This 1971 Plymouth Duster looks like it could be a Duster 340, but it’s not. It was a Slant-Six car with a column-shifted automatic that had been converted to a 318-cubic-inch V8 with a floor shifter. Also, it appears to sport Lime Light green paint, but a color shift was made. Located in Salem, Oregon, this car has been off the road for some time and may need a tune-up and other minor things to be roadworthy. It’s available here on craigslist for $15,750. Another tip from – who else – “Curvette”!
The late 1960s Plymouth Valiant compact was anything but exciting. So, Chrysler upped the game by creating the Duster fastback in 1970, using completely different sheet metal from the cowl back. The car was a hit with the youth movement and spawned the Dodge Demon a year later. The successful automobile was little changed in 1971 sans a new grille. This example may have been a “secretary’s car” because nothing about it said speed when it was new. The seller or a prior owner went to great lengths to change that.
The upgrades to this Plymouth seem to have been tastefully done. The Lime Light, flat black hood, black stripes, and aftermarket wheels all seem to fit. The interior has been upgraded to bucket seats, but they’re not period-correct or even ones from a Chrysler product. The dark gray, fuzzy upholstery is said to be black. The hood scoops are just for looks, and a wing has been added out back to help with flight.
Mechanically, it should be strong and has headers for a beefy sound. Some weekend work may be needed for fine-tuning, such as the brakes and spark plugs. Barring any unforeseen issues, you might only end up with $16-17k in this Duster, though it won’t be numbers matching. But sometimes that’s okay.
Not bad looking but, not enough pictures. I hope they change the steering column to a plain collar without the shifter up there. Why 318. I would of drop a 360 Magnum engine. Plenty around and it would get up and really go!!! The rear end is going to have a weak 7 1/4 that will blow up under hard use. The trans should be a 904. Not crazy about the interior set up. The torison bars are going to be a 225 set. Meaning the front end will lift up easy on take off. Also they can break since its a v8. It was done 3/4 of the way. The next buyer needs to really look this over. Good luck..🇺🇸🐻
All good points. Its not a Twister, which was a specific model. the stripes are from a 72. Its not a bad presentation and if there is no rust it is a nice start.
I agree with regards to the pics. Why the hell don’t they post more pics when posting an ad for a car? IMHO, there’s no such thing as too many pics. There is such thing as too few pics. You want to see as much of a car as you can, see any cosmetic flaws that need to be cleaned up, and any mechanical issues that need to be dealt with. I’ve always loved the 1970-72 Plymouth Valiant/Duster. I hope this goes to a good owner.
I could be mistaken, but that’s likely a respray. Limelight was gone from the High Impact palette in 1971, dropped in favor of the spring of 1970’s Sassy Grass Green, and this even seems a tad too bright for Sassy Grass. The grille is from a ’70 Duster 340, the interior is from who knows what — there is nothing much original about this car.