488 HP Sleeper! 1973 Plymouth Scamp

Plymouth and Dodge borrowed alternative versions of their respective compact cars in 1971. While Dodge gained the Demon (a fastback based on the Plymouth Valiant Duster), Plymouth obtained the Scamp (which was a 2-door hardtop like the Dodge Dart Swinger). This 1973 edition of the Scamp looks mostly tame (except for the stance), but it has a 488 hp Stroker V8 under the hood. Located in Millsboro, Delaware. It’s available here on craigslist for $25,500. As far as cool tips go, Barn Finder Barney strikes again!

Wearing a Valiant front clip, the Scamp wasn’t available as a performance model, leaving that territory to Dodge. The car could be had with either a Slant-Six or a 318 cubic inch V8. Shoppers preferred the Swinger over the Scamp, selling 125,000 copies in 1973 vs. 54,000 for the Scamp. The seller’s car began life with the 318, but the seller (or someone else) built it from the block up to a 390 Stroker with all the bells and whistles.

We’re told the Stroker build has 3,000 miles on it while the odometer reads 30,500 (or 130,500?). The overall condition of the vehicle, especially the original interior, suggests the lower figure applies. The automatic transmission was also treated to some upgrades at the same time as the motor. Many of the performance goodies include parts from Edelbrock, Holley, Icon, Doug’s Headers, and a new front suspension package. The entire car now sits a bit higher than it would have from the factory.

The body and paint look great (the latter may have been reapplied), but the vinyl top and upholstery are all from 1973. The Rallye wheels are new, too, along with the Cooper tires. A ton more stuff is new, so the asking price certainly aims to recoup some of that investment. We’re told the Mopar was put on the dyno, and the torque measured 552 ft-lbs. Along with the 488 horses. Sleeper? Could be!