Although the Duster shared a chassis and other components with the Plymouth Valiant, its sporty styling proved a welcome addition to the brand’s lineup and a favorable entry for the compact market, which was becoming more popular when this coupe was first introduced as a 1970 model. The seller of this 1972 Plymouth Duster here on Craigslist says his car remains largely original, solid, and rust-free, with only 67,000 miles of use. However, this one’s also got strong potential to become something more exciting, as the Mopar seems like a prime candidate for a Restomod. This one’s located in Greenwood, Washington, with the price of $9,200 stated as firm. We’d like to thank reader Curvette for sending us the tip here!
This Duster is powered by a Slant 6 mated to an automatic transmission, and while this motor is highly regarded for its durability and dependability, it wouldn’t be much of a shocker if the future owner decides to put something different under the hood. Other factory engine options included V8s of the 318 or 340 variety, and later a 360, with a change already on the owner’s mind as he tells us there are some 4-speed and V8 swap parts available for an extra cost. The cool-factor of the 6 might be attention-getting at shows, but the business nature of a larger motor and perhaps a 4-speed manual would make for more rewarding driving.
The seller states that the sheet metal is non-corroded, but it does show plenty of patina, and this is one of those body styles and colors that the faded finish works pretty well on. Besides a light tap on the passenger side rear, the other panels appear reasonably straight, so it probably wouldn’t take a lot of effort to prep the outside for some fresh paint. However, I might consider driving this one as-is for a while just for fun, then apply a shiny new coat somewhere down the line. The old-school Cragar S/S wheels also look right at home here.
Except for the seat inserts, most of the interior is still filled with stock components, with some minor wear on the door panels and a few small tears on the front bench. Better news is that the dash is free from cracks, and the instruments all appear to be in good cosmetic condition. Deciding how to move forward with this 1972 Plymouth Duster might prove a difficult task, as it already seems like a decent driver as it sits. However, a V8 swap plus taking the exterior up a few notches would be rewarding as well. What would you do with this one?
9200 firm for a Duster w/225 and 727 with rust, bad paint and bad interior. Lotsa luck.
But it only has 67k miles, proven by a picture of the speedometer.
It has potential, but what’s the market for an early-70’s Duster that needs everything?
Steve R
It needs nothing to be what it is, which is something cool to drive.
What it’s not is a $9200 car (IMO).
It’s only a five barrel odometer could be it’s second time around but I doubt it’s on it’s first run around .
Been for sale for 2 years,I buy alot of dusters and demons,I think its priced high,I sold a fully restored slant six 70 sassy green duster with a hyperpack with 4 barrel and headers for 13k
Price is high for what it is. Nice $6500 car. I’d put in buckets, console……go whacky with it! Add a Hyper-Pak set up and replicate those motors with some other little goodies. Some suspension work, decent gears……. Maybe 3.23-3.55’s. Make it a fun cars and coffee conversation piece.
Restomod potential for sure Liking those Cragar wheels.
black out the hood add pins, swap for a 340 add pipes
and Go !
Buy it and drive it as is, correct the paint and interior issues. Not many low mileage 6 cylinder ones left.
Kinda pricey, but seems solid. I’d drop in a 5.7 HEMI & have fun.
The rear panel is for 72 only, and this one seems to have minimal rust, just a dent on the right side. Those panels are nearly impossible to find.
What makes the ’72 panels different and hard to find?
It takes quite a bit besides the engine to upgrade a 6 cylinder car to a good stopping, nice handling V8. For the reasons others have stated, this car isn’t worth the ask. The Cragers don’t double the value, just imagine it with hubcaps…
Sorry to see the “Duster” HBO series cancelled. It was pretty good.
The 72 rear panel , as they said, a one year only part. the problem was the taillights themselves- they are recessed , allowing water to pool in them, and the water would drip out of the corners of them, eventually causing the rear panel to get rusted out .
Slant 6 and a 904. Pretty sure they didn’t put 727 behind the little 6