One of my clients just inherited a supposedly restored 1978 Lil Red Express. He lives in California, and the vehicle is in Alabama. He is weighing the idea of transporting the truck to CA, BUT knows that it is not practical for his family situation, and is certain that he will also be selling it. His question is down to "where is the better market for this vehicle"? Here in the south, they do like their trucks, but I am not sure if the Lil Red Express falls in that category. Or do you think the California market (Los Angeles), would be better place to sell it? This is a regional type, vehicle specific type question that I need some input help.

Where is as is my 0.02. The associated cost to move would not be worth it.

I'd find someone in the area where the truck is to go through it to see what's really there, and pay them a % to list it on Bring-a-Trailer to get nationwide exposure.

It depends on the condition of that truck, I lived n SO CA for many years and I don't remember those trucks being in high demand but we move to Oregon in 2005.
.I would have him see if he can figure out what they go for out their now: scope:

I thought those were NA in California when new because of emissions.
I read somewhere that that was why there was a warlock, that was the "California substitute" for the Little Red

So much really depends on the condition of the vehicle. I owned a '79 back when there were not many parts being made for them. At the time it was not cheap to get the correct parts. With the re-pop market, now at least you can get parts, but still nothing is cheap for these. It would seem like the transport cost (guessing around $1600-$2K based on the last one I had shipped from Oregon to Michigan) would weigh heavily on the vehicle especially dependent on the condition.

If there's time - meaning the truck is safely stored and someone can take a thorough look at it and report on its condition - the OP has options:
Being free, it's (to me at least) no big deal to spend maybe $2,000 to get it to its new owner/seller.
Consign it to a reputable classic car dealership ("reputable" meaning looking into the place).
Get it to a trusted friend to place an online ad.

One issue will be having either the title, or providing it to a trusted agent - OP may need to re-title it in his name.

Really depends on the condition of the truck, establishing that is a necessity, seems to me.

If there's no time, then have it transported to somewhere where that's not a pressing issue.

2WD pickups are probably most popular out West, and for that matter, around L.A. I'd bet some folks lost their fun cars.

If truck can be sold in CA that would be better place. More money there.

Sounds like a valuable collectable truck, Get it to a Mecum? auction, that is where the high $ bidders are, and be done with it..

To the OP... I agree with others, that the current condition of the truck
is paramount, as to it's worth. I also tend to agree with topside, that the Lil Red
would fare better out west, ( if it's completely rust free and in good general condition)... BUT...
potential buyers, that are in the L.A. area, affected by the wild fires, are more concerned about
rebuilding their house ( and their life for that matter), as opposed to buying a non essential, like this truck, right now.

If the guy inherited the truck, with no strings attached, then, if it were me, I would
ship it out west, then go from there. I would personally keep it, since '78's are more sought after...
of the two years, that they were offered.

With the limited information given, I would as others have said, Get a pair of QUALIFED eyes on the truck and PICTURES before I anticipated doing anything. Might eve find someone here that's not to far away to do so.
Once the overall condition is established one can then start deciding how to proceed.
Does it Run?
When was it last driven?
Has it been sitting in barn full of mice etc.
Brakes, tires, paint, interior and odors and the list goes on.
Even if he THINKS he knows the answers to the above More info is needed to help.

Might also make sure the VIN and paperwork are good

I don't understand why we are getting into the weeds here on the truck.
My reading, the OP's owner doesn't have any passion for the truck, he wants to promptly monetize its value as much as possible without hassles or outlay.
Nothing does that better than a proper auction with national exposure and big spenders.

https://www.mecum.com/auctions/houston-2025/

My thanks for everyone's input. I will be going to look at the truck to evaluate it's condition soon. And FYI, I specialized in restoring Mopars' for over 50 years, and know these vehicles well. He said that his father had it fully restored so I am looking forward to seeing the quality. He is just not sure as to if he should try to sell it here, or in California. Auctions are a good way to get eyes on the truck. But you do pay a premium for the with seller and registration fees, transport to the auction, among others cost. I don't know if I would find potentially more money, but fewer buyers in CA. Or more potential buyer, but unknown money here in the south. I just recently left CA to move to Georgia. Please continue with your thoughts.

The way i see it is both places are out of the rust belt. A clean rust free restored vehicle may fetch more in the northern states. Would have to weigh the pros and cons of having it shipped then selling it there. May want to have a look at past activity sales in the area.

I'd sell it in Alabama. More people on the East Coast. Plus if you sell it in California it has to be smogged which means every piece of original emission equipment has to be on it to pass. So if anything is missing, you have to replace to get registered in California.

I'm not sure about the current smog (emissions) laws in CA as I moved out of there in 2005, back then any vehicle over 25 years old was smog exempt
Here in Oregon any car registered and driven on the east side of the Cascade MTNS. are exempt from Oregon emissions laws

You might consider contacting John Roberts. He heads up NALRETO, the LRE Club. Not because you need his advice, but he already has an established network of LRE owners and fans. Heck, he may know three people looking to buy a truck. Just Google NALRETO. Godspeed.

no idea on the 'bama market but CA wouldn't be a great market, anything over 75 requires smog and thus price/demand drops considerably. I'd sell it locally...

Just list it on FB marketplace, Craigslist here and other free sites..If it is an anywhere decent vehicle it will sell. I doubt highly it is worth the extra expense to ship it to Cali only to sell it. Since all he is looking to do is unload it for the cash why go to alot of effort. The interwebs have plenty of free places to list vehicles for sale. Establish a value for the vehicle and list away. I have never had an issue being fair selling stuff.