Ram’s Trick or Treat: The 1500 Classic’s Boo-tiful Goodbye

Photo Source: Ram

In October 2024, the Stellantis Warren Truck Assembly Plant (WTAP) marked a milestone that will go down in brand history. Its final Ram 1500 Classic (DS) light-duty 2024 pickup truck was assembled in Tradesman guise. The Ram 1500 Classic was part of the previous generation of the full-size Ram truck, offering an affordable option alongside the newer model. Interestingly, the automaker didn’t make a spectacle of the event. 

WTAP employees, however, expressed deep appreciation for the facility. On a social media account dubbed The Real City of Roseville, MI, they posted a photograph of the last unit rolling off the production line. Although the Ram Classic traditionally housed a V-6 or a V-8 engine, this Delmonico Red pickup was outfitted with a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, commemorating the storied powertrain’s last hurrah in the Ram 1500 lineup. From here on out, if customers seek V-8 capabilities, they’ll need to select a Ram Heavy Duty.

Does the 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Exist?

For context, the V-8 engine was substituted by the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six mill. While the Ram Classic pickup truck’s production continued for most of 2024, its discontinuation was announced in August 2024. The Ram 1500 Classic’s retirement represents a massive overhaul for the truck brand. Readers must keep the vehicle’s significant impact in mind, as it endured substantially longer than most people expected.

Assembly of the fourth-generation pickup began in 2009 as the Dodge Ram, before Ram branched off as an independent automotive manufacturer. As mentioned, when the fifth-generation Ram 1500 premiered in 2019, the fourth-generation model was relaunched as the Classic and sold together with the new truck. 

Although Ram never publicly disclosed the sales data for the 1500 Classic, it was probably a commercial triumph; otherwise, the automaker wouldn’t have continued developing the truck for five years. It was likely succeeded by a fifth-generation model due to strong customer demand. It’s worth noting that the fourth-generation version, specifically the DS, embodied a major advancement for the Ram lineup, catering to professional and personal needs alike.

The Ram 1500 Classic Reimagined the Truck Industry

The fourth-generation Ram 1500 was characterized by enhanced aerodynamics and unique styling, including:

Multiple Configurations

• Regular Cab
• Crew Cab
• Quad Cab

Several Bed Lengths

• 5.5 feet
• 6.3 feet
• 8.0 feet

A considerable improvement over the previous generation was the introduction of a five-link rear suspension with coil springs, replacing the conventional leaf springs. The Ram 1500 DS also incorporated the inventive RamBox, a handy storage system in the bed.

Dash Down Memory Lane with a Ram 1500 Classic from Miami Lakes Automall!

That said, for its last year, the Ram 1500 Classic had a starting price tag of $38,705 MSRP (Plus destination fee). The cost got you a Tradesman Quad Cab with rear-wheel drive, the 3.6-liter V-6 mill, and 17-inch steel wheels. WTAP is transitioning toward electric power, but you can benefit from the new Ram vehicles on our lot. Make sure you also treat yourself to our new vehicle specials.