1978 Plymouth Volare “Fantasy Island” Re-Creation

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Huntsville, Alabama — or “Rocket City,” as we know it — is home to NASA rocket-propulsion research and development. Nothing quite encapsulates the launch and excitement of the region as this out-of-world collection of cars including movie cars and tributes, desirable classics, and a rocket truck itself. 3… 2… 1… These cars are ready for blastoff, and all will be launched to new homes and garages as all lots are presented with NO RESERVE.   

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Among the most iconic phrases in television history is "Da plane! Da plane!" — the signature line of Hervé Villechaize, who as Tattoo announced the arrival of guests to ABC's Fantasy Island on Saturday nights from 1977 to '83. After arriving to the mysterious island in a seaplane, these guests would be greeted at the dock by their elegant host, Mr. Rourke (Ricardo Montalbán), and Tattoo, his trusted assistant, and then driven to their quarters. Originally, the vehicle of choice was a Jeep CJ7, but a more iconic vehicle soon arrived: a 1978 Plymouth Volaré wagon, customized into a beach car/passenger hack. The red Volaré's doors and rear gate were removed, and a red and white Surrey top was added, along with white wheels and a rear-mounted spare wheel/tire. 

The car was so legendary that it inspired numerous re-creations like this one. This 1978 Volare wagon is powered by a 225 cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine that provides just under 100 horsepower. The car has all the characteristics of the Fantasy Island vehicle, from door deletes to striped tropical island style roof. The glovebox has been signed, “Da Plane, Tattoo,” presumably by Hervé Villechaize, but the signature has not been authenticated. 

Highlights 

• Offered from the Rocket City Collection 

• Finished in red paint over white vinyl interior with red trim 

• Powered by a 225 cu-in inline six-cylinder engine rated at 99 horsepower 

• Three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission 

• The chassis number (HL45D8B324201) decodes as: 

  • H – Plymouth Volare 

  • L – Low price class 

  • 45 – Two-seat wagon 

  • D – 225 cu-in inline-six RG engine 

  • 8 – 1978 model year 

  • B – Hamtramck, Michigan, assembly plant 

  • 324201 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Doors and rear gate removed 

• Red and white striped Surrey-type canvas top added 

• Horizontal stabilizer/safety bars added to rear end 

• Red-carpeted rear luggage area 

• Fantasy Island lettering on rear fenders 

• Kenwood AM/FM/Cassette with Kenwood speakers in the rear 

• Audiovox CB radio 

• 100 mph speedometer 

• White-painted 14-inch steel wheels 

• Ironman RB-12 205/75R14 whitewall tires  

Known Imperfections 

• Multiple chips, scratches, and scuffs on paint and bumpers 

• Most of finish has worn off steering wheel and centerpiece/horn is missing 

• Plastic trim along rear bumper is rippled from sun/heat 

• Crack above passenger taillight 

• Some pitting on chrome trim 

• Slightly rough running under load 

Included 

• Spare tire with Fantasy Island cover 

Ownership History

This 1978 Plymouth Volare Fantasy Island Re-Creation was originally sold by Klaben Plymouth in Kent, Ohio, and wears Klaben script badges on the front fenders. It joined The Rocket City Collection in January 2025.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Ramsey Potts   Phone: 912.508.4096   email: rpotts@hagerty.com