The Lil' Red Express was first introduced in 1978. It was marketed as a high-performance pickup truck that stood out from the crowd. Its bold red paint, gold accents, and chrome side exhaust stacks made it instantly recognizable. The Lil' Red Express was produced in limited numbers. In 1978, a total of 2,188 units were built, and in 1979, around 5,118 units were produced. These limited production numbers have contributed to the truck's collectability and desirability among enthusiasts.
The 1979 Lil' Red Express was powered by a 5.9-liter (360 cubic-inch) V8 engine, which was mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. It had a factory-rated power output of 225 horsepower, which was substantial for the era. The truck had impressive performance figures, including a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) time of around 7 seconds, making it one of the fastest vehicles of its time.