The Duster was created in 1970 to draw more youthful buyers into the Plymouth fold. That included a budget-minded muscle car, the Duster 340 with a small-block V8 of that engine displacement. The seller’s 1972 edition looks like one sharp car and is set up for speed, but the motor is not the one that came with the car when new. This tip comes to us via Barn Finder Pat L. The auto is located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and this hot Plymouth is available here on craigslist for $15,000.
We don’t know if the seller’s car was a “regular” Duster fastback when new, but it has received several performance upgrades. The 340 was retired at the end of 1973, so Dusters going forward (through 1976) had a 360 cubic inch motor in its place. We don’t know the origins of this particular set-up, but someone built this Plymouth to have plenty of get-up-and-go.
The 360 has a 4-barrel carburetor, or course, and is also paired with a 4-speed manual (we don’t know if that’s original to the car). It has a set of headers, but they’re a tad rusty looking, so we’re guessing these upgrades are not recent. An MSD ignition system has been added along with an electric fuel pump, aluminum radiator, sub-frame connectors, and new aftermarket wheels with BF Goodrich T/A radial tires.
Nice orange paint adorns this Duster, and it looks good with no obvious issues with the sheet metal, such as rust or scrapes and dents. The interior has been upgraded/modified to match the performance that lies under the hood, with a special steering wheel and a full complement of gauges. Other than giving the passenger compartment a good cleaning, this may be a turn-key weekend cruiser.
Check the bottom. St J winters are merciless.
Gone like the wind!!!🌬️
Does “deleted” mean “sold”?
The go-wing is in the wrong location on the trunk lid and looks goofy.
I like the 60s Schwinn 5-speed fastback hanging up in the back – musclebike!
The seller couldn’t spring for a new set of floor mats?
I am thinking there was a big sale on “that isle” in Pep boys the previous owner should stay away from. Glad it found a new home, but those upgrades!
Compare “was created in 1970 to draw more youthful buyers” vs
today’s “cars” created to draw the wealthiest of buyers(- the heck with teenagers & sporty 2 door cars for singles on a budget).that are now loaded with so many options now standard, few color choices outside& espec inside -plus so much unnecessary(IMO) complicated electronics.
Joe, when more sophisticated electronics started to find their way into cars, I was initially impressed. But somewhere along the way, GM’s NorthStar System morphed into Skynet.
And here we are.
Indeed. As a shop owner, I too have become frustrated by PCMs/ECMs/BCMs that burn out and a bevy of sensors that sense sensors.
I was building and racing MOPARS in the 60’s & 70’s and the 360 was NOT a wanted engine at all!!!! We could find a 383 and would install them as they were a much better engine. Not saying this car is not worthy just saying what we did BACK IN THE DAY….Looks good but the price seems high….But today….WHAT ISN’T HIGH?????
Can i assume the later ’70s 400 cube motor is not much better either than the 360?
Anytime I hear the term “360 V8 Muscle”, I immediately become skeptical. Don’t get me wrong..I am a huge A-body fan and serial Dart & Duster addict. But adding 20 CID didn’t make up for everything the 340 had in the 71 and earlier cars. I don’t care if it has a Holly Double Pumper, a Vector intake and headers, it’s still not going to perform as well as a 340.
All that said, if this was an original 360 4-speed car, it would still be a riot to drive. I’d lose the incorrect Go-wing, and probably install a flat hood and Mopar Rallye wheels. But even with Tor-Red paint, this thing could be a sweet sleeper!