Although the name “Ram” was not used in conjunction with a specific model until the early ‘80s, the iconic charging Ram has been around for decades. The first Ram radiator cap appeared at the helm of Dodge vehicles in 1932 as the brainchild of noted sculptor Avard Fairbanks. According to several sources, Walter P. Chrysler was initially confused by Fairbanks’ decision to sculpt a Ram, purportedly expressing doubt in the logo’s relevance to the brand. Earnestly believing that the sure-footed Ram was the perfect symbol for Dodge, Fairbanks asked Chrysler what a person’s first thought would be upon encountering a Ram in the wild. Chrysler’s enthusiastic response was “DODGE!” followed immediately by “That’s what I want – go with it.”
After Chrysler’s excited approval, the Ram logo was proudly displayed on every Dodge vehicle produced from 1932 to 1954, before it was unceremoniously retired. In 1974 the Ram was briefly resurrected to adorn the Dodge RamCharger, but it wasn’t until 1981 that it made a full resurgence at the behest of revered Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca. Wishing to mark the inaugural launch of the Dodge Ram pick-up trucks in a way befitting Dodge’s rich history, Iacocca called upon the masterful imagery Fairbanks’ original design invoked to lead the trucks into a new generation. Today, the Ram is still menacingly displayed in all of its 21st century glory above the grill on all Ram Trucks – smaller but no less awe-inspiring.
