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.
It’s just a special trim and appearance package. Nothing special here
Nor did I. However, the Ziebart undercoating throughs up big warning flags to me. (Hiding serious rust issues underneath. )
You can only love the patterns and fabrics for the era’s upholstery, a lot more imaginative than what they give us today. I always liked the square headlights. As per the engine bay it’s one lonnnnnnng week ends worth of degreasers paint cans and brushes. Even if you invest in new hoses, emission ducting and stuff i shouldn’t break the bank and we would wind up with a very nice engine bay
Geez, I was proud to own a pair of big plaid blue & white bell bottom polyester slacks in ’73 with 2″ high cuffs. Other than the color, they would’ve fit perfectly with this interior. Lots of plaid interiors across the makes in those days.
Our parents and grandparents cars were so much more interesting.
Great article Mr. Adam Clarke!! Nice find!! These were a nice size!! Neither too small or too big!! Couldn’t help but notice the Challenger Rallye on the trailer, it is for sale too from the same seller!! The price seems close, and will be interesting to follow the auction!!
Both are for sale, he’s also run the Challenger twice and thus far once prior that ended in no sales,
Steve R
Wasn’t that clever of the author, “Fly in, drive home”,,,VOLARE,( Dean Martin), it means “To fly”.
Word to the wise,,,,don’t “volare” anything, big mistake. If the airport doesn’t get you, the ride home could be a disaster. Just ship it back, and while diesel fuel could impact the cost, it could be the best decision.
Hideous build quality aside( poster child for recalls) I thought the Volare/Aspen was a nice car. Hopefully by now all the “bugs” are worked out with replacement parts, and clear sailing ahead.
Time and time again, 250 viewers, no bids. Got to be the stick. There is simply no other reason, it’s a nice car, priced right, nothing. Boy, I’d hate to have to try and sell a car these days, especially one folks can’t drive.
Geez, Howard. That’s kind of harsh. You usually have a soft spot for the outcasts. Mine was a ’76 purchased in ’79. Proved to be a pretty tough car that withstood a nineteen year olds abuse, including being crashed backwards on I-496. Started it up and continued driving it in totaled condition for a year before selling it to a friend. Absolute tank.
Doubtless you are correct on all counts. My experience with Dodge trucks indicates that 1978 was their nadir year for quality; they seemed to improve thereafter. With that in mind, this Volare is probably less terrible than its older cousins, which isn’t saying much.
I thought this is an automatic?
Yep it is. It clearly shows the floor mounted auto stick.
If this lived any of it’s life in salty New England, then whatever rustproofing was used (note the yellow plastic caps all over the place) really did it’s job.
My friend had 2 Aspen coupes just like this car in Mass. and they were both rot buckets within a few years.
It is, check the console. Had a ’77 with that auto console and a ’79 with the buckets but with the auto shifter on the column……no console. The interior would have been better in maroon, like my ’77
Sorry, you’re right, I’m on that “stick v automatic” schtick, but some of what I said could be salvaged, with an automatic, with 579 viewers now, and still no bids, it should be sold by now. Thanks.
the 8k is all the money for it. it is clean.
Its an automatic on the console. Nice enough car for the asking price. Low enough price to get into a “classic car”. Having the 318 is nice. Some body and paint work needed, but it’s a fine driver as is.
The $ saving features and interior are crap. Pot metal door handles, my 80 Aspens 318 seized at 15,000 the rear ends are small, rear shocks weak, suspension sucked the new torsion bar layout cumbersome. Great race cars. If you have 25K not worth anything on the street
Lower rear quarters rusted out. Seller/Flipper no say nothing about that.
It’s overpriced. There were no bids last time the car was listed. The paint may shine, but it’s rough around the edges. The biggest selling point are the bucket seats and console, but that only goes so far. These aren’t in high demand, the price should reflect that, probably $4,000 to $5,000 is more realistic.
Steve R
The 1980 styling with the rectangular head lamps was pretty sharp, but that new hood was flimsy. Looked great all squared off, but literally flopped around when open. I popped the hood on a new 1980 and couldn’t stop laughing. Yes, the Fairmonts of the day were similar, but they were a much smaller car. No excuse for this. 46 years ago, it was fun to goof off on a Saturday kicking tires at dealerships. New cars are not fun anymore. Plus sometimes dealerships fed you to get you into the door. Many grilled hotdogs for anyone who came by.
There was a long time Oldsmobile dealer in Minneapolis that did just that every Saturday with a local iconic radio personality. ” Bill Diehl (“the deacon of the discs and the rajah of the records”) for Oldsmobile. Wally McCarthy’s Oldsmobile where we got the popcorn poppin’ and the deals hoppin’. With me now is General Manager…” Besides popcorn, yes they did have hotdogs, pop, & of course coffee.
If Scotty Gilbertson sees this he knows what I’m talking about! 😁
I bought my ’84 Cutlass Brougham there in ’92.
The auction ended on 10/2/2026 with no bids, just like its previous auction. It will find a buyer, just not at this price point.
It’s going to be winter soon, I wouldn’t be surprised if it pops up for sale again next spring.
Steve R
It’s all about price for this one. Can’t imagine it not finding a home for the right number. This isn’t a car that’s even on my radar and probably many others. No hate for the car. Heck, it resembles my ’76 with subtle differences and the V8 instead of the six. But if I was shopping for something it’s not likely to be this car. For $4-5000 you might have a nice cruiser and fair weather driver.
Yea its all about the $ price and rust holes that will need patch panels . It would look nice fixed properly , but all the work needed and the high price don’t justify the investment for something not worth much when fixed.