There are many reasons why an enthusiast might decide to part with a beloved classic, but there are few sadder than when the motivation is a combination of age and failing health. That is the story behind this 1971 Plymouth Duster 340, a car that presents exceptionally well. Its 340/4-speed drivetrain package will provide excellent performance, and with no apparent needs or shortcomings, it is a turnkey proposition for its new owner. The seller listed the Duster here on eBay in Forest City, North Carolina. The bidding sits below the reserve at $22,000, although the indications are that it will probably climb fairly rapidly.

The Plymouth Duster hit the market for the 1970 model year, remaining in production until being replaced by the Volare in mid-1976. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1971 as the desirable Duster 340 variant. The car’s history is slightly vague, but its story reveals how rapidly circumstances can change for owners. The seller purchased the vehicle approximately a year ago, but deteriorating health since then has forced the sale. It is unclear whether it has undergone any form of restoration, although the seemingly flawless condition of its Code B5 True Blue paint, Black vinyl top, and tape stripes, suggest that it did before coming into the seller’s life. The photos are slightly hit-and-miss, but they do seem to reveal that this classic is rust-free. The hood scoops, rear spoiler, and spotless Rallye wheels provide a sense of purpose befitting a car that provides better-than-average performance. The glass is clear, and the overall presentation virtually guarantees that this Plymouth will turn heads wherever it goes.

This Duster certainly ticks the boxes for those seeking a car with excellent performance from the dying days of the muscle car era. Its 340ci V8 sends 275hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque to an 8¾” Sure Grip rear end via a four-speed A833 manual transmission. The Duster was never a heavy vehicle, making it comfortably capable of consistently delivering low-15-second ¼-mile ETs. The seller doesn’t state categorically that this beauty is numbers-matching, although that impression is conveyed in the listing. It recently received a few new steering and front-end components, while the buyer will receive the original Broadcast Sheet and other documentation. It appears that this classic is a turnkey proposition where the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.

The positive vibes continue inside this Duster, with the interior said to be largely original. An aftermarket FM converter hangs under the dash, feeding sound to speakers mounted in the rear parcel tray. I can’t spot any other additions beyond what appears to be a reproduction wheel, and nothing is missing. The Black vinyl is in good condition, the dash and woodgrain are excellent, and the driver can monitor the car’s health and progress via the sports gauge cluster and factory tachometer.

It is always sad to see a situation like the one facing the current owner of this 1971 Plymouth Duster 340. Passionate enthusiasts never lose their love for cars like this, but there are times when the human body doesn’t allow those people to enjoy their pride and joy. Such is the case here, and my only hope is that the seller sees this classic head to a new home with someone who will appreciate and cherish it as much as they do. Our Barn Finds readers share that passion, and it will be interesting to learn whether we have any that might consider giving this beautiful Duster a new home.