The mid-size muscle car movement of the mid-1960s was quickly followed by a similar (but smaller) push in the 1970s in the compact market segment. For example, Chevy had the Nova SS 350 (and 396) which led to the Plymouth Duster 340 in 1970. That’s when Chrysler introduced the Duster as a fastback version of the Valiant (which was joined by the Dodge Demon and Demon 340). The seller’s car looks as though it could be an older restoration or perhaps even a survivor as the powertrain has numbers that match. A tip from Mitchell G., this Mopar is in Rutherford, New Jersey, and is available here on craigslist for $20,000.

Introduced in 1968, the Chrysler small-block 340 cubic inch V8 was an ideal performance engine for a smaller and lighter automobile like the Duster. Yet, between then and 1973, the engine found its way into 217,000 vehicles, including Chrysler’s pony cars and some mid-sizes. 1970 would be the pinnacle for the 340, installed in more than 56,000 cars. As for the 1972 Duster 340, more than 15,000 were sold.

We’re not told much about the seller’s car other than it’s a nice driver with an automatic transmission. Only four photos are provided and one of them shows it on the back of a trailer. So perhaps this was a recent barn find that’s quickly looking for a new home. The body and paint look nice, although there is some chipping below the windshield.

The interior looks good, but the painted metal on the door panels may be getting worn. And the vehicle would present a lot better if the interior had been vacuumed before the posting of pictures. Whatever shortcoming there may be (and that’s just an assumption), the fact is that it runs well with its original engine and transmission at 100,000 miles.