- Seller: Blaine R
- Location: Farr West, Utah
- Mileage: 1,169 Shown
- Chassis #: AA0ATAC126831
- Title Status: Clean
Sitting in this garage is a vehicle that demonstrates there are still great classics that are awaiting liberation and the chance to return to their rightful place on our roads. This gem is a 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster, and the fact it is the top-of-the-line Sport Edition means it offers an ideal combination of performance and comfort. The Plymouth has occupied this spot for twenty years, but the owner has just cleaned it up and gotten it running again. They believe the mileage to be accurate, but they aren’t sure. Either way, it’s time for it to find a new home with a buyer who can utilize its excellent all-terrain abilities. Therefore, they have listed this Trail Duster with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Platform sharing is nothing new, and this Trail Duster proves its effectiveness. It was Plymouth’s variant of the First Generation Dodge Ramcharger, produced between 1974 and 1980. The original owner ordered this Trail Duster Sport in a combination of Bright Tan Metallic and Light Tan. The paint now hides under a heavy layer of dust after two decades in storage, but there is enough of a shine visible to suggest it would respond positively to a simple wash and polish. The panels are straight, but this Plymouth’s greatest attribute could be its lack of major corrosion. The dry and favorable storage environment makes the solid exterior unsurprising. The photos show a lack of surface corrosion in areas like the engine bay, which is always a positive sign. The trim shares characteristics with the panels and paint, meaning it appears undamaged and should respond well to some attention with a high-quality polish. The glass looks excellent, and the aftermarket wheels provide a perfect touch of purposeful aggression to the exterior.
Plymouth offered 1980 Trail Duster buyers a wide choice of engines to power their new purchase, from the venerable 225ci slant-six to the 440ci V8. This vehicle is on the higher end, with its engine bay housing a 360ci V8. This powerplant produces 170hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque, and with the delivery low in the rev range, it is ideal for towing or inching across harsh terrain. Shifting duties fall to a durable three-speed automatic transmission, with the rest of the drivetrain components making the Trail Duster quite capable. Power feeds to a dual-range transfer case that ensures power distribution to both ends of the vehicle. Power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes means the driver doesn’t need to expend too much effort in such situations. The Plymouth now runs and is mechanically complete and original. Chrysler’s V8 engine range from this era is pretty bulletproof, so having this classic ready for daily duties will likely require little more than some basic maintenance.
This Trail Duster is the range-topping Sport, which includes some welcome comfort features. The new owner receives air conditioning, the optional AM/FM radio, a roll bar, and the desirable high-back Command Seats trimmed in cloth and vinyl. The interior is in good order, with no signs of significant wear or other issues. The rubber floormats confirm that the owner aimed to protect the carpet, while the dash and pad are free from UV damage. The gauges feature crystal clear lenses and crisp markings, and there are no visible aftermarket additions. A few days spent detailing everything in a home workshop should leave the inside of this Plymouth shining like a new penny.
The longer I examine the photos of this 1980 Plymouth Trail Duster Sport, the more my fingers itch. I would have loved to roll it out of the garage and wash away two decades of accumulated dust to expose the solid survivor hiding beneath. Detailing the interior would be equally satisfying. While the seller has already done the initial clean-up, there’s still work to be done to make it really shine. And having it cleaned up gives us a much better look at its overall condition, which is a definite plus when buying something online. So would you like to be the next owner of this sweet 4×4?
Bid On This Auction
- Robbie Baker bid $21,500.00 2023-10-17 21:46:06
- elemac2 bid $21,000.00 2023-10-14 14:57:52
- Pierre bid $19,000.00 2023-10-13 12:21:10
- Dynotune73 bid $18,000.00 2023-10-13 08:23:16
- Fross60200 bid $16,000.00 2023-10-13 04:13:08
- Robbie Baker bid $10,500.00 2023-10-12 22:14:32
- Fross60200 bid $10,000.00 2023-10-12 18:06:36
- 1particularharbour bid $8,501.00 2023-10-12 13:08:40
- mbasinski bid $8,000.00 2023-10-12 13:00:46
- RamIt23 bid $7,000.00 2023-10-12 10:20:52
- 2manyvettes bid $6,500.00 2023-10-12 09:29:17
- mainlymuscle bid $5,000.00 2023-10-12 09:20:39
Not sure about the awd comment.
T-case shows 2H and i see manual hubs on the front. Nice looking rig.
Is the Loadflite trans, the same as the 727 Torq-flite ?
Loadflite is what a Torqflite trans was called when in an AMC/Jeep product. Many errors in this write up. It is 4WD and it does not have LOC positions or any of the other claims that a full time 4WD truck would have as this is a part time 4WD truck with an MP208 t-case. Not sure how this write up made it through. Mostly all incorrect.
Loadflite is news to me…. I know AMC called some earlier transmissions torque command, instead of torque flite, but they were still Mopar transmissions, AMC people don’t like to be reminded of that though, lol, just saying, it’s a nice truck, I like it a lot, and always have been a fan of these and Ramchargers.
I hate to be the one to correct your vociferous objection about the term “Loadflite,” but if you’ll look at Dodge Truck brochures from about 1960 forward, it‘s the optional automatic transmission for any Dodge (and Plymouth truck). Loadflite is just the truck version of Torqueflite. If there were a difference, it should be the shift point governor, as 4500 is the typical redline of a truck engine.
Special Edition not “Sport Edition”. And this is a 1980 not a 1977. Nice truck though.
It is a Trail Duster Sport as seen on the dash emblem. Special Edition was a Dodge thing, Plymouth didn’t use the SE for their upscale vehicles.
Correct. The VIN says 1980
Very clean and well kept Trailduster, but the wear and stains under hood, underneath and on seats and carpet seem to indicate a lot more than 1,100 miles.
I’ve been looking for a Ramcharger with at least a 360, and this is certainly the same, but the timing is not quite right. I would definitely have to inspect in person to figure out if it is actually 101,100 miles… which seems more likely based on the pictures.
Look again. The mileage is 11,699 and condition of the truck shows that to be the case. I always look at the pedal pads, then the seat covers, emblems, dash condition, original paint, etc.. If I hadn’t bought a ’68 Barracuda a few months back, this Trailduster would be mine.
The add says 1,169. The picture shows the odometer at 1,166 and 6/10ths. If the undercarriage pics appear to be a truck with 1,169, or 11,169 to you, I’ve got some “low mileage” gems to sell ya.
This is still a great truck in great condition, but it is not in 1,169 mile condition.
I own Trailduster it states Sport several places don’t think it special edition
Blaine is this 1169 miles or true mileage unknown?
What will the documents state??
I had a 74 trailduster. The 318 was kind of a dog. I liked it but I think the 360 would be a much better driver. Mine was a plain Jane. This rig is very nice.the 440 would be awesome.
First off, this unit I think is a 1980, as 1979 was the first year for the rectangular headlamps on the top of the line models. And 1980 the bolt pattern was changed from five on four and a half to five on five and a half and was first offered with these wheels. Also the transfer case was modified and was a part-time unit. And manual lock hubs became standard. 1975-1979 there were no part time hub options.
Scott ae you the on who works for Dynapac USA?
No, I am retired.
It’s definitely had some paint work done. On the two tone trucks the middle color goes from the from the top side molding to the bottom side molding and this one doesn’t. There’s what appears to be rock guard on the bottom. Also noticed the self tapping screws holding the lower side molding in place. Still a very nice rig I’d be proud to own.
I know this is a stupid comment, but if this was a 2WD, I would be half way to Utah by now!
Yes but nobody wants a two-wheel drive those were just for children LOL
I’d love to have a two wheel drive pop top and I’m years beyond childhood.
lol!
I’m 3 hrs away from this, n the only thing holding me back is the 360’s appetite for gas
Has anyone reported the date codes of the tires? Can this truck be driven after the auction? I am about 10 hours away in Prescott. Thanks RD
Is this a poptop?
yes. look at a pic of the rear. tail gate and glass are 2 pieces. when that becomes a 1 piece lift gate and the side glass wraps up towards the roof, the pop top is gone. 81 or 82 was the break
Lone Wolf McQuad
Interesting…. I’d love to know what the story truly is with this rig. Looks like lower repaint with rock guard. Wheels have corrosion at lug area , trim held on with extra screws. Interior “Sport” trim kick panels missing on both front areas. What happened to the shock absorbers? Speedo on these 1980 trucks didn’t have different color on the 55 mph, only replacement ones did. It’s a clean looking unit, but questions about condition and why things are the way they are currently. I have a bid it on it, and will hold off on another until some of these questions are answered.
Sam I cant answer the questions The Trailduster was bought by my Brother who has since passed away Is all I can say is it is what it is!
how long did he own it?
I just completed a “Frame On” restoration of a 1977 TD Sport with 86k original miles, 360 engine. To me this 1980 looks to be an “ALL” original example of a TD Sport model with the 360 engine. Being that its 43 years old and not knowing who the original owner/s were, there will always be a few questions unanswered but this is a very good example for anyone who wants to restore a TD and own a piece of history. Just be ready to put another 15 to 20k in it if you actually do the complete restoration, and you do all the work yourself! I have never had a problem finding parts but you need to be patient as a lot of Mopar parts are not repopped like Ford and Chevy parts are. I would not hesitate to bid up to 25k for this as there were only about 35k of the TDs built versus 105k RC’s! Go and bid with confidence on this one but just be ready to put money into it because degradation of hoses, tires, paint, oil leaks, suspension etc… are going to be found. Good luck.
Fair enough, how is title going to be released if it’s in your deceased brother’s name? Do you know how long your brother owned the trail duster? I think I have most of the components that are missing on it here in california, but I wish I was closer to do an in person inspection.
Have Utah Notarized Survivorship
Document with Title My Brother bought in 1991
Very clean Trailduster. Mileage is certainly 101,169. Write up doesn’t mention the power windows and door locks that are present. Strange that the kick panel trim is missing on both sides. Comes standard on Trailduster Sport and Ramcharger SE models.
Even stranger that it has no rear shocks and a replacement speedo head not to mention a few other issues that are head scratchers.
That is an original speedo head.
The original speedo head had 55 in a different color/highlighted. The replacement heads like this one did not.
Yes, exactly….also valve covers painted, ac compressor support brace has blue paint on it….
Replacement speedo heads had a red tenth wheel.
I would love this so I could reproduce the jump/chase scene in the movie Marked for Death with Seagal chasing the crappy bmw. Factory tach is cool…but still missing the full gauge compliment of volts and vacuum on the left. My ’76 with 360 chirps into 3rd when WOT!!
Jump Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUQgkL3R4yQ
DGMinGA
Oct 12, 2023 at 11:18am
The add says 1,169. The picture shows the odometer at 1,166 and 6/10ths. If the undercarriage pics appear to be a truck with 1,169, or 11,169 to you, I’ve got some “low mileage” gems to sell ya.
This is still a great truck in great condition, but it is not in 1,169 mile
You need a little common sense when reading any ad. That’s why I didn’t go with what was reported mileage instead of what I see. No where did I say 1,169 miles. So you blast me for common sense and you see yourself as smart? 11,699 miles with one digit on the odometer left for 100K plus reading
Sam 4×4 work’s locked in hubs 4 high and. 4 low works found fuse box changed one fuse left side window control works there
And drivers side control for drivers side window won’t work Has electric lock. On each door pull don’t know how to work it you push and makes clicking sound
Wow. Ok, remedial information time here. That last number on the odometer on the right, the one that is a different color, is the 10ths of a mile which rolls over. Every picture of the odometer is either 1,166 and 6/10ths or 1,169 and 9/10ths. There are no pictures showing 11,699.
And yes, I see myself as smart.
Wow. Ok, remedial information time here. That last number on the odometer on the right, the one that is a different color, is the 10ths of a mile which rolls over. Every picture of the odometer is either 1,166 and 6/10ths or 1,169 and 9/10ths. There are no pictures showing 11,699.
The reserve is off!
What is it they say “opinions are like ________, everybody has one”? Judging by the current bids your opinion doesn’t really matter.
Blaine, can you comment on the running condition of the TD. Blow smoke? Brakes? Leaking fluids? 4×4 work?
Blaine….
Does the trailduster run and drive like it should, any leaks, do power windows, power locks, doors function as the should? Does AC work? Any weird noises, smoke or leaks? Please Advise, auction is nearing the end
Rims and drives A/c works could use recharge no visible leaks power windows don’t work think needs fuse replaced don’t know where fuse box is
fuse box is next to glovebox under the glovebox lid.