Here’s yet another head-scratcher of a donation car courtesy of eBay seller “Just Donated.” This 1973 Plymouth Duster looks to be a super clean driver but the listing does cite a few dings that may have made it not worthy of saving. Regardless, as someone who just rescued a car that the owner was going to donate, I’ve gained some insights into why someone might go this route (outside of a death in the family): it’s just easier. You don’t have to deal with tire-kickers and someone shows up and takes your problem child car away. Does this Duster deserve a second chance with an owner that wants to bring it all the way back? Check out the desription here on eBay and let us know what you think.
The listing mentions the presence of rust but I sure can’t see where it’s hiding based on these photos. In fact, that decal kit – which may not be 100 percent factory correct in terms of style and script – looks practically brand new. The paint looks nice as well and the tires even appear to still have tire shine on them! The chrome bumpers are pretty and the half-vinyl roof appears to be in good shape, too. Overall, from the exterior photos alone, this Duster looks like a great foundation for a project. The seller does confirm that it does not run.
The Duster will come with a clear California title, so that’s one less thing for the next owner to sort out. The interior is as clean as the outside with a tan vinyl bucket seat in good shape and a matching rear seat. I don’t see any rips or tears, and the door panels are also fairly tidy. The seller doesn’t go into any detail about the interior, and given the battery needs to be jumped, we don’t have any sense of whether the electronics are waking up (what limited electronics there are, of course.) As with most donation cars, you’re taking a calculated risk as to what you’ll find if yours is the winning bid. Speaking of, bidding is up to $4,050 with no reserve.
The Duster is equipped with a V8 – is it a 340? – but we don’t know if it’s numbers-matching. Under-hood is quite clean, with even the brake booster showing what looks like original paint. The next owner will have to roll the dice and hope that the no start condition isn’t due to some mechanical catstrophe, but even if it is, it shouldn’t prove too hard to find a replacement engine. The Duster is definitely attracting the interest of bidders given most of the cars offered by this seller sell for $2,500 or less, so perhaps a local buyer has given it a once over and spies a dimanond in the rough with this donated Duster.
Major rust under that vinyl top.
Where is the rust hiding? How about the bottom of the quarters, and if you pull that vinyl top you’ll be in for a real treat.
I don’t see the rust, but that has to be the biggest bucket seat I’ve ever seen. I think this is a worthy project. I’m thinking it shouldn’t take much to get it running.
Get rid of the Holley and drive the snot out of it
Looks like a good project candidate to me.
Don’t see much rust at all, and if she’s a true Cali car how much could there be hiding?
What’s the worst that could happen? Find a donor Mopar small block would still be worth it if the selling price is right. Just lose those awful side stripes and get something factory :)
My first car was a duster with a slanted 6 red with white stripes
340 w column shift, wonder if its got 3.90 gear ⚙️ they fly down the 1/4
Looks like a Ford hood scoop.
Have watched the site for quite a while. The format they use is the same for any and all offerings and is better than many private sellers. If it were me, I too would use “rust” if it wasn’t a full restore! The only error that I see often is the use of the word “leather” in the interior instead of the more often correct word “vinyl”.
Actually I had a 73 340 duster mine was red with the white three quarter vinyl roof and the white stripe around the rear end with the 340 but the funny part about it is it was custom made for me and instead of having the automatic stick shift on the floor they sent it with it on the column like this one that car had some get up and go. It was one of the best cars I’ve owned and I’ve had many cars that one looks in good shape I’d be interested if it was on the East Coast, California’s a little too far to go get it
I am no Mopar expert, but those stripes look far from factory to me. The seller makes no claim of it being a 340. No tag visible in the engine compartment.
It was equipped with AC at one point, and the rear seat folds. So unless otherwise shown, I think it is a nicely equipped 318 with some boasting on the rear fender.
Ebay ad shows the VIN, it was born with a 318, but a 340 is an easy (and common) swap.
Bidding is at $7100.00 with 2 days left.
G engine code is 318 2bbl. The bench seat kinda gives away that it’s not a 340.
Not factory, most likely painted on
VIN Decodes to a 318 2bbl. But vinyl half roof, AC and power brakes indicate a higher optioned car. Worth saving for the right price.
current bid is $8000, I live 15 minutes away from there but I don’t have that much cash to consider it
now it’s at $8400
Sold for $9601!