This 1972 Plymouth Duster has been lovingly restored over several years, and while the car now presents beautifully, a sad circumstance occurred along the way. The story goes that the Mopar enthusiast who began this project passed away before the restoration was completed, but thankfully, the seller stepped in and finished what was started, and I’m guessing the late owner would be very pleased with how this one eventually turned out. Located in Northwood, New Hampshire, this 1972 Plymouth Duster can be found here on eBay, where the high bid of $10,079 still hasn’t met the reserve.
The seller reports that this undertaking went on for many years, with the visionary initially selecting the nicest Duster he could find as the base. It’s never revealed what color this one began life as, but I believe that’s now Chrysler FJ6 green paint the sheet metal is wearing, one of the High Impact offerings known as Sassy Grass for Plymouths. This hue works great here, and it’s also favorable that the seller indicates only a few rust repairs were required. The black stripes complement the bright paint nicely, and the hood scoops add a menacing appearance to the front view.
It’s also unknown what size engine originally powered this Duster, but it was removed and replaced with a 1970 date-code 340 small block, which the seller says is running great. Things in the bay look orderly and ready to perform, and out back is a limited-slip rear end, though no word on what gear ratio was chosen. Other than it being an automatic, there aren’t any specific details regarding the transmission either, but hopefully it’s been serviced and is in good working order.
The interior isn’t as sporty as the exterior, with a front bench seat and a column shifter instead of buckets and a console. However, most of the inside components appear to be in good condition and probably satisfactory, unless you’re seeking something beyond just a decent driver. A low-cost improvement here would be adding a new carpet and some cool floor mats, which could greatly improve the appearance in here and likely be finished in an afternoon. I’m glad this 1972 Plymouth Duster found a new owner to take over, and I feel this one turned out rather nicely. What do you think?
This car looks good on the outside, (the interior presentation could be better) but, unfortunately, there appear to be some rust issues underneath. The quality of the undercarriage photos mandate an in person inspection before purchase. GLWTA!! :-)
It’s got some crust and rust down low, and I think the car was originally blue.
…. And rust never sleeps.
It mostly presents like a ’70 except for the tail panel. Lots of parts bin selections here. A nice respray color, but hard to tell what the prep work was like.
The 340 is a great engine and you would be getting cheap fun for the current price. Not sure where they are trying to go with the reserve.
The rust is going to hold the price back, as is the lack of a fender tag, it was likely a 6 cylinder car and the mechanical bits can be pretty weak.
My biggest concern is the frame rails and shackles, which must be compensation for sag as the stock stance shouldn’t need them.
The shackles are non-stock obviously, but it looks like they’re attached at about the same length as the factory shackles (maybe a touch longer… but all factory Mopars of this era have the short shackles stock). So if it’s compensating for sag, they’re not compensating for much in this case.
The bid of $10,079 is just about all the money in 2026 for an engine swapped, decent looking driver. It’ll probably get a few more bids, but it’s just about topped out.
With all due respect, this is a Duster with a 340, not a 340 Duster. As a big fan of 340 A body cars, I appreciate the fact that someone went to these lengths to built a 340 Duster tribute car. But that’s what this car is, and the sale price should reflect this.
The scoops, and 5 lug Rallye wheels are nice touches. And it would still be a fun and fast ride. But I’d plan on spending a lot of time with a welder underneath the car before driving it hard.
Looks like a fun “turn key” driver. A early 340 with some of the extras, but not a big money car in the future, just a fun car now. I think the asking price is fair.
rust never sleeps it only takes a nap!
Lovely looking car. 1970-72 have always been my favourite years for the Plymouth Valiant and Duster.
A few years ago, there was a very similar looking Duster parked in a driveway across the street from my parents house in a retirement community in Manchester, NH.
With the story the seller gives, it could be that same car. I was hoping to catch the owner outside to talk to him about the car.
I’d buy a 1970-72 Valiant (preferably 4 door) or possibly a 1974-76 Valiant (preferably 4 door) if I could find one in decent condition. The only catch would be it has to be west of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. I’d love mine with all the accessories available for the time, AM/FM radio, Cassette, Disc brakes if available, seat belts for all occupants, all service records.
I’m not sure if it’ a lighting issue or not, but the under hood colour doesn’t match the exterior, it’s a different shade. Lots of over spray, leading me to think they were either trying to replicate assembly line conditions, or tool lazy to mask off. Under hood doesn’t present well. definitely need an in-depth inspection. For $10k, not a deal breaker.