Plymouth Trail Duster: A Classic Off-Road Icon
“Trail Duster” just might be the most awesome name for an off-road vehicle ever. Intimidating, adventurous, and rebellious, Trail Duster oozes coolness. Many may not know that the Trail Duster existed under the Plymouth nameplate. While the current generation may not be familiar with the tale of the Plymouth Trail Duster, classic 4×4 enthusiasts fondly remember its time in the driver’s seat of Plymouth’s rugged 70s SUV.
Unfortunately, you can’t buy a new Plymouth anymore—let alone a Trail Duster. The Chrysler brand has been gone for almost 19 years, and even when you could buy a new Plymouth, it was typically cars like the Roadrunner, Barracuda, or the standard Duster. Thus, the Trail Duster, which wasn’t even the only Plymouth truck or SUV, is often overlooked.
The Trail Duster’s Legacy
The Plymouth Trail Duster (1974-1980) is actually the lesser-known twin of the Dodge Ramcharger full-size SUV. While it is rare to meet anyone with a Ramcharger, encountering a Plymouth Trail Duster on the trails is even more uncommon.
Recently, a 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster Sport 4×4 was spotted on Bring a Trailer. Its 70s charm is irresistible, and with three days left in the bidding, the price was $12,500—a reasonable figure for such a classic full-size off-roader.
Understanding the Cost
When brand new, the PW100 Trail Duster had a final out-the-door price of $11,419.15, after a base price of $7,016. The itemized invoice revealed fascinating figures: an anti-spin differential ($185), 360-ci V-8 engine ($125), sunscreen glass ($104.50), AM/FM radio and 8-track ($209.45), rollbar ($105), and more. These add-ons highlight the unique features offered at the time.
The Power Under the Hood
The carbureted 5.9-liter, 360-ci V-8 powerplant paired with a LoadFlite three-speed automatic transmission produced 160 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque when it was new. Although this may seem underpowered by today’s standards, it exemplifies the vintage strength of vehicles from that era. Moreover, the presence of a 35-gallon fuel tank upgrade underscores its rugged nature. With just over 23,000 miles on the odometer, of which the current owner has only added 100 miles, this classic Trail Duster is barely broken in, inviting adventurous spirits to explore the trails.
Interior Design
Nothing screams ’70s like the interior of the Plymouth Trail Duster. Featuring captivating woodgrain and various shades of tan, the interior is in excellent condition. The Saddle vinyl deluxe bucket seats remain pristine. It even comes equipped with a locking center console that includes built-in cupholders and an innovative removable Styrofoam beverage chest.
Condition and Features
This particular Plymouth Trail Duster was originally delivered to Hessel Motors in Gresham, Oregon, and remains in the Pacific Northwest. While it shows some rust, visually it appears beautiful and strikingly straight. These little imperfections provide character and make the Trail Duster feel at home on the trails, complete with skid plates to protect vital components and a roll bar for occupant safety.
A Unique Opportunity
As if we weren’t already captivated by the Plymouth Trail Duster, this SUV also boasts an unopened hardtop removal kit, giving buyers the option to extensively customize their vehicle. Whether keeping the top on for off-road ventures or removing it for open-air exploration, the Trail Duster stands out in a sea of common off-road vehicle options, embracing its unique and original charm.
