At about 98% done, it's time to let the "Story" be told!

1976 Volare Volatile

                You are looking at a pre-production 1976 Plymouth Volare “Volatile”.  Specifically built for the Mexican/Austrailian market, the Volatile was meant to be a performance and trim package similar to an R/T or Road Runner that we had here in the states.

Performance

The export market was not concerned with fuel mileage so they opted for a true upgrade from the American market’s small-block 360cid to the big-block 400 4 bbl with an estimated 265 hp, which was alot to have in the gasoline restricted mid-70s. This was mated to a 727 torqueflight transmission w/ a Hurst “Stick Shifter” and then to an 8-3/4” banjo rear axle, gear ratios in 3.55 through 3.91 were available while the 3.23 was standard.   Like its American cousins it had standard power front disk, rear drum brakes but was equipped with an oversize front anti-sway bar and optional rear anti-sway bar, tires were 15” polyglass radials mounted on unique cast alloy wheels.

Interior and Accessories

The appointments were typical of all models of that era, but this car had a padded headliner with an overhead consolette but industry new, retractable shoulder belts were omitted. The interior color combinations were special to this model, the front seats were buckets with a floor shift center console, the inserts were cloth in either bold plaids as this car has or bright stripes with solid colored vinyl surround and the same combination for the door panels. Power seats, tinted glass all the way around and power windows were optional but air conditioning was not, surely due to the oversized engine in a mid-size package. 

Exterior Details and Colors

Being an export only vehicle the U.S. DOT mandated crash-absorbing bumpers were not installed on this model so smaller more form fit units were stamped but to keep costs down they were not plated but painted the body color or a contrasting shade to the body or trim, as all trim was colored to match.   Like the American market versions, the two tone paint scheme was very similar but only came in a few of the high-impact colors of the day, dual sport mirrors were standard, the side markers were similar to the ‘71 Charger units, the rear glass and quarter windows had louvers as an option but they were all equipped with a revamped “Challenger” style fresh air hood and dual scoops, also available was a go-wing from the ’70 model year.

Heritage and the Present

This super rare Plymouth was found in Mexico modified into a “Hot Rod” by what we believe was the original owner,    (A Chrysler Corporate, Export Division Principle) titled in his name but never registered as we would here in the states.  Seems the 80’s custom tricks were abound as it had a hole cut through the hood for a velocity stack, headers, side-pipes, traction bars, lots of stickers, air shocks and of course big and little 14” aluminum slots, the color was green but different than the factory made it plus had the two tone painted over.

We rescued it and brought it back to its “Day-Two” condition with just a few modern updates and improvements as some of the original, unique parts are no longer to be found. The wheels are an interpretation of the missing originals and are so period correct, the colors are as close as possible to the original and the mechanicals all have been rebuilt to make a fun and a reliable driver, a Cheetah Shifter, Performance Cam, Ported Iron Heads, an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake w/ Holley 750 carb and an aluminum Champion radiator are the upgrades

I hope this was an interesting story about a car that I think until now, nobody has heard of….

The 1976 Plymouth Volare “Volatile”