Apart from some minor touch-ups, this 1972 Plymouth Duster is an original and unmolested survivor. It is a prime candidate for a restoration, although it could serve equally well as the foundations for a custom build. Its rust issues are minor, and it features some interesting options that would increase the driving pleasure. The seller listed it here on eBay in Westhampton Beach, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $1,675, although there is a BIN option of $3,900 for those wishing to bypass the auction process. A big thank you goes to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this survivor.
The original owner ordered this Duster in Sherwood Gold Metallic, and the seller claims that it retains most of its original paint. The trunk lid and driver’s door have been touched-up, and the color match isn’t great. If the new owner’s plans include a restoration, that won’t be an issue. However, if they intend to preserve the car as a survivor, a good paint shop should be able to achieve a better color match. Potential buyers on a budget will view the lack of significant rust as welcome news. There are small areas visible in the lower rear quarters that are candidates for patches. The spare wheel well has further penetrating rust, but any other problems are nothing but surface corrosion. The trunk pan looks solid, and that theme continues with the floors. The panels are straight, and although most of the trim looks good, I think the rear bumper would benefit from a trip to the platers. There are no glass issues, and the steel wheels with their dog dish hubcaps give the car an understated appearance.
If I bought this Duster, my first plan of action would be to treat its interior to a thorough clean. There are some obvious shortcomings, but considering the potential value of this car, I would focus on minimizing expenditure to ensure the Duster doesn’t turn into a financial black hole. Even if the new owner achieves perfection with their build, this car is unlikely to command more than around $15,000 in its current configuration. A close inspection reveals the interior needs new front seat upholstery, and the factory radio has gone. Replacement seat covers are available in the correct color and material, and a new front will cost around $520.The back seat and remaining upholstered surfaces look acceptable, and the dash pad hasn’t succumbed to UV damage. The faux woodgrain on the gauge bezel is worn, but I had no difficulty locating kits to address the problem for under $55. The wheel has wear, but it is a candidate for a home workshop restoration using one of the excellent kits that retail for approximately $80. The car features rubber floor mats, but spending $220 on a carpet set would lift the overall presentation and add a luxurious touch. If the only new items required are those that I’ve listed, this interior could pop for under $1,000. The original owner ordered this classic with air conditioning, which is a welcome inclusion in a car of this caliber.
Some readers will be disappointed to learn that lifting this Duster’s hood reveals the venerable 225ci slant-six. Plymouth offered a 318ci V8 that produced 150hp, but this motor sends 110hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The surprise with this car is the original owner’s decision to order the Duster with power steering. Considering the slant-six’s relatively modest power output, its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 18.9 seconds is reasonably respectable. The seller indicates this car’s engine and transmission are in excellent health, but other shortcomings require attention. The fuel pump is faulty, and the brake pedal goes to the floor courtesy of a failed master cylinder. With those issues addressed, the seller claims this Plymouth would be roadworthy. Some potential buyers may consider a drivetrain upgrade, and a few options are worth considering. Bolting a period-correct 340 under the hood would unleash extra performance, and it need not be expensive. A patient search of the usual online auction sites could produce results without breaking the bank. That is a factor worth considering because since we’ve already discussed this car’s potential value, it would be easy to go berserk and finish the build with a vehicle guaranteed to lose money in the current market.
With its minor mechanical issues addressed, this 1972 Plymouth Duster is a classic the new owner could enjoy after a weekend’s tinkering in a home workshop. Performing a faithful restoration at their own pace would be tempting, as would slipping something more potent into its engine bay. With a period-correct 340 under the hood, a sub-16-second ¼-mile time would be within their grasp. Such changes would not cost a fortune and could transform this classic into a sleeper. Would you consider that upgrade, or would retaining it as its creators intended appeal more?
Let’s see. A slant six, slush box, power steering and A/C. This was Aunt Dora’s everyday driver. It’s amazing that cousin Sherwood didn’t beat this thing into submission. She must have grounded him, til he left home!
“The original owner ordered this Duster in Sherwood Gold (GREEN) Metallic” ? Really ?
Come on Adam , a near basic Duster with probably the second most popular color for A bodied Mopars (code B5 blue , probably first) – No one ordered this car , NOBODY ! All your posts are starting to read the same . This kind of car was on every Mopar dealership all over the country .
Please note that this comment was from bone, not Tbone. I am a reformed internet troll and try not to be critical. BTW, I am Tbone because I’ve been in three Tbone accidents. Only the driver in two. Faulted in none.
I don’t think the trunk lid was touched up. It looks like they grabbed it from a junkyard and figured it was good enough. I agree this was sitting on the lot in stock, no special order here.
I think you’re right, it looks more like the dark green that was used on the 1974 up models
I doubt too many people ordered a Duster. just picked them up off the lot. These were bread and butter cars for dealerships. Sell a bunch of them so they could get allotments of the higher profit cars. This colour was featured in in the brochure and dealers were encouraged to carry matching cars. P/S, auto and A/C were luxury items in those days so the vinyl mats, dog dish caps and slant 6 were there to help offset the price. The stripes are the oddest part of how this was optioned.
What’s wrong with rubber mats? We don’t need no stinkin’ carpets!
The only thing that would make this car better is if it had a 3spd on the column. And no AC.
Green is the new GOLD?
I think this is a great deal for this car, even at the BIN price. Looks fairly straightforward to sort out and make it presentable without a full restoration. If it’s as solid as it appears, that alone will save a ton in bodywork.
I have a Dart that is almost the same as this except the color scheme.
Keep in mind, a V8 transplant is NOT straightforward or simple to do it right. Almost positively needs brake upgrade. Easy and not expensive, but still. This probably has 9″ drums all around. If so, the rear drums are unobtanium, or at least have been for quite awhile. The radiator might be ok since in ’72 the /6 with AC was same as V8. The rear would be 7.25″, which should be upgraded unless you are going to go real easy on it with a V8. So, adding a V8 the right way? Not super cheap, unless you already have most of that lying around.
Oh, also… the K-member would have to be swapped for a V8 one unless the Schumacher /6 to V8 adapter ones are still available.
If the /6 is sound, I’d just leave it as-is, maybe still upgrading the brakes anyway. Much cheaper and easier.
I would love to tinker with this car. I think I would go with a 383 or 440 though. Pretty easy to do and wow are they torque monsters not including the pleasure of having a cool sleeper.
6 to 8 adapters are still out there but even a new k member is easy enough. You can still find 383s relatively cheep 440s to if you look.
I’ve had that 6 in a couple of cars jeez they are pigs and long before I rebuilt that I’d drop in something that wouldn’t take much to do and be loads of fun. Imho
I would drop in a hemi 5.7 and drive train keep the outside and inside the same but cleaned up. It would be a heck of a sleeper. https://www.bestuseautoparts.com/products/dodge-charger-5-7l-engine-2007-2015?gclid=Cj0KCQiA4uCcBhDdARIsAH5jyUk1nAMwLiwYl4QBvGO38VH786vXSnt1-XOF_GoEcq4kXCEDrsqspy4aAlo-EALw_wcB
Can someone please explain to me how a bare bones Duster can be had for $3900 while a similar bare bones Nova will sell all day long for four times that much?
$3900 is a steal imo. The Duster is one of a handful of classic cars that haven’t yet skyrocketed in price.