Enthusiasts seeking a potentially affordable driver-grade classic may need look no further than this 1980 Plymouth Volaré Duster. It is an extremely tidy survivor with a claimed 67,000 miles on the clock. Add a V8 under the hood, the indication that this is a No Reserve auction, and the Volaré could be a winner. The seller has listed the Plymouth here on eBay in Attleboro, Massachusetts. They set their auction to open at $7,999, but have received no bids. The modest listing statistics suggest that if there is No Reserve, somebody could become this classic’s new owner with a single bid.
I have long been a fan of the Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volaré cousins because I’ve always seen the styling as crisp and clean. Launched in 1976, this 1980 Volaré Duster rolled off the line during the badge’s final production year. Finished in Crimson Red, the car’s overall presentation is quite tidy. Some plastic components show paint deterioration, and the stripes are waving the white flag from age, but the winning bidder could address these shortcomings without spending a fortune. Alternatively, they could leave the car basically untouched and enjoy it as a genuine survivor. The listing images show plenty of yellow plugs, confirming that the fine folks at Ziebart have given this Volaré their specialist attention. Therefore, this Plymouth’s lack of rust problems is unsurprising. The trim is in good condition, the alloy wheels are free from physical damage, and the glass is clear.
The news with this Volaré gets even better when we lift the hood. Forget the slant-six, because nothing beats a V8. In this case, it is the range-topping 318, developing 125hp and 245 ft/lbs of torque. I admit those figures are modest, but with the motor exhaling through an exhaust featuring a Thrush muffler, it will at least make the right noise. A three-speed TorqueFlite sends power to the rear wheels, and this Duster also has power steering and power brakes. The seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying their mileage claim, but the car’s presentation makes the figure plausible. Otherwise, they describe it as a great cruising car, suggesting the new owner could fly in and drive this beauty home.
The Duster package included vinyl and plaid cloth interior trim, and this car features those materials in Red that matches the exterior paint shade. The presentation supports the mileage claim, with wear on the driver’s seat outer edge as the only real fault. I believe the console lid might be warped, but it isn’t severe or requiring immediate attention. The remaining trim is excellent, and the carpet is clean. It isn’t loaded with factory options, but the AM/FM stereo radio will make long journeys less boring.
Some classics set my brain cells racing, and this 1980 Plymouth Volaré Duster is one of them. I delved back into the Barn Finds archives and discovered this is only the second Volaré Duster we have seen since the site’s inception. The other was a 1979 example that was pretty sad and sorry. This Volaré isn’t perfect, but its lack of rust and overall tidy presentation make it look like a winner. Addressing its cosmetic shortcomings would be easy, but a large part of me would want to preserve it as a genuine survivor. Do you share those feelings? If so, are you tempted to become the first bidder, hoping to take the Volaré home?
I had no idea they made Dusters for these years.