Despite its somewhat quirky design, the Valiant was a hit from day one. Plymouth sold 194,292 units in 1960, accounting for 40% of the total production. Sales then peaked at 227,585 examples in 1964, at a time when midsize rigs were also becoming popular.

Redesigned in 1963, 1967, and 1974, the Valiant remained in production through 1976. In 1970, it also spawned a two-door semi-fastback model called the Duster. When it was retired at the end of the 1976 model year, the Valiant had sold nearly 3.6 million units (including Dusters). It was the best-selling compact of its time and remains the best-selling Plymouth produced on a single platform.

Granted, these massive achievements diminish the value of the Valiant as a classic car and give it a throwaway status. As a result, most of these rigs rot away in junkyards or change hands for pennies. As of 2024, no Valiant has broken the $50,000 mark at high-profile auction events, no matter how original they are. Dusters are a bit more expensive, though, with a couple of units having reached into $100,000 territory.

But I’m not here to discuss how you’d be better off with a Valiant if you’re in the market for an affordable classic. I just wanted to show you a 1971 example that just got an unexpected second chance. A four-door sedan of the third-generation variety, this Mopar was recently rescued from a yard that kept it prisoner for a whopping 29 years.

The Plymouth spent most of that period outside, fully exposed to the elements, gathering dirt and rust holes and sinking a few good inches into the ground. Now, I do have to mention that our host did not purchase the car for restoration. He’s a detailer, so the Mopar found its way into his shop only to show what he could do with a neglected classic. He reposted the four-door for sale as soon as he was done cleaning it.

But that’s actually good news for a forgotten rig. A clean classic is more likely to find a new home. With all that dirt and grime removed, the Valiant looks decent, and all its issues are visible for the buyer to inspect. Sure, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will get restored, but some parts may be used in a different project. That’s better than a trip to the crusher. And while the exterior may be rusty, the two-tone blue interior is pretty and definitely salvageable. Hit the play button below to check it out.