In 1970, Plymouth wanted to add some pizzazz to its aging Valiant compact and the Duster was born. It had a new fastback body from the windshield back. It would prove popular with buyers as Chrysler sold more than one million Dusters in seven years, not including the ones badged as the Demon/Dart Sport by Dodge. This 1974 Duster looks like a 340, but it has a Slant Six engine and appears to be a solid survivor. Located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, this Duster is priced at $7,000 here on craigslist. Our thanks to Pat L. for another Mopar tip!
The Duster changed little over its production run, with updates to trim to accompany grille and bumpers modifications. The Valiant/Duster line was replaced by the Volare in 1976 and the two cars were built simultaneously during the older car’s last year because demand was still there. In 1974, the car would enjoy its best year, seeing more than 280,000 copies, helped no doubt by the continued public interest in more economical transportation.
The seller’s Powder Blue ’74 Duster looks quite nice. Though it resides now in Wisconsin, we’re told the Plymouth originated in Tennessee and hasn’t been driven in the snow and ice. It was idle for the past eight years before the seller got it running again by replacing the fuel pump and filter, flushing the fuel system, replacing the battery, and tinkering some with the brakes. Apparently, more brake work is still needed as does the exhaust system. Once that’s down along with a tune-up, this could be a good running car. Those 225 cubic inch Slant Six motors are durable and this one may only have 43,000 miles.
There is no apparent rust to worry about and the interior looks to have been refreshed, with seat covers that match the exterior of the car. The paint color is so popular it looks as though the seller painted his flowerpots and benches to match the car! In good condition, Hagerty estimates a ’74 Duster in good condition is a $9,000 car, so the seller’s asking price provides plenty of room the get the remaining work done.
43000 miles? I think not. Obviously a repaint. Those are not factory tape strips, dealer added, maybe, though I have never seen any like it. It is missing a side marker, how hard is it to replace that? What does that say about the rest of the refurb? Interior is nice, but certainly not factory. A slant six is a nice engine, though by 74 starting to get encumbered with emissions requirements. Not as bad as a 76, but not as nice as a 70. These were nice cars when they were inexpensive, but the value today is awful because some fool is going to place a race prepped small block in it. Too bad, because a Valiant based slant six is maybe one of the nicest road cars you could ever have.
That engine compartment, all new interior and recent paint job say 143,000 miles at least.
I bought a ’72 Ruster in ’84 for $125 ($9000 in 2022 dollars). It also had a 225. One bone-chilling snow -covered January day, it was the only car on the block that would start!
And oh, the chicks….
Shouldn’t there be a callout on each fender behind the wheel opening along with one on the tail panel? The car looks tarted up to me.
Are you sure it a 225 slant? I owned a 74 Duster with a 198 cu slant 6 and single barrel carb.
Bob, the 198 was the base engine from 1970 through 74 model years. You got the engine upgrade to the 225 with the higher trim levels. But since the 225 was around for the whole run of the slant 6 (1960 though about 1987 or so) I think everyone just says “225”.
I also had a 198 in my 70 Dart.
Must have had paint left over from the flamingo flower box and bench that they didn’t like what to do with. “Hey honey let’s repaint the Duster”
Those 225 slant 6’s were pretty much bulletproof, used in everything from cars to forklifts.
Grandparents had a ’64 Valiant Wagon with a three-on-the-tree … drove it until he traded if on a 68 Fury III with the 318 … many of us grandkids learned to drive in that car and his ’58 Apache with the three speed … through all the abuse it had the same clutch and the engine never missed a lick …
And trucks! You’re right Rex, the slant six in that Dodge half-ton truck of my Dad’s would start on the coldest day on the planet. Durable, low maintenance and had all the power and torque you needed. Great motor and pretty stingy on gas.
The Slant Six also powered irrigation pumps and Case farm equipment.
Looks pretty rough in the engine compartment . Definitely not the original paint or original interior . This car needs a lot of love & the price readjusted.
didn’t those come in neon colors like “Big Bad Blue, Big Bad Green, etc.? or am I thinking of Mopar from that era?
Ummmm…huh?
This one is simply called “powder blue” in the brochure.
This is a Mopar from that era.
Those colors were a couple years before this one was built.
Close. The “Big Bad” blue, green, and orange were 1969-’70 AMC colors. Maybe not that close.
Wife had a 74 Gold Duster with a 318 when we married. Nice power. If we still had it, it would be rusted to the door handles a long time ago in NW Minnesota. Like most daily drivers. Then and now. I don’t know anything that can be primed, undercoated, etc. that salt can’t get to unless you only drive them from May to September and park them inside.
Similar car here in Australia 74 Charger with a six cylinder would set us back probably three times more for the same condition. ( and tests accounting for the dollar ratios ).
We are paying way too much here or you Americans not enough,
Dave, my guess if I had to make one is that you are paying too much. But then as always – beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
supply/demand
Bob, the 198 was the base engine from 1970 through 74 model years. You got the engine upgrade to the 225 with the higher trim levels. But since the 225 was around for the whole run of the slant 6 (1960 though about 1987 or so) I think everyone just says “225”.
I also had a 198 in my 70 Dart.
Unless this cars had some work done to the rear, its a 1973, not a 1974. The 73s are the last year from the flat rear bumper with brackets ; in 74 they had bumper shocks and a bumper that looked more like the front one , and there was a grey filler panel that attached to the body, fenders and quarters. The front bumper filler area isnt there either, so I’m thinking 1973., The grille has been painted as well , and as already mentioned ,the stripes are far from original , the interior is redone and awful and the dash looks like its been cobbled together from other cars , the engine bay also has been painted , and I’d bet the whole body was too- it could be the pictures, but the color looks “off” a shade. 43,000 miles ??? no way !
i love it