Plymouth and Dodge were always copying one another within the Chrysler camp. For example, Plymouth brought out the successful Duster in 1970 and Dodge followed suit with the Demon in 1971. Also, Dodge introduced the Dart Swinger in 1969, and Plymouth called their version Scamp beginning in 1971. The seller has a ’74 Scamp that appears to be on its way to becoming a junior league muscle car. Located in Gorham, Maine, it needs cosmetic attention but may be largely okay mechanically. It’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,000 OBO. Kudos to Bruce M for the tip!
The Plymouth Scamp (1971 to 1976) was essentially a Dart Swinger with a Valiant front clip. It was only offered as a 2-door hardtop and as an alternative to the Duster if you didn’t want a fastback. Unlike the Duster, no effort was made to offer a performance version of the vehicle. So, your choice of engine was either the 225 cubic inch “Slant Six” or the 318 V8, which is in the seller’s car (at 70,000 miles, we don’t know if it’s numbers-matching).
This Scamp has an automatic transmission which was rebuilt about 2,500 miles back. We’re told the car runs and drives, but no adjectives are used to describe how well. Undercarriage photos show an exhaust system that isn’t in stock, so along with the air cleaner pictured, we assume the Plymouth goes faster than it did in 1974. The gas tank has been replaced, but a leaking steering gearbox needs repair (or just keep adding oil).
From some of the photos, the original color of this Plymouth was white. The seller painted it yellow without fixing some existing damage on the passenger side. The hood is now flat black and wears an oversized scoop that may or may not add any performance value (I’d take it off). But, the seller hasn’t been able to find any rust on the car, which is a good sign. The car is sold with a bill of sale (did Maine not do titles back in the day?). A video is offered of the car running, but that was from before the DIY paint job was done.
Being from Maine I would pay close attention to the underside of this one. That said I like it. Too old to take on a project but I hope someone will take this and take it to the next level. This would look great in the original white with black vinyl top imho. Good luck to whoever takes this home.
Forlorn and very rough!! It will take a lot of $ to restore!! Great car when new. Mt favorite was the 70 Duster.
Anybody else spot the baby seat in back??
The hood is stupid and gross. Why do people do that? Would look so much better with the stock hood.
For anywhere near the asking price it’s better to keep looking. Patience and persistence will get you a better car at a lower price.
Steve R
yes steve you can, but at today’s pricing for vintage iron it really is not a bad asking price.
personally my only complaint with the 74 is the lack of vent windows and yes i am a long time a body fan, one valiant brougham(4dr if memory serves) a couple of dusters and one dart sport coupe. most were /6s but the valiant was was a 318.
this one is a very nice starting point whether you want a restomod or a low dollar vintage driver
This would be low dollar at $2,500, not $6,000. I’ve always been a value shopper, you buy the best car within your budget, there are a lot of nicer cars available for less money. Unless this is someone’s dream car I don’t see the value in it.
Steve R
I always preferred the Dodge Dart’s styling to its Plymouth equivalent, the Plymouths seemed just a bit “busier”, with more fiddly bits than the Dodge equivalent. The Federal 5 mph bumpers don’t help the looks any, either! With that said, this one isn’t bad, a bit overpriced, perhaps, but I’ve seen worse. Pay close attention to the condition of the underside, the road salt used on winter roads in New England eats cars fast, which is why so few of these survive today! The good news is that the 318 can be bored out to 340 or 360, if desired.
Dodge and Plymouth copied each other ? what about Ford/Mercury ? other than the 70s Capri , there were copiers of every model ; Pinto Bobcat , Torino Montego , etc. GM did the same thing .