ceased in 1979, but the formula is carried over to today. Unique exterior trim, new wheels, fresh materials, and a select number of interior upgrades is pretty much the go-to when it comes to bespoke vehicles, and it’s looking like that isn’t gonna change any time soon.

Further Reading

Read more about the 2019 Ram 1500.