Listed on Facebook Marketplace in Knoxville, Tennessee, this 1971 Plymouth Valiant represents an uncommon opportunity to save a classic Mopar that’s already partway through restoration. Priced at $8,500, the seller explains that the car was caught in the 2024 Newport flooding, where it was submerged for about 24 hours. Before that unfortunate event, everything on the car was reported to be new, and now, with some time and effort, it could be brought back to life by the right enthusiast. Thanks for the tip PRA4SNW!
This two-door Valiant coupe is described as being in good overall condition before the flood, and the seller notes that no significant damage occurred to the body or structure. The car wears green paint over a black interior, a simple but sharp color combination that suits the understated lines of the early-’70s A-body Plymouth. According to the listing, the title is clean, and the car shows around 100,000 miles on the odometer.
After the flood, the seller began the cleanup process. The carpet and mud have been removed, and the seats and console were taken out to be restored, all of the components are still with the car. The pictures with the ad showing the seats are likely before this, or maybe the seats were posed inside the car for the listing, we’re not sure. The trunk was opened despite a lost key, with the striker plate removed to access it, and the tumbler and accessories remain intact. While the gas tank still needs to be pulled and cleaned, the good news is that the engine is not seized, giving the next owner a strong starting point for revival.
Perhaps most impressively, the seller reports that both interior and exterior lights still work, as does the electronic dash, a positive sign that the car’s wiring may have survived the incident better than expected. It’s equipped with an automatic transmission and a gasoline-powered engine, though no further details on displacement are mentioned.
While this Valiant will need a thorough mechanical inspection and careful attention to any flood-related corrosion or electrical issues, it remains a promising candidate for a restoration project. The bones are solid, and with its parts intact and the motor still turning freely, this one stands as a far more practical project than many flood cars.
For enthusiasts who appreciate Mopar’s smaller-bodied classics, this could be a great opportunity to save a piece of 1970s Plymouth history. It’s also worth noting that the seller is open to trades, which might make the deal even more appealing for someone with a spare project or daily driver to exchange.
Would you take on this flood-salvaged Valiant and bring it back to life, or let it serve as a donor for another Mopar build?
The seller is dreaming, $8,500 for a car that was submerged and not stripped immediately. There is too much downside risk for potential buyers anywhere close to that price.
Steve R
This is a kit car. (All parts there it just needs to be completely disassembled first. Like breaking all the parts off the molded plastic tree on an AMT model kit.) Just to be a reliable vehicle every nut and bolt restoration is needed. The only positive is the overall condition of the body. I would have never hooked up a battery to a car in this current condition. I never did a flood car repair that was in a rual flood, but many that were in “city flood) where raw sewage mixes with the flood waters. And electrical connections corrode immediately. I like these Mopar bodies and would not be afraid to tackle this one if the price was right. This price is no where close to be even considered.
Love the Cheech and Chong steering wheel.
Yep, the icing on the cake!
Do I see a traditional Valiant “toilet seat” trunk lid?
Everything on the Titanic was new before it was submerged too..
that is funny!
Junk , i hate to say it . But they should have let the flood take it . The amount of work needed to fix it would be in the thousands of hours AND dollars ….and all for what ?? A custom Duster ???
Luckily, the engine is gasoline powered.
The 2024 Newport Flood. Seems there were two different 2024 Newport floods. One was a saltwater flood in Rhode Island, the other was remnants of Hurricane Helene in Newport Tennessee. Being this is for sale in Tennessee, I gather the flood damage was only fresh water. No matter. This is too far gone to be restored.
I disagree that it is to far gone. What is your reason for this statement? I’ve done quite a few restorations and most have started worse than this.
A flood car? Salt or fresh water……a very simple, “No thanks”. I worked in claims long enough to know why they get totaled despite salt or fresh water flooding. Like another writer said, it’s nothing but a body….of a Duster, at that. Maybe $1500-$2000 for parts. It’s too bad. Cool cars but no way near asking. The owner either needs to drop the price a ton or build it himself……..or part it out. I’d gut it and sell the body if it were mine.
Sure looks like a duster not a valiant dusters only had valiant badges in 1970 flood engine may not be seized but the fine silt in flood waters is deadly to bearings the interior looks to be toast not sure why this writer never list the price I see her name and go straight to the link