Vehicle buyers want something special. They want to link their lifestyle to their brand. That’s why you see so many vehicles with special badging, decal packages or colors. And the pickup market is no different from the special edition car market.

Enter the 2019 Kentucky Derby Edition of the Ram pickup. This is the new Ram, with fine-tuned looks, enhanced interior and now a special focus on the 144th running of that Louisville horse race. In announcing the new pickup, Mike Manley, head of Ram Brand, commented that the race has long been “among America’s most cherished sporting events. The close ties between Ram trucks and the equine community have led us to the introduction of the 2019 1500 Kentucky Derby Edition.”

SPECIAL RECOGNITION: This special recognition of the “Run for the Roses” is part of the special edition package. It’s shown here on the rear fender of a Ram in the new Diamond Black Crystal version.

This special package has been added to the top-of-the-line, limited edition Ram. And with this edition, the company is launching the Ivory White Tri-Coat paint offering (shown); and for the first time, there is a body-colored appearance package for the all-new Limited.

Buyers of the special edition truck will also have five other exterior colors from which to choose, including Delmonico Red, Diamond Crystal Black (shown with the Kentucky Derby graphic here), Granite Crystal, Max Steel and Patriot Blue. This edition is available in 4x2 or 4x4 Crew Cab configurations, with a 5-foot, 7-inch bed length.

The trucks will also feature what Ram folks are calling the “Run for the Roses” fender graphics package, which we show above. The race itself is May 5, and this marks the ninth year the brand has been the official truck of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.

INTERIOR POWER: The 2019 Ram Limited is the full-featured machine in the line, with the big 12-inch display. From heated and cooled seats to real wood accents, the designers covered every detail in this edition.

Not so limited
The Limited moniker for this truck is kind of a misnomer, since there are no limits to the options and special touches available in this truck. This version includes that bigger-than-a-tablet, 12-inch touch-screen radio, with the exclusive Sirius XM 360L package that includes navigation.

Underneath are four-corner, auto-leveling air suspension; power-retracting running boards; a trailer hitch with sway control; and a blind-spot monitor with automatic trailer detection.

That Kentucky Derby Edition also features the premium full-leather front and rear reclining seats with heating and cooling, and wood and metal trim. In a test drive of the Limited earlier this year, Farm Progress found the ride quiet. In addition, the rear reclining seats add a new level of comfort for passengers.

This truck, as outfitted, is capable of towing up to 12,750 pounds when properly equipped. Base price for the 2019 Ram 1500 Kentucky Derby Edition is $53,190 plus a $1,645 destination charge. The special edition is on sale now, but only 2,000 will be produced. Learn more at ramtrucks.com.