- Seller: Dan C
- Location: East Point, Georgia
- Mileage: 113,354 Shown
- Chassis #: VL29G1B420971
- Title Status: Clean
When the Duster debuted in 1970, it proved to be a surprise hit for Plymouth. Given how popular the car was with buyers, it was decided to keep changes to a minimum for ’71. This example is a solid survivor that is well-optioned and while it’s a little ratty, it runs and drives. The seller has taken a new job and is having to move, so we have been helping them find new homes for their collection. You can find this Mopar in East Point, Georgia and you can bid on it below.
The Duster was Plymouth’s entry-level model and was aimed at young buyers looking for something affordable yet exciting. To keep costs down, the car was based on the compact Valiant model. It was restyled to give it a more sporty look and was offered in a variety of colors with all kinds of unique interior options. This example is wearing Amber Sherwood Poly paint with a green plaid cloth/vinyl interior. There are some dents and dings showing on the body, but there aren’t any signs of major rust issues.
Under the hood, you’ll find the original 318 V8. While many of the Dusters built came with the slant six, those looking for something more exciting got theirs with one of the V8 options. While this is the base V8, which was rated at 230 horsepower, the Duster tips the scales right around 3,000 pounds. With 320 foot-pounds of torque on tap at just 2,000 rpm, these proved to be quite fun. The seller states that the engine runs well and that the original 2-barrel carburetor has been upgraded to a 4-barrel Holley, so it should have a little extra power. The tank and fuel lines have been flushed and are in good order. They also note that the power steering system has a leak and the brake system needs a full service. Given that it’s been parked, rebuilding the brake system would be wise before driving it much, just to be safe.
The interior looks to be quite original, although the seat upholstery is going to need to be replaced. Thankfully, replacement covers and seat padding is available to make this one perfect again. It appears that much of the interior could be detailed and used as is. All the gauges, except for the fuel gauge, work as they should. There’s no word on the condition of the stereo, but it appears to be original. Also, the glove box is missing and a replacement will need to be sourced. The car retains it’s original air conditioning system, but assume it’s going to need to be gone through. Having AC would be a huge plus and is probably one of the options that makes this car stand out from the majority of Dusters. It would be well worth the expense to get the system serviced and working, especially if you live in a warmer climate.
The seller used our Professional Photography service, so we have lots of high-quality photos of it. Looking it over, it appears to be as solid as the seller claims it to be. There’s some surface rust showing, so you will want to treat the underside to avoid any future issues. The trunk and floors look to be solid, but could also use some treatment to keep them that way.
This Duster is the kind of project we hunt for. It needs some service, but would be a daily driver without too much work. The seller had plans of keeping the car and was looking forward to relocating the column shifter to the floor, servicing the brakes, installing new tires, and reliving their teenage years. Unfortunately, life has different plans, so hopefully the next owner will make this Duster a fun driver again! The question is, do you keep it as original as possible or modify it into the car of your dreams? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to cast your high bid!
Bid On This Auction
- Mike67net bid $7,000.00 2023-09-28 21:13:31
- MikeMack46 bid $6,500.00 2023-09-27 15:56:06
- Mike67net bid $6,000.00 2023-09-24 08:26:05
- Mike D. bid $4,000.00 2023-09-21 12:08:23
- Bcbound1 bid $3,500.00 2023-09-21 11:29:08
- Yatri1126 bid $1,000.00 2023-09-21 11:22:04
- Mike D. bid $500.00 2023-09-21 09:16:20
Dirty duster 👢
It’s a Dusty Duster.
Had a 71 in the mid 80s the same color, close to new condition, but it was a factory six cylinder.
This is a little hot mess.. I saw the carpet and I wonder if the floor is intact? The left door looks trouble. If want it looking good. This is a gut job! Complete body work a paint re-chrome the bumpers and interior needs a new one etc etc…. sorry to say the max on this is $7,000 and I am being nice. It’s a 318 not a 340. Buyer beware.. 🐻🇺🇸
It is an honest presentation, big bear.
I know you are not the buyer, so you are entitled to your own opinion. If it was not because I am relocating abroad, I would keep it. The Duster is 100% solid. No where there is corrosion. The dings around are due to its reliability then 113,000 miles as a warrior… it shows. Mechanically is perfect, all gages, work. It took me more than 400 hours to restore all the electrical flows. $5000 will make it a $26,000 Duster. Go see the restored ones the 318 as I have it will eat any 340 any day. FYI
By all means, be careful of rot, most of these rotted away. Nice to see a 318 Duster with A/C, I usually see only slant sixes with A/C, or a 318 without A/C. If it’s not a rot box, it’s worth fixing and enjoying.
Hey its got A/C & long tube headers ! This looks like a car I would drive 40 years ago!
The paint issues suggest that prior damage has been filled with Bondo and the Bondo is failing. The passenger side carpets strongly suggest that the floorpan has succumbed to an attack of the dreaded tin worm, and the way the front wheels are pointing in two different directions strongly suggests that s front-end rebuild is in the cards. There’s more damage here than meets the eye, so be careful, but for the right price, this car could be worth saving. Unfortunately, I think that the owner has fallen in love with what this car used to be and not what it is, and has set the reserve accordingly. Anything over $6k is overpriced, IMHO.
Had one. Put 60K on it and never turned a screw. Cruise all day at 80.
I’d drop a 340 in it after doing body, brakes, mechanical, etc…get rid of air, leaf spring shackles, etc…
I agree with Grandaddy, it has alot of issues, definitely needs a shrimp boat load worth of work. I wouldn’t even look at it at the price hea asking
i love the car alot and it too would only be a wish to have such a car. My dad had one that was yellow & i know he miss the car along with missing his 1974 pymouth wagon