I always find classics with a backstory interesting, and the history of this 1972 Plymouth Duster is quite sad. It started life as a mild-mannered budget daily driver, but its owner transformed it into a stunning Duster 340 Tribute. It spent the last four years in storage, but with the owner’s recent passing, his widow has revived it ready for a new home. It runs and drives perfectly, and with only minor cosmetic needs, the winning bidder can enjoy it immediately.
It is hard to believe that this Duster was once a very average vehicle finished in Amber Sherwood Metallic. The owner commenced a build in 1993 to transform the Duster into a genuinely eye-catching classic, and the lack of significant deterioration after over three decades suggests the work was performed to a high standard. The panels were massaged to perfection before the car received a color change to its current Lemon Twist. The process included non-functioning hood scoops, Duster 340 stripes, and a rear spoiler. The paint retains a mirror shine, with the seller providing this YouTube video to emphasize its strengths. It reveals an area of developing rust in the driver’s side rocker and various locations around the body where the steel received repairs during the original build. However, it is worth noting that the rocker is the only area with rust issues. The seller believes the Plymouth received a new windshield and weather strips, while the rear OEM Rally wheels were professionally widened to accommodate larger tires. The rear bumper would benefit from a trip to the platers, but the remaining trim looks comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic.
This Duster’s exterior isn’t the only area to receive considerable attention during the 1993 build. The first owner ordered this classic powered by the 225ci slant-six that they teamed with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. With 110hp and 185 ft/lbs of torque, that combination would have made this Plymouth a practical and fairly economical daily driver. However, who doesn’t need more power? The original drivetrain is now a distant memory, with this Duster’s engine bay housing a 340ci V8. Shifting duties fall to an A-727 automatic transmission with a shift kit that feeds the power to an 8¾” limited-slip rear end. The owner decided to leave the steering and brakes relatively untouched, meaning there is no power assistance for the steering or four-wheel drums. That 340 is anything but average, sporting the cylinder heads and Six-Pack setup from a 1970 AAR ‘Cuda. Therefore, it would be fair to expect power and torque figures in the region of 290hp and 345 ft/lbs. This gem spent four years in storage, only emerging in May this year. The owner’s widow dispatched the car to the shop that built the drivetrain for what was a relatively straightforward revival. The Six-Pack received a refresh, the fuel system was flushed and new lines, a fuel pump, and filters were installed. The car received a fluid change, new plugs, and a fresh battery. It is now a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well. The YouTube video that I previously mentioned allows us to see and hear it in action, and I didn’t spot anything to cause concern.
The Duster’s interior is extremely tidy, featuring Black vinyl trim, bucket seats, a console, and an aftermarket Sun tach and Sony radio/cassette player. The seller believes the interior received new seatcovers and carpet during the build, and the condition of those items is virtually flawless. That doesn’t mean the inside of this classic is perfect. The dashpad has succumbed to age, sporting several large cracks. A cover would hide the issue for a few dollars, or the winning bidder could spend around $330 on a replacement pad that would permanently eliminate the problem.
It is sometimes difficult to gauge the impact a classic has when it hits the market, but this 1972 Plymouth Duster leaves no doubt. It has received twenty-six bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The action has pushed the price to $18,355, which is below the reserve. The viewing history and the number of people who have placed this classic on their Watch List suggest the price will climb as the end draws near. It won’t appeal to purists, but enthusiasts seeking a driver-grade classic that provides above-average presentation and performance might find it irresistible. Are you one of those people?
I can say those were some scary couple hours, no BarnFinds, what do I do at 3am? I know, I’ll bug Scotty G. Glad youse guys are back.
In case you weren’t there, in 1972, I graduated HS, but more importantly, it was the very beginning of the end of big block muscle cars. The solution? Take a smaller, insurance friendly motor, and stuff Niagara Falls down the intake. Long before turbocharging, more gas meant more go. To be clear, the A727 is a TorqueFlite, and not many would go the lengths of putting decals on, this car was anything but a hide scorcher when new. Not too sure about on a road course, but these cars dominated the Chrysler drag racing camp then. Gave those Oldsmobiles something to be concerned about. I read, this car would do 0-60 in just over 6 seconds, and the 1/4 mile in 14 flat at almost 95mph. Not bad for a glorified Valiant, eh? Al Bundy would be proud.
A “Tribute”.
Also known as a fake phony ripoff.
This is a nice clone, especially with the widened rims and large B/F’s. These always looked a little wonky to me coming down the road and they never seemed to sit level. Also, I thought for a while you couldn’t sell a classic here without cheap Cooper tires?? I wouldn’t kick this outta my garage for eating Mach I’s
Looks to be a very nice driver! I do question the AAR ‘Cuda heads though. I would want to see some documentation on that as they are very expensive parts and the 6 Pak AAR manifold will fit on the standard 2.02 heads.
3.91 posi on an A-727 automatic is pretty tall final gears and this car must really scoot. And be pretty wound up on the highway.
It is pretty obvious to anyone that this isn’t a 70, so calling it a tribute is a nice term for it. They didn’t try to fake you into thinking it is a ’70, as there are many obvious details that it is not.
I like it alot, and think the price reflects that a lot of others do as well. I wouldn’t think it will bring much more than 20K, but who knows. Real AAR heads will bump up the price on their own but the rust Rust, Ugh… And drum front disc brakes would need to be fixed for spirited driving!!!
$800.00+ for a simple tune is one of the reasons I got away from older cars, but it is pretty reasonable by today’s standards and it was thoughtful of them to do it, rather than say, It runs but needs a tune up.
I built a tribute Duster Twster 20 years ago and got tired of saying, “no, it isn’t a real 340”, so for me this is a pass. But with real ones commanding a bunch more, this is a nice performance value. And the Bu WAHHA of the downshift and outer carbs opening is hard to beat!