Finding a rust-free classic that would make a sound foundation for a project build can be a battle at times. However, that is what is on offer with this 1972 Plymouth Duster. It is a blank canvas for the buyer to wave their magic wand over. They might choose to undertake some light cosmetic refreshing so that it can be driven as a survivor, or they could decide to slip something pretty potent under the hood to give it a slice of attitude. Located in Taylor, Missouri, you will find the Duster listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. The owner has set the sale price at $13,500.
Drier climates are always great for preserving classic steel, and it has undoubtedly helped this Gold Leaf Duster to remain rust-free. Not only is this a solid vehicle, but its panels are remarkably straight for its age. There are no significant dings or marks, and even though the car has spent its life in a climate that is renowned for baking paint, it still holds an impressive shine. The trim rings on the original steel wheels show some deterioration, but the remaining trim is in excellent order. The glass is free from flaws, and I can’t spot anything that would require immediate attention. If the buyer wants to slip behind the wheel and retain the Duster as an original survivor, it would still turn heads for all of the right reasons.
As far as drivetrain combinations are concerned, they don’t come much more bulletproof than what we find in this Duster. The original owner ordered the vehicle with the venerable 225ci slant-six engine, a 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power brakes. That mighty six should be producing 110hp and 185 ft/lbs of torque, which is enough to send the Plymouth through the ¼ mile in 18.9 seconds. Once again, the news here is favorable for potential buyers. The car is in excellent mechanical health and is said to run and drive exceptionally well. This is another aspect of this car that leaves plenty of options on the table. The buyer could choose to retain the Duster as an original survivor, although slipping something more potent into the engine bay in the future is a possibility. The good thing here is that this is not a decision that would need to be made in a hurry. The buyer can take their time to consider their options, and for many people, retaining the slant-six would be the best option. They are a low-maintenance item, which means that they could spend their leisure time behind the wheel rather than tinkering away in the workshop.
Buying a classic car that has spent its life in a drier region like Arizona can involve a degree of compromise. The same climate that is conducive to the preservation of steel can take a toll on interior trim. This Duster hasn’t been immune from this type of damage, but I think that we’ve all seen interiors that have fared far worse. The owner is pretty candid about its needs, identifying the carpet, headliner, and other upholstery that the buyer will need to replace. This is one of those situations where a buyer could purchase the pieces as the budget allows to whip it back into shape. For example, it would be possible to replace the carpet and headliner without touching the seats in the short to medium term. Some aftermarket slipcovers would hide their issues, and it would look inviting without spending a fortune. The interior isn’t weighed down with optional extras, although the inclusion of air conditioning has to be considered a worthwhile bonus.
This 1972 Plymouth Duster would appear to be the perfect candidate for any enthusiast looking for a car that they can tinker with but where they don’t want to find themselves bogged down with major restoration work. It is rust-free and mechanically sound, which means that it is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately. That is the primary reason why any enthusiast buys a classic, and that is what this one has to offer potential buyers. That has to make it a tempting proposition that is well worth considering.
Thank you for your amazing write up on this car. I forgot to mention that the top of the back seat also needs to be re-upholstered.
Is this the Duster the chris birdsong did a will it start after pulling it out of an abandoned junkyard?
Not cheap, but doesn’t need to be. Drive it while you are gathering parts for a V8 conversion, upgraded suspension and brakes.
Steve R
I respectfully disagree, why change the engine at all? This car is an original survivor, not many left like this. The world has too many V8 Mopars, why flood it even more fake ones?
It’s about making it fun. Swapping out to a larger engine doesn’t make it a fake, that only happens if someone tries to pass it off as something it isn’t. A few people at shows might care if it’s original drivetrain, but almost no one else will, which is a good thing, because it’s none of their business.
If someone is concerned about originality they will step up and buy it, if they don’t, it shows they don’t care enough to put their money where their mouth is.
Steve R
I wouldn’t want to drive this with a slant. My dad had this identical car and the motor sucked. If I were to buy it it’s mine. I love the car and would go 340 and 4 speed. Nobody wants to drive a slant in the modern era.
Totally agree with you Gary!!!
What is with this idea that every car needs converted to a more powerful engine. I’d get more joy out of having it as it came off the assembly line.
Jim, maybe the same thing that drives people to call for even the most undesirable of cars as they originally left the factory. It’s up to the owner to decide. I hear a lot about keeping this sort of car stock, yet I don’t think the proponents are willing to open their wallets to make sure that happens.
Steve R
Steve R….but if you WANT a Duster with a 340 in it, BUY ONE.
Jim, why. I’d rather have a modified car, original 340 cars don’t make sense at the prices they are selling at. That leaves a car that left the factory like this, or a 318 as the best option. That’s the way it works, start with the best body you can find. That’s where this car derives it’s value, not the drivetrain.
Steve R
I agree with Steve R. It’s all about having fun with your vehicle. The one great thing about getting all original 6 cylinder car like this is that it never had enough power to hurt itself. If it was never abused and all the doors open and close the body should still be strong.
The suspension and brakes are most likely shot and anyone purchasing the car should know enough to have everything checked out before attempting to drive it as a daily use vehicle.
Personally it would make a perfect platform for a all out resto mod. That would be the direction I would have taken it if I wasn’t already building one. A 69 Dart resto mod, complete QA1 six link rear suspension and a matching front suspension. 408 stroker, 5 speed, 4:10 8 3/4 rear and 4 wheel disc brakes.
“Municipal” looking old Duster, in surprisingly great shape when I consider what this car really was meant for….and how long ago that was.
Nice.
Air cleaner assembly should be painted black as it came from the factory. Do not understand the condition of the instrument panel applique, should be wood grain color. This was a low line duster as it does not have the upgraded trim over the radio or glove box. Does not list how many miles are on this ride. Could need valve lash adjustment, Questionable if points style ignition or Electronic Ignition Conversion. Electronic Ignition went standard across the board in 1973
I listed it as a 93,000 original mile car. Look in the classified section of BarnFinds
Its a 72 , so it should be a points system; 72 340 cars had the electronic ,and as you said, all 1973s did. That cluster is baked; the wood color was painted on and looks like that underneath. The trim rings are cheapo aftermarket and the caps do not look right for the year . The seats also look to be from another car , Maybe a Swinger ? ; I dont recall the chrome inserts on these Dusters, usually it was all pleats. Its definitely been repainted , I’m not sure about rust where the car is from but the 72’s were known to rust in the tail panel because water would pool up in the long taillights , and of course the usual rear quarter rust. Its still pretty solid looking, but I think 13k is high for a base duster
Paging Al Bundy…
Good write up by Adam, but you can’t explain how hard the heat is on a fifty year old car. The sun is relentless, and it makes everything brittle and faded. Seats that look ok, suddenly just fall apart. Any plastic in the engine compartment, same thing, they just snap. Sure the metal is solid, but everything else that is rubber or plastic will be shot. $13500.00 seems a bit high to me for an entry level Mopar.
13.5K for a grandma Duster? The world has gone mad.
I find it interesting that there is an A/C compressor with belts in place, but no evidence of dashboard vents or controls. Maybe a “dash hung” unit that got lost somewhere along the way? Between the weight of the compressor and the drag on the engine while in operation, you’d lose about a third of the horsepower needed to keep up with traffic, so maybe it’s just as well. Just my two cents.
If you put a good magnifying glass to the picture you will see the under dash hang on unit attached to the instrument panel. A better picture would have shown it more clearly.
If you look carefully you’ll see the air conditioning vents under the dashboard. Chrysler never modified the dashboard in these cars for air conditioning outlets so the factory system looks like an aftermarket add-on. (Kind of strange since even AMC had AC outlets integrated into the otherwise awful dashboard design of the Hornet and Gremlin.)
$13500 is a steal for a body that does not require hundreds of hours of rust repair and sheet metal.. Funny how everyone on this site has no clue to the cost of restoring a car.If this was a Camaro you would be spending three times what they are asking for this car.
A good body for 440 conversion set of slicks and dragstrip ready
But it’s not a Camaro it’s a Duster, and it’s not worth $13500. Add in the price of an engine,tranny, front end rebuild, carpet, headliner, seats, intangibles, and your easily way over 20k. Mathematically it doesn’t make sense.
If you can get into any restomod for under 50k you are one step ahead of the game. Granted it is not aa desirable as a Camaro but the fun for your dollar could not be beat. Even with a Hellcrate and a 5-speed you would not be over 50k and clicking off sub 9 second quarter miles with the air on is a lot of fun in my book.
Vance-This car is in excellent running and driving condition and only needs some interior re-upholstering. Very nice rust free Arizona car
I see 340 written all over this car, black, white stripes flat black 340 wedge hood, white bucket seat interior, then I’d drop a 440 in it, just for laughs
Beef up that ole “slanty” with the good parts from Clifford.
Skorezeny: I had a used 1974 Duster 225 six auto trans and air conditioning. It drove fine. A lot of people would drive a 225 slant six with air today, I would love to have a Duster, Demon, barracuda, or valiant four-door with a 225 six , auto transmission today.
Car is perfect and that 6 is awesome. You cant sling a dead cat without bitting a v8 mopar, clone or otherwise. Clean this gem up a bit and cruise and enjoy.
For those that think Frankensteining this beaut is an option stop ruining cars.
If this car was meant to have a v8 or 4 speed or or or it would have been born with it.
Stock rocks.
You all probably look at your girlfriends and wives the same way, “look baby 52 K cup is what suits you. Sure your an A cup and thats nice and all but its not FUN”. Lol. Lame-o’s.
Its a 72 , so it should be a points system; 72 340 cars had the electronic ,and as you said, all 1973s did. That cluster is baked; the wood color was painted on and looks like that underneath. The trim rings are cheapo aftermarket and the caps do not look right for the year . The seats also look to be from another car , Maybe a Swinger ? ; I dont recall the chrome inserts on these Dusters, usually it was all pleats. Its definitely been repainted , I’m not sure about rust where the car is from but the 72’s were known to rust in the tail panel because water would pool up in the long taillights , and of course the usual rear quarter rust. Its still pretty solid looking, but I think 13k is high for a base duster
Reduced to $9,500
Make offer to collectorcarsandparts@yahoo.com