440-Powered 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster

Description

Plymouth’s Trail Duster debuted in 1974 as a rugged, full-size 4x4 aimed squarely at the growing off-road market. Built on the PW100 pickup chassis and sharing much of its DNA with the Dodge Ramcharger, the Trail Duster stood apart with its standard soft top, optional hardtop, and no-nonsense utility. It offered a Mopar alternative to the likes of the Blazer and Bronco, with a distinctive presence backed by serious trail capability.

By 1976, the Trail Duster saw key upgrades, most notably a full-time four-wheel-drive system using the NP203 transfer case, improving on-road handling without compromising off-road potential. Interior options expanded with available bucket seats and trim packages, while subtle exterior updates refreshed its rugged look.

With limited production numbers and many examples lost to time and hard use, well-preserved Trail Dusters are increasingly rare—making this extensively upgraded and thoughtfully refurbished example a standout opportunity for collectors and Mopar enthusiasts alike. 

Highlights 

• Method Race Wheels MR701 (Bronze) with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires 

• Fully custom carpet, headliner, door panels, and sun visors 

• Saddle leather upholstery with custom orange plaid inserts 

• Original grille and rear bumper retained with light patina 

• Professionally repainted in custom orange metallic 

• Large aluminum radiator for improved cooling 

• Full refurbishment completed in 2019 

Features 

• Stroked 440 V8 swap with MSD ignition and aluminum radiator

• Converted to two-wheel-drive for easier street use

• Removal factory option fiberglass hardtop

• Upgraded modern air conditioning system

• GM Tremec 5-speed manual transmission

• Full MagnaFlow exhaust system

• Leather-wrapped roll hoop

• Kenwood stereo system

• Custom center console

Known Imperfections 

• Minor corrosion/wear visible on bumper, grille, and original brightwork

• Odometer gear not hooked up (mileage reads zero since refurbishment)

• Stone chips on front fascia from regular road use

Ownership History

This Trail Duster underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2019, blending vintage Mopar styling with modern performance and comfort. Power comes from a stroked 440 V8 mated to a Tremec five-speed manual transmission, supported by a large aluminum radiator, MSD ignition, and a full MagnaFlow exhaust system. A professionally applied custom orange metallic paint finish gives it a bold presence, while the original grille and rear bumper were retained as they show minimal wear.

With a billet leather wrapped steering wheel framing Stewart Warner dials featuring saddle leather upholstered seats and door panels with custom orange plaid inserts, a leather-wrapped roll hoop, and custom center console, a Kenwood stereo system, upgraded air conditioning, and fully custom carpet, headliner, door panels, and sun visors. Method Race Wheels MR701 in bronze are wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires, completing the build by blending classic style with contemporary upgrades.