We have recently been inundated with some excellent project candidates at Barn Finds, and if your leanings are towards Mopar muscle, this 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 deserves a close look. It ticks many of the boxes that enthusiasts consider crucial, from a known ownership history to excellent documentation and its numbers-matching status. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this classic listed here on eBay in Hemet, California. The seller set their BIN at $16,000 for a car that could easily be returned to its original, eye-catching state.
Like Halley’s Comet, the Plymouth Duster enjoyed a brief and bright moment in the automotive sky. It hit showroom floors for the 1970 model year, and like the comet, it disappeared relatively quickly. The final cars left the lot in 1976, but its initial sales volumes justified the badge’s development. Our feature Duster is a first-year example that was initially ordered in dazzling Code J5 Lime Light. That is a less-than-subtle shade, which may explain why it underwent a couple of repaints during the 1970s which included a color change to its current Black. There is significant cosmetic deterioration, and the Black has lifted in several places to reveal the factory paint. Therefore, any potential restoration would almost certainly involve stripping the car to bare metal to achieve a satisfactory result. The Black vinyl top is badly baked and would require replacement. However, the same sun that has taken a toll on the vinyl has done a sterling job of preserving the steel. The seller identifies a small penetrating rust spot in the front floor and one in the spare wheel well. Otherwise, this beauty is rock-solid. It will probably require a few replacement trim pieces, but the glass and Rally wheels look excellent.
As the name suggests, lifting this Duster’s hood will reveal a 340ci V8. This was the range-topping engine offered in 1970, with the first owner teaming it with an A-727 automatic transmission, an 8¾” rear end, and power steering. The 340 delivered 275hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque when this car was new, and with a relatively low curb weight of 3,276 lbs, its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.1 seconds was considered pretty respectable performance for the money. The seller purchased this classic from the widow of the first owner, making it a genuine two-owner vehicle. That is merely the start of the good news because they also have two Broadcast Sheets and the original Fender Tag. However, I’m not finished, because apart from the valve covers and radiator, this Duster retains its numbers-matching mechanical components. It is hard to start when cold, which the seller believes could be fixed with a carburetor rebuild. Otherwise, it runs and drives well, and is a turnkey proposition.
The same dry, sunny climate that has done a wonderful job protecting this Duster’s steel has wrought havoc on its interior. The seatcovers, pad, and carpet, have all cried enough. A retrim is the only solution, but that is merely another task that a competent person could perform in a home workshop. If you have never undertaken the task, you have missed one of life’s most satisfying experiences. There is nothing quite like stepping back to admire your handiwork once you have transformed a tired and distressed interior into a spotless state.
Following a DIY approach to restoration is not for everyone, but if you are the type of enthusiast who prefers to be hands-on, this 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 could be the ideal classic to park in your workshop. It is begging for a cosmetic refresh but with a healthy drivetrain and only limited, minor rust, the new owner could take their time as they assemble the parts and budget to recapture the Duster’s former glory. The Watch List tally of 103 at the time of writing suggests that there are people who are tempted, but would you consider hitting the button to guarantee that you become this Plymouth’s third owner?
Right color, right motor, right interior. Green, red, blue, black. A lot of paint protecting the sheet metal. Build sheets and fender tag. Believe it or not, these are pretty sought after cars.
Dusters are hot right now and this one has a lot going for it. Might get the price as the finished product can give a return many times the asking price. But its going to take deep pockets of a committed garage builder to get it done. It’s 10K too high for a beater though.
None the less, I like it!
Agree on one or two things but that origanal owner rode and painted this thing up. It’s a little fishy but the price is pretty good – owner has another one so I guess it’s a little better. Lucky my dad bought one about 1972 from a service guy shipping out – I got to rebuild the carb and take it down the street while he was shipped out as well. It was a 1970 and NO he wouldn’t keep it – too much car for you” was one of his regular sayings….have one picture somewhere of it in the driveway.
Buy it drive it enjoy it. I would change back to original color but thats me. Otherwise its a decent car for a good price in my opinion! Good luck to buyer and seller.
Nice way to join the Rapid Transit System.
I bought one of these new in 1970 and loved it. Just about every option available…4 spd, PS/PB/AC, AM/FM, limited slip 3.91 rear. Buckets, console and tach were part of the package as I remember. Got side swiped by a city bus…fixed it. Got paint blasted off by Hurricane Camile…fixed it. Got T-boned while carrying 24 Mickey D’s milk shakes back to the squadron…fixed it but couldn’t get the smell out, so bought a GTO.
Just yesterday I was diving up hwy 25 north of Travelers rest and I see bright yellow poking through the bushes way back off the road . I stop to look closer and it’s a lemon twist duster 340 with 340 wedge graphics black out hood. Look a little closer and it’s a 4 speed sunk in mud to its floor boards several other darts dusters in various states of decay littering the yard
I ask the guy about them and get the old ” going to restore them all, I know what I got and don’t want to sell.” Asked a neighbor who sad the all have been sitting there at least 10 years but he remembers the old man bought the yellow one new and won a lot of street races with it
Sad
I may drive up toward Traveler’s Rest from Spartanburg next week and see if I can convince him to see the light!
The Good: Rare bucket seats and factory console, 340 V8, 727 Torque-Flite. The Bad: Interior, bad repaint. The Ugly: Vinyl Roof, engine compartment. $16k is a bit high given this car’s condition, and while the body appears solid, there are areas of concern. No word on if this bad boy has factory air conditioning, but given that this is, in fact a “California Car”, I’d be very surprised if it didn’t. The carburetor issues are easily fixed, as a carb rebuild kit for the four-barrel can be had for about $25.00, IIRC, and there’s always the options of a new carb, either OEM or aftermarket, or fitting a “Six-Pack” to this beast, or converting to EFI, for the well-heeled enthusiast. Oh, and I’d lose the vinyl roof completely, and when I repainted it in the original factory color, I’d just paint the roof in a contrasting color, like white over the factory green. Otherwise, just drive it!
Don’t see any A/C hoses, compressor or bracket, no A/C vents or controls…so betcha no A/C! Lotta bondo in that left quarter. “Do everything” project. Price is a little strong for the condition, but could be made really nice.
A 7 year run of a certain body style is really isnt what would be described as ” disappeared quickly” , when many body styles are made at best for a 3 year run .