The seller states that this 1972 Plymouth Duster 340 is ready for any “show and shine.” One look at the supplied images seems to support that, with the car presenting superbly. Its cause is aided by its original drivetrain, providing respectable performance and a beautiful V8 exhaust note. The only thing it appears to need is a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Duster listed here on Craigslist in Auburn, New Hampshire. Handing the seller $45,700 will allow you to drive away in this classic.
Plymouth introduced the Duster for the 1970 model year as a sporting variant of its Valiant. Utilizing the same platform, the company gave the Duster unique sheetmetal from the windshield back, which was an impressive feat considering the car was developed on what many consider to be a relatively tight budget. Changes and upgrades were evolutionary before the company replaced the aging platform at the end of 1976. This Duster is the 340 version, so named because of its engine capacity. I’ve scrutinized the photos in a bid to fault the appearance, and this classic has me stumped. Its Sherwood Green paint shines like a mirror, covering panels that the seller describes as laser-straight. They also emphasize the panel gaps, which are impressively tight and consistent. Potential buyers can forget about rust, because this baby is rock-solid. I can’t spot any glass issues, and the wheel package is intriguing. The Cragar SS wheels and Cooper tires are a recent addition, but the seller also includes the Rally wheels and Polyglas tires shown in the first article photo for those preferring authenticity.
The 1972 model year saw manufacturers quoting engine outputs in Net terms, abandoning the age-old standard of utilizing Gross figures. That is, they did if you could find companies willing to put anything down on paper. The industry-wide change resulted in some dramatic drops, which didn’t sit well with the marketing people. Therefore, Plymouth’s 1972 Sales Brochure doesn’t mention the power or torque figures for the Duster 340. However, several reliable sources agree on 240hp and 290 ft/lbs, which this car sends to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. The seller confirms that this classic not only retains its original motor and four-speed, but that the car is in excellent health. The 340 currently wears a new 650cfm carburetor, but a correct Mopar Quad-Jet is included. They say that the car sounds fantastic, making it a turnkey proposition for potential buyers.
The Green theme set by this Duster’s exterior continues with its two-tone vinyl interior trim. The car features a bench seat and a factory AM radio, with an underdash gauge cluster and tachometer the only obvious additions. As with every other aspect of the vehicle, the interior appears to be beyond criticism. The vinyl and carpet are free from wear, the dash is spotless, and the pad and plastic haven’t suffered at the hands of harsh UV rays. If the buyer is serious about pursuing the show circuit, this interior should be up to that challenge.
The Plymouth Duster proved a sales success upon its 1970 launch, with 217,192 buyers driving one home. After a 1971 slump, the 1972 tally hit 227,992. Of those, 15,681 buyers ticked the “340” box on their Order Form. How many survive today is unclear, although this one is a beauty that seemingly needs nothing. Any changes made by the seller appear reversible, allowing the new owner to return the car to its factory form. The seller’s price looks competitive, especially in the face of considerable value increases during the past year. This Duster 340 has only been on the market for a few days, and I won’t be surprised if someone snaps it up fairly quickly. I would love to think that it will be one of our loyal readers who does so, because at least we will all know that it will be in the hands of someone who genuinely appreciates classic cars.
This is so cool, Chrysler sure had it dialed in for what gearheads wanted. Lot of green cars lately. Tells me, the folks that got these cars in the 70s, are going missing, and conveys the color then. Green was everywhere, from toilets to well, Plymouth Dusters. Even moms oven mitts( thanks Scotty, where ever you are). I say Mopar ruled the musclecar era, it was no lie. This car would do 0-60 in 6.6 sec. and the 1/4 mile was about 15 sec@ 90mph, plenty for 350 Chevelles and 351 Mustangs to worry about. While the Mustangs and Chevelle attracted more civil drivers, 340 Duster( and Dart) buyers had one thing on their minds, go fast.
I wonder, do younger folks go, “OOOHHH, a 2014 Subaru”,,, not even close, kid..
The kids today work with what they’re given. Same as you and me did.
And they’ve been raised, by and large, by us Boomers. Not advantaged by the tutelage of The Greatest Generation. Like we were.
A well driven 340 car could also give bigger engined 383/440 siblings a fit, due to its’ lighter weight. Unfortunately, it would seem that the cheaper Duster impacted the sales of the new ‘E’ bodied cars, and contributed to their demise.
As you know Moparman, these hi-winder 340s respond well w some steep rear gears. For real big game hunting on the street or strip, the 3.91s seem to be perfect, especially w the Torq-flite. Being a stick car, I’d leave this one alone w the 3.55s. Bet this is a blast to drive. 👍😎🏁
5 hoodlums were comfortable in a 340 stick duster
Cool car !!
Thought the price on the ‘67 Firebird convertible was high and thought this couldn’t be higher but I guess I was wrong, hahaha!😂 This is a sweet looking car, for sure!
Great looking car, really like the look with the Cragars. 4 speed is super cool! Factory carb on a ‘72 340 would be a Carter Thermoquad. Not sure if they were referencing a Quadrajet in the ad or they’re just saying it’s a four barrel.
I question the carb, 72 was a thermo quad. When 72 hit they lowered the compression ratio changed the heads & added electronic ignition.
The good news is the 4 spd cars kept the forged crank internally balanced, HD rods and better rods and the cams.
I question the carb, 72 was a thermo quad. When 72 hit they lowered the compression ratio changed the heads & added electronic ignition.
The good news is the 4 spd cars kept the forged crank internally balanced, HD rods and better rods and the cams.
looks better w/o the cragars.
Not always, these look good on the car. I’m sure painted steels and dog dish look good too.
Beautiful Duster. In my opinion the 340ci was the best overall balanced engine for these little A bodies. If I bought it those original rallyes would be back on it toot sweet.
WOW, beautiful car. A lot was spent to make it look this way. Hopefully it has the bigger valves and hotter cam or there will be a disappointing ET. The Cragers look perfect on this car.