1974 Dodge 1500

“El Dodge 1500 es como una vuelta en la calesita”

“The Dodge 1500 is like a ride on the merry-go-round”, waxed Argentinian copywriters in 1971. Well, while the car sure wasn’t that exciting, its genesis certainly is: this Argentinian model, despite its American nameplate, actually originates from England, where it was launched as the Hillman Avenger in 1970. Hillman was an established car manufacturer in England, and since 1927 part of the Rootes Group that united various British makes under one big brand umbrella. We covered some of the irrational insanities of the postwar British car industry on previous occasions.

Designed under the lead of Rootes’ Styling Director Roydon Axe, the Avenger project began taking shape already in 1963, but faced long delays because other models of the Rootes portfolio had to be launched before. Meanwhile, Chrysler began to expand its business in Europe by buying shares of the ailing Rootes Group from 1964 on, and fully owned it by 1967. When the Hillman Avenger finally was presented in 1970, the motor press wrote favorably, praising its good road manners and the contemporary styling. With its Coke-bottle hips, the car definitely looked “American” even if it was pretty small. Thus, the Chrysler management saw fit to sell the Hillman Avenger as a compact Mopar worldwide. The Avenger blueprints were adapted for production in various countries, among them in Argentina, where it was produced and marketed by Chrysler-Fevre Argentina S.A.I.C. as Dodge 1500.

The Dodge was an instant hit with Argentinian buyers, and should soon get the reputation of being tough as nails, which resulted in a loyal fan base and a 20-year long production run. Its popularity didn’t even fade when Volkswagen took over Chrysler Argentina in 1980 and kept on selling the Dodge 1500, rebadged as “VW 1500” until 1990.

The simple technical layout and sturdiness made the Dodge 1500 an ideal choice for the Cuban officials when they selected the cars that would be part of the huge trade deal with Argentina, and in 1974, thousands of Dodge 1500 were imported to the island. Initially they were used as Taxis, but over the years many tickled down to the private car market. Here it seems to be the dream car of the younger crowd, because many Dodge 1500 we see in Cuba wear striking colors and wild decals.