While originality is always a desirable attribute for a classic car, sometimes we need to find a vehicle that isn’t standard but offers an enjoyable driving experience designed to plaster a smile on our faces. That is the opportunity awaiting the next owner of this 1973 Plymouth Duster. Its original engine has been consigned to the pages of history, and the V8 occupying the engine bay offers power to burn. The seller tackled the build as a sleeper, and he’s pulled it off perfectly. However, he feels that the time is right for the Duster to find a new home. Located in Red Wing, Minnesota, they have listed this powerful Plymouth for sale here on eBay. Bidding has raced past the reserve to sit at $10,000.

This Amber Sherwood Metallic Duster is far from perfect, but that was the seller’s aim when he set out on the journey to create this classic. It has plenty of marks and dings, and the paint has worn to reveal surface corrosion in places. However, this was intentional. When the seller purchased the car, it had some known rust problems. They attended to these before blending new paint with old. They completed the process by applying a matte clear coat to ensure that the car would remain protected and would retain its current appearance. Such an approach won’t find favor with some enthusiasts, but it places the car one step away from being a genuine rat rod. The trim and chrome look pretty good and provide a striking contrast to the weathered paint. The glass is flawless, while the new wider steel wheels offer a subtle hint that there could be more to this classic than meets the eye.

Okay, brace yourself for a heavy helping of good news. The VIN indicates that this Duster rolled off the line with a 225ci slant-six engine producing 105hp. If that motor were bolted to a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, it would have allowed the car to cover the ¼ mile in 19.3 seconds. That figure will hardly set pulses racing, but the buyer addressed that shortcoming admirably. The largest engine Plymouth offered in a ’73 Duster was a 340ci beast producing 240hp. That represented a substantial step forward compared to the slant-six, but it still wasn’t enough for this owner. What we see is a built 360ci V8 backed by the bulletproof TorqueFlite transmission. Thanks to the addition of numerous upgrades to the intake, ignition, and exhaust, a run on the dyno netted a figure north of 400hp. That places a low-14-second ¼-mile ET within reach of this Duster and its next owner. The suspension received a few worthwhile upgrades, including tubular front suspension arms. The tires are new, as are the fuel tank and sender. The seller says that people seeking good gas mileage won’t like this classic, but those seeking fun should be happy. It runs and drives well and is begging to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.

The Duster’s interior isn’t perfect, but the new owner could take this classic anywhere, feeling no shame. The seller fitted new seat upholstery and a carpet set as part of the build. The remaining upholstered surfaces present well, while there are no glaring faults with the dash or pad. There are a few marks and blemishes on some of the bright trim pieces, but none are bad enough to be considered deal-breakers. The owner has installed aftermarket gauges under the dash to monitor the health of the brute under the hood, but there are no other apparent additions. It isn’t loaded with optional extras, but bucket seats, a console, and a factory AM radio should make life on the road pretty pleasant.

Regular readers will know that I prefer unmolested classics, regardless of whether they are original or restored to their former glory. That doesn’t mean that I don’t like or respect cars like this 1973 Duster. The seller has perfectly captured the sleeper look, with only the wider wheels suggesting that this car is anything but original. The longer I spend looking at the photos, the more I realize that this would be a blast to drive. I wouldn’t mind slipping behind the wheel and taking this old girl for a spin because I suspect it would be a rewarding experience. Do you agree? If so, would you like to see it parked in your garage?