The Plymouth Trail Duster was never built in huge numbers, and by 1979 it had already carved out a niche as Mopar’s answer to the Chevy Blazer and Ford Bronco. Today, clean examples are a rare sight—but this one goes far beyond stock. Listed on Hagerty.com, this extensively refurbished and upgraded ’79 Trail Duster blends old-school attitude with modern performance and comfort.
Under the hood, a stroked 7.2-liter (440 cubic-inch) V8—paired with an MSD ignition, large aluminum radiator, and full MagnaFlow exhaust—delivers serious power and a deep, unmistakable Mopar rumble. A Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, sourced from GM, puts the driver in full control, while the truck has been converted to two-wheel drive for easier street use. The factory removable fiberglass hardtop gives owners the flexibility to enjoy open-air cruising or enclosed comfort. An upgraded modern air conditioning system keeps the cabin cool regardless of configuration.
Inside, this Trail Duster Sport is far from bare-bones. The interior features saddle leather upholstery with custom orange plaid inserts, fully custom carpet, headliner, door panels, and sun visors. A leather-wrapped roll hoop, billet leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Stewart Warner gauges add a custom touch. A Kenwood stereo system and custom center console bring modern convenience to the vintage Mopar interior.
On the outside, a professionally applied custom orange metallic paint job makes the SUV pop, complemented by bronze Method Race Wheels MR701 wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. The original grille and rear bumper have been retained, wearing a light patina that speaks to the truck’s history without detracting from its fresh presentation.
The build was completed in 2019, and while the odometer gear is not hooked up (reading zero since refurbishment), the truck is mechanically sorted and ready for its next chapter. Minor imperfections—such as small stone chips and slight brightwork wear—only add to its character.
Bidding for this 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster Sport ends Thursday, August 14, 2026, at 3:05 p.m. EDT, making it a rare chance to own a unique piece of Mopar history that’s as comfortable at a show as it is cruising Main Street.
1979 Plymouth Trail Duster Sport Image Gallery:
