Plymouth redesigned its compact Valiant in 1967, making it inexpensive, dependable, and boring. To liven things up and attract a young audience, the Duster was created in 1970. It was a fastback version of the car that only shared its front clip with the rest of the Valiant lineup. They were light autos, which is probably why the seller’s ’70 Duster became a drag strip contender. Located in Three Rivers, California, this Mopar is available here on eBay where the photos are many and the details are few. $10,000 is the opening bid (yet cast) and $25,000 can take it home today.
When the Duster was introduced, Plymouth gambled that youthful buyers would come out of the woodwork. And they were right, as 217,000 Dusters were sold in the first year, including nearly 25,000 Duster 340s for the performance-minded. It worked so well that Dodge clambered for their own version and the Demon was born the following year. Both cars would continue to do well in the sales arena through the end of the Valiant/Dart platform in 1976.
We can only assume the seller’s 1970 Duster started with a 340. We’re told that it’s been stroked for more muscle and the hood advertises 360 cubic inches in some pics. Besides it having a 727 automatic transmission and a long list of performance mods, the seller doesn’t go into any of the history of the car, specifically how well it did on the race track. If you Google Dixon Brothers Racing, you’ll find a race car parts supplier that seems to have gone out of business at least a decade ago. Was racing this Duster a hobby associated with a family business?
It would appear that if you bought this hot rod, your goal would be to use it as it was intended, as a race car. Because going back to stock would cost you a small fortune. But does it even run as we’re guessing many of the photos provided are from back in its heyday? Maybe the car was retired at some point and the owner eventually passed away, leaving the seller to dispose of a vehicle he/she knows little about. The only way to find out would be to contact the seller if this machine piques your interest.
It definitely has a late-80’s early-90’s vibe. As you suggest it probably hasn’t seen a track in a while. The Centerlines, stickers suggest that, as does the class designation and car number which wouldn’t be in use today.
It would make a good bracket car, but would probably need some updates including most, if not all if it’s safety equipment, tires, brakes, etc. Unless someone has their heart set on this particular make and model race car it’s BIN is high. Race cars have a different price dynamic than street cars, a smart shopper willing to put in the work can find a decent, competitive turn key bracket car that’s being actively raced in the mid to high teens.
Steve R
Still is a drag car
Couldn’t find much information in the ad ? Rearend, Gears etc.. did i miss it ?
Dirty looking Duster 😎
The ‘data sheet’ says it’s an 8.75 with a spool; no ratio. 4″ stroke with W2 heads…this could be one highly p*ssed off small block.
LOL, I’d bet you’re correct!
No pictures of the 4 link that must be under there and not tubbed.
It looks like leaf springs, picture 7 of 26 the undercarriage is visible. In there era it was likely built leaf spring or ladder bars would have been the go to rear suspension.
Steve R
Can’t see leaf springs in 16 or 17 and I think you should be able to.
If any has questions click full description in the ebay ad for the phone #.