Midstate Mopars highlight – 1963 Dodge AT4 custom
The second-largest all-Chrysler show in Australia, Midstate Mopars is an annual event that welcomes all members of the broader Chrysler family, including Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler light commercial vehicles, from classic utes and panel vans up to the latest RAM trucks.
Held in Bendigo over the King’s Birthday long weekend, Midstate Mopars marked its 18th edition in 2025, combining a regional cruise on one day and a show ‘n’ shine in Bendigo’s Town Hall precinct on the following day, where more than 150 vehicles were on show, including this Dodge AT4 pickup.
Chrysler Australia built the ‘AT4’ truck range locally from 1962 to 1973. Badged and sold as Dodges, the AT4 range was similar to International trucks of the period, as the same cabin design and body tooling was shared between the two companies. Along with prime mover and various rigid configurations, the Dodge AT4 could also be had as an SWB pickup like this one. However, this particular example is a long way removed from how Chrysler Australia built it back in 1963.
The lowered stance and Weld Pro Star wheels are the most obvious deviations from stock, with fat rubber filling the rear wheelarches. Badging on the front guards suggests a modern 5.7-litre GM LS1 V8 was powering this pickup, presumably hooked up to a contemporary automatic transmission, but the full drivetrain details are unknown.
Other 21st Century details included an LED light bar in the grille, modern tail lights and a reversing camera, while that metallic blue paint is almost certainly a non-factory touch, too.
The tray area is broadly in the factory style, but the inner walls appear to have been fabricated and the checkerplate floor is a modern touch. Same goes for the toolbox and bespoke spare wheel mount.
A Midstate Mopars debutant, this heavily customised classic AT4 pickup was well received on the day.
To see JUST CARS’ report from the 2025 Midstate Mopars, click HERE.
