One of Two Made: 1981 Plymouth Arrow Sunrader

The name “Sunrader” may not mean that much to you, but in the context of oddball pickup trucks, it’s actually one of the more notable aftermarket companies. It is perhaps most famously associated with building some truly innovative camper conversions with Toyota and Datsun pickups as the basis for the conversion. Needless to say, Sunrader historically placed an emphasis on airy, light-filled fiberglass modifications that didn’t necessarily do much to enhance the driving experience but certainly transformed the looks. Find this claimed 1-of-2 Plymouth Arrow Sunrader listed here on Richmond Auctions with no reserve.

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for the tip. With this being 1 of 2 made, it begs the question as to who decided it was worth the cost of adding this huge fiberglass cab extension to an otherwise unremarkable pickup. That being said, with the popularity of the compact Toyota and Datsun pickups, Sunrader may have assumed the Plymouth Arrow (and its Mitsubishi twin) wasn’t far behind in terms of becoming a popular pickup alternative. While its bread and butter was modifying pickups to accept clever slide-in camper shells, this unusual Arrow showcases its ability to create a cavernous cabin and intriguing widebody.

The added space inside certainly made the cabin more usable, and ultimately created a true four, if not five, seater out of the otherwise tiny pickup. The added width also incorporated fender flares and a dually-style rear axle. All of this is to say, why? I suppose there were consumer behaviors being observed at the time that indicated this would make for a compelling option that the OEMs were not yet committed to producing. The other question I have is where do you find replacement glass, or seats, if you somehow destroy the equipment shown here? Was it sourced from conventionally-available materials? The windows appear to incorporate a shade or sliding vent option.

The engine is likely the original Mitsubishi-sourced 2.0L, 4-cylinder, good for about 93 b.h.p. That’s not much pulling this pickup around town, but at least it has three pedals. The engine bay looks quite clean, and I suspect given the overall high state of preservation, this rare pickup has been part of a private collection for some time. The Sunrader is part of a broader collection offered by the Savoy Automobile Museum, and there’s a lot of interesting vehicles and automobilia to check out if you’re looking for a new ride that isn’t a Plymouth Arrow with a Sunrader conversion.