We’ve probably all met at least one enthusiast who dreams of parking a classic in their driveway, but their budget has made that dream unattainable. If you fall within that category, this 1973 Plymouth Duster might ride to your rescue. Its presentation is first-rate, and it appears to have no genuine needs or shortcomings. It is a turnkey proposition, and while it isn’t the most potent vehicle on the planet, there is scope for improvement if the buyer wishes to splash extra cash in the future. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting the Duster listed here on Craigslist near Sagemoor, Washington. So, just how affordable is this beauty? How does $8,500 sound?
Launched for the 1970 model year, Plymouth’s Duster remained on sale until the end of 1976. Plymouth aimed to produce a sporty, two-door variant of its compact Valiant, and while the pair shared some common panels, virtually every panel rear of the Duster’s windshield was unique. With large wheel wells and a crisp appearance, the Duster proved a popular candidate for mechanical and cosmetic upgrades, with many owners bolting on some impressively wide tires. The seller indicates that, apart from a single repaint, this 1973 Duster is a survivor. Its Golden Haze paint shines impressively, and the images don’t reveal any significant cosmetic shortcomings. The Black vinyl top is excellent, and there is no evidence or mention of rust. The trim is acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle of this vintage, as is the tinted glass. The Duster rolls on a set of steelies with dog dish hubcaps, but the narrow whitewalls add a touch of class.
The seller supplies only a single interior image, but it paints a positive picture. Trimmed in Black vinyl, it features bucket seats, a console, a floor shift, and an aftermarket radio/cassette player. There is no visible wear, and no evidence of split or ripped upholstery. The dash is in good order, and the pad is crack-free. There are no engine bay shots, but we know that this Duster features a 225ci slant-six, teamed with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The six should generate a factory-claimed 105hp, providing the new owner with competent performance. The car runs and drives well, with no identified mechanical shortcomings. However, since Plymouth marketed the Duster throughout its production life with a V8 under the hood, slotting in something more powerful is an option that some might consider to unlock significant performance gains.
This 1973 Plymouth Duster is an exceptionally tidy classic, and its apparent lack of rust is good news for potential buyers. The bulletproof nature of its mechanical components means it should offer its new owner years of reliable service. However, slotting a V8 under the hood would be relatively easy, and is a process some enthusiasts might find irresistible. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback to learn how the majority of our readers feel. Would you leave this Duster as-is, or would the prospect of more power beneath the right foot be more to your liking?
Aaaal,,,oh come on, Al Bundy was the working class schmoes hero. For once, we could relate to someone on TV that had the same life as we did, not drive around in Ferraris. While he always referred to the car as a Dodge, it was in fact a ’73ish Duster, just like this. That show was groundbreaking, in that it covered topics not normally seen. Hazel it wasn’t. This was exactly the kind of car a shoe salesman would drive. Here’s your chance. Great find.
I tried to shoot a little higher than Al Bundy.
Hazel! Hahaha! Haven’t heard a reference to that show in mannnnny moons. Sadly, I used to watch that show back when it was B&W! What happened to my youth?
Bundy lol. Nice one Howard. 👍
That car was one of the show’s stars! Broke my heart when Dodge tried to reward Al with a 1994 Viper for passing the million mile mark in his Duster and, not much of a spoiler, but things don’t work out for Al. Season 8 episode is called “Get Outta Dodge” if you wanna check it out
Good price, nice looking Duster.
Buckets and console make it.
I even like the 1/2 vinyl, plus always enjoyed the fender mounted turn signals
Leave the 6, still made decent power in 73, they were choked horribly the next few years.
Just why are so many of the cool cars shown on BF in the pacific northwest?
Leave it stock, only original once !
Nice to see one that isn’t hopelessly rotted, or made into a ridiculous hotrod. I’d be tempted to put in a 318, though, and A/C. I’ve never seen one with buckets and console. Oh, I’d also put full hubcaps on it. There must be many available.
A middle ground would be to keep the Slant Six, but bolt on a dual-carb manifold. They are available on the aftermarket (see link below), with either a single four-barrel intake or dual Weber DGAS carbs. Headers are also available. Keep the stock one-barrel intake and exhaust for those who want to go back to stock!
https://cliffordperformance.net/store/ols/categories/mopar-225
The stock electronic ignition should be fine, but the aftermarket has options for that also.
Yeah, I visited with a fellow years ago in Everett Washington, he had a slant six he said was putting out like 300 horses. Had all kinds of trick parts on it.
set of factory rally wheels and your golden
From what can be seen in the advertisement; this seems like a very good deal. I would drive it as is if it were mine. As I’ve previously stated before; the Pacific Northwest is the Mecca for reasonably priced collection vehicles in good condition IMO. This would be snapped right up here in the Middle Atlantic East Coast. You would look long and hard for one like this here. The majority of these have rusted away or been consigned to the crusher years ago. Just have to say that the lack of an engine photo is classic Craigslist. GLWTS.
Hence the nickname Ruster!
I can’t think of any reason, that I wouldn’t want this car!
Buy it and drive it home
Those aren’t the original mirrors. Only thing I’d do is add AC and either rally wheels or Cragers.
Those mirrors are horrible
Great article Mr. Adam Clarke! Excellent find Mr. Tony P.! Keep it stock and original! Just find some new old stock mirrors if you can! Beautiful car and a fair price! Love the 1/2 vinyl top too! Too nice to modify! I hope it goes to a good home! Very well taken care of! I wonder what the history is regarding the ownership of this Duster?
What I like most is that it has the slanted 6. I don’t like mirrors, but I think it’s relatively easy to find the right ones.
This was my wife’s dream car in high school except in light blue. Of course I convinced her after the wedding that Chevy’s were better. Now she’s a Camaro gal. This would make a GREAT youngsters first car. I got my Daughter a one owner 67 Chevelle with a 250 six, (after she wrecked the Impala and got a speeding ticket in the Elcamino).
Im gonna buy this car on Sunday im second in line if the guy in California passes!!!