Every once in a while, we stumble upon a Lot Shots feature in which the story behind the car is way more interesting than the car itself.
Not saying a Plymouth Trail Duster isn’t interesting—far from it, actually.
The Trail Duster is the rare Plymouth twin of the much-more-common Dodge Ramcharger—a full-size SUV Ma Mopar introduced in 1974 to combat the then-new International Scout II and Chevy Blazer.
But when we ran into this particular Trail Duster as it rumbled into the Summit Racing retail store, we got a chance to visit with the delightful couple driving the rig.
This is where the story gets good.
In the spirit of Burt Monro, the Plymouth’s owners were gearheads from New Zealand.
They bought the Trail Duster online, sight unseen, from a seller in California.
The Kiwis then flew across the planet to the Golden State, where they picked up the rig and embarked on a cross-country adventure.
When we caught up with them at Summit Racing near Akron, OH, they had just left left the Mopar Nationals in nearby Columbus, and were on their way to Baltimore—where the Trail Duster was to be crated and shipped to New Zealand.
Ironically, we were so fascinated by their story, that we didn’t get a chance to talk much about the truck.
But they did tell us it was loaded with parts and will undergo a healthy resto-mod treatment once it completes its trans-oceanic voyage. It was originally a 360 truck, but a 440 has now taken up residence under the hood. (The Mickey Thompson Classic IIIs aren’t stock, either.)
The owners weren’t new to Mopars, having owned an assortment of Barracudas, Challengers, and a handful of other Dodge/Plymouth muscle cars.
We think it’s a 1976 version thanks to the full-frame doors that appeared in 1975, the spare tire bracket (which was stowed in the back), and the pre-1977 grille. If you can tell us for sure, please comment below.
Update: The seller chimed in the comments and said it’s a 1975.
By now, the Trail Duster is probably on a boat steaming toward the South Pacific.
And, after talking with its new owners, we’re sure it’ll be very happy in its new home.
I am the seller from California. It’s a 1975 who was owned by another kiwi since 1983. It is an original 75k mile truck as well.
Do you know the exterior paint codes? See my comment below.
Question for JeFF.
I have a 93 Ramcharger. 2wd 5.9 magnum. As long as I can remember I have had wet drives side floor board when it rains. Have you dealt with this problem and how do I fix the issue permanently. Hope this message reaches you some how ?
Thanks
Sweet Cummins Ramcharger
Agreed, 75. I’ve the exact vehicle, down to the same 2 tone color scheme, but my 440 is original.
Hey Jeff Barnes, I’ve no fender tag or build sheet, can you tell me the paint color codes???
Is this truck still available?
Still? The article says its on it way to New Zealand.
Wow this is cool!
We are the so-called delightful couple who bought this Trailduster & drove it clear across your wonderful country taking in the sights as we went.
There was some holdup at the port so the Trailduster didn’t get sent until the 15th of October & it won’t land in New Zealand until the 7th of December!
We loved the Summit store & will be back
Glad to meet you folks–come back anytime!
I parted out one just like it, same colors too. I still have a few boxes of parts taking up space in my garage.. Contact me if you are interested.
Lovely story to appreciate on such a Rate Classic MOPAR
A rare Classic
MOPAR
Excuse the typo on previous post
Thank you
Love these old Traildusters I own three always looking for clean ones and looking hard for a 4spd standard on the floor!
I have the 1976 green and white model still being advertised by Autogallery. I had it shipped to the UK 2 years ago, registered with UK plates, after obtaining the MOT test certificate. Registered with the DVLA as a historic vehicle, so now Road Tax nor MOT required. Now wanting to move on.