22k Original Miles: 1979 Plymouth Volare Custom Sedan

I am always drawn to cars like this 1979 Plymouth Volare Custom Sedan. It isn’t because it is an ultra-desirable classic, because it isn’t. This car attracts my attention because of its condition. Most Volares of this vintage have either made their final journey to the scrapyard years ago, or they’re pretty tired and beaten. This Volare has avoided both fates and presents exceptionally well. Several factors have helped its cause, including a two-owner history and an odometer reading of 22,000 genuine miles. It is searching for its third owner, with the seller listing this survivor here on eBay in Bradenton, Florida. They set their BIN at $16,997 with the option to make an offer.

The seller provides an enormous amount of text in their listing, but it repeats itself and lacks concrete information. They describe the car as a two-owner barn find but don’t elaborate on when and where it was stored, or for how long. They also don’t mention evidence verifying the mileage claim, but the car’s overall condition makes the figure plausible. The Teal Frost Metallic paint is claimed to be original, and its shine is impressive if that is the case. It cloaks panels free of dings and dents, while the White vinyl top provides excellent contrast. One thing I noticed is a slight color mismatch on the bumper fillers, suggesting someone may have replaced them due to deterioration. Rust doesn’t appear to be an issue, with the underside shots revealing spotless floors. The trim and glass are excellent, and the narrow whitewalls look right at home on this classic.

Interiors often tell the true story of a classic’s life. Neglect and abuse are clearly visible, and high mileage is typically revealed by worn seats and carpet. This Volare hasn’t suffered any of those issues. While describing the interior as factory-fresh stretches credibility, the condition makes it easy to understand why this Plymouth has accumulated its share of show silverware. The seats are excellent, the carpet is spotless, and the faux woodgrain trim looks perfect. There is no evidence of UV damage, and while it isn’t dripping with factory options, the air conditioning, cruise control, a rear defogger, and AM/FM stereo radio should make life on the road pretty pleasant.

Ordering a 1979 Volare brought buyers a choice of three versions of Chrysler’s venerable 225ci slant-six to power the new purchase. Those sold in California were the least potent, delivering 90hp and 160 ft/lbs of torque. The air cleaner on this car says “Super Six,” and it isn’t deceptive. That motor was the most potent of the three, producing 110hp and 180 ft/lbs. The first owner teamed that motor with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and power brakes, but I don’t see evidence of power steering. As previously stated, the seller’s listing is long-winded, but provides only limited specific details. They don’t explicitly state that this Volare is a turnkey proposition, but the indications suggest it is. I would certainly expect nothing less for the asking price.

We’ve recently seen a few survivor-grade classics at Barn Finds that are what would have been considered competent daily drivers when they were new. This 1979 Plymouth Volare Custom Sedan continues that trend, and it will be fascinating to gauge your feedback. Those we’ve recently featured have typically received a thumbs-up, as our readers recognize they have survived against the odds. The seller’s price is well above the market average, but recent sales results suggest that the condition and odometer reading make the figure not unprecedented. The listing statistics are modest, though it only takes one person for this Volare to find a new home. Do you think that will happen?