Looking for a rare Mopar truck that blends convertible fun, vintage charm, and solid 4×4 capability? This 1974 Plymouth Trailduster might just be it. Listed here on eBay, it’s an early-production example equipped with factory “half doors” and a full removable top—a feature only found on Traildusters built before June 10th of that year. Located in California, this rig is a clean survivor with original paint, a numbers-matching 360 V8, and plenty of cool factory features.
Plymouth’s answer to the Chevy Blazer and Ford Bronco, the Trailduster was a twin to the Dodge Ramcharger but built in far smaller numbers—only about 30,000 total from 1974 to 1981. That makes any example special, but early ’74 half-door versions are especially rare and collectible. When the top is removed, so are the door frames, creating a true full-convertible experience.
This one is loaded: factory air conditioning (currently non-op but complete), a roll bar, optional rear seat, and even a factory center ice chest between the seats. Under the hood is a strong-running 360 backed by a 727 automatic and NP203 full-time transfer case. The engine bay retains its factory tags, and compression is reportedly over 135 PSI across the board. It runs and drives well thanks to extensive recent maintenance including a rebuilt carburetor, starter, alternator, brake system, and a new fuel tank with lines.
Cosmetically, it’s impressive for an unrestored vehicle. The Avocado Green paint has been lightly touched up and buffed to a shine, and the white lower body panels were recently refreshed. Inside, the white vinyl interior has been cleaned, reinstalled over sound-deadening insulation and new carpet, and shows extremely well. Original dash, factory decals, brightwork, and glass are all in great shape.
The seller includes tons of documentation: a clean title, the original owner’s manual, sales brochure, product update sheets, and even a March 1974 issue of Pickup, Van & 4WD magazine featuring this exact model. The stereo wiring needs to be reconnected, the front window felts could use replacing, and the wipers are finicky—but these are small projects for such a complete and rare truck.
Early Traildusters hardly ever show up for sale, especially in this kind of condition. Would you keep it as a survivor or build the ultimate topless Mopar trail rig?
Can’t recall the last time I saw one of these on the road… thanks Elizabeth
Located in Idaho, not CA. Gorgeous truck.
Wow!! I only remember the Plymouth version of these when I was a kid, I honestly don’t think I’ve seen one since the 70’s. It’s in beautiful shape, love the period correct colors too.
What a fantastic vehicle! I have never seen one! So cool! This rig, Sport Fury, AAR ‘Cuda… The list goes on and on. Remind me again why The Plymouth Division was shuttered.
I’m not seeing the half doors…
The green lip that is around the top of the door glass stays with the top. ( Not like a Scout that actually had some “half door” models) Look at the open door pics, no top around glass.
First picture. No door frame.
A true one of one – this should bring all the money!
Never seen one and it looks in great shape with all the options. Just add a spare tire.
Late 1990s hubby and I bought a Dodge Ramcharger from my cousin for $500. It was rusted to 💩 . So badly he had to reinforce the bed and tailgate with 2X4s. But it was a fun vehicle to drive. It was lifted, 4X4, and we took the roof off for the summer in NJ. Of course he got caught in a downpour. Better him than me. LOL
I used to drive it to work sometimes after he got his pickup truck.
Angel, I cracked up reading about the reinforcement idea. 2x4s? Hopefully you didn’t drive through any fires!
I was going to do an individual post on this vehicle, but since I mentioned fires, here goes.
My friends in Alaska bought a ’74 Ramcharger, sort of a tan with white roof.
I was in the garage with my buddy testing a starter when a spark flew into a pan of gas and we had a fire at -48.
Well the Ramcharger was parked right there and completely covered with foam & fire retardent much to the displeasure of my buddy’s wife who owned it, but otherwise undamaged.
Not the same could be said of my parka and expensive mittens which were gone immediately.
And, being salt free Alaska, no rusted frame to be reinforced. 😄
Jon,
What can I say? He was a little like my father. Jack of all trades master of none. As silly as it sounds, the 2X4s worked. Somehow he stiffened up the bed with them. When I say this thing was rusty, I’m saying the only thing holding it together was the rust. Taking the metal roof off just threw the whole thing out of wack.
It was basically a piece of junk to begin with but it was fun for a winter and a summer.
In the Spring we were at a junkyard getting parts for my Riviera when a tow truck came flying onto the gravel parking lot. He was going too fast and slid with his brakes locked and hit the Ramcharger. Front fender just behind the wheel. Good thing we were already at a junkyard.
How much? Am I missing the price in the listing?
It’s on ebay and the price is at $24,800 now.
Nice reminds me of my Ramcharger which was a great vehicle , hope it finds a good home , too far away for me !
My friend had a good solid one of these setting on blocks on his cattle ranch. All the running gear had been robbed to put in a pickup, which at the time was more worthwhile for a work truck. I asked if I could find it a home and make a few dollars on it and he said SELL IT and split the profit. I was asking $1500. and would help load it with a skid steer. The only serious person kept low balling and my friend wouldn’t come down on his price (he said he’d crush it before he gave it away. A few months later the guy called back and ask if we were ready to let it go cheaper, I had to tell him, sadly it went to the crusher. Wish it had been a Blazer, I would have it in my collection.
I don’t understand the window frame on the door. Did they cut it off and bolt it to the top? You would have to roll down your window to open the door. Maybe the window frames were removeable? 1969 to 1975 Chevy Blazers and GMC Jimmys had their windows roll up into the top, no window frames on the doors. Early Ford Broncos had thier window frames on the doors.
A top, hard or soft, was an option when new. It came without a top and with only one seat for the driver when new.
Interesting.
The Dodge Ramcharger we had had front bucket seats & a bench rear seat which we removed. It also had the removable hardtop.
No window frame.
Unique and interesting vehicle. I did not know a “half door” model existed. Check out the ebay ad, it is excellent. This Trailduster will bring well-deserved solid money.
This is probably the most thorough, factual and honest posting I’ve seen on BF.
Like Mark, I’ve never seen one of these. Guess that’s because they made them for, what, 6 months?
For the rarity, and with the options it has, this may approach $40,000.
Really cool vehicle. “Fun, fun, fun ’til Daddy takes the Trailduster away.”
This needs a closer inspection. The rear wheel housings have been painted white, and look at the wheel housings and rear bed area. They are pretty beat up. The seats and console appear to have been painted. The roll bar doesn’t appear to be a factory bar, and is only halfway bolted in. And notice how the seats, console, rollbar, and wheel housings are all the same color of white. CAVET EMPTOR people.
SOLD for $39,300.