The Plymouth Valiant was a popular compact in the 1960s. But sporty it was not. To attract younger buyers, they introduced the Duster model in 1970, a fastback that featured its own body from the cowl back. The seller has a 1973 edition that appears to be in new condition, based on the limited number of provided photos. With a bucket seat interior, complete with a console, this apparent survivor calls Pasco, Washington, home for now and is available here on craigslist for $10,500. Barn Finder “Curvette” has delivered again in the tips department.
Chrysler had an instant hit on their hands with the Plymouth Duster, which remained in production along with the Valiant through 1976. 1.3 million copies were built in total, excluding the badge-engineered Dodge Demon/Dart Sport it spawned in 1971. Though a performance model was offered (the Duster 340), it was first and foremost an economy car, and we suspect the majority of them were produced with Chrysler’s venerable 225 cubic inch Slant-Six engine.
The Slant-Six is said to be under the hood of the seller’s car (no pics) at 68,000 miles. While that’s not unusual, this is one of the first Slant-Six Dusters I’ve seen with the 225 motor. It’s paired with a TorqueFlite automatic transmission with the shifter in the console. There is no history offered on this sharp Mopar, which was one of 265,000 assembled in 1973. The only discernible difference over the ‘72s was larger front bumper guards to help meet tightening Federal safety standards.
We’re told this Plymouth runs and drives well. The paint and interior look too tidy to be original, but no mention is made of any restoration work having been done. So, this Duster could qualify as one of the nicest ones left. Hopefully, the successful buyer will leave the car as-is and not elect to turn it into a Duster 340 clone.
I like everything about this car, especially the half vinyl roof treatment. The only thing I’d change would be the poverty caps…I’d get some nicer hub caps.
This car would be perfect for a retired guy like myself to daily to the grocery store and Home Depot and my taco place.
We had the same car in college, in Dart flavor, that 3 guys shared. We called it the “ruster”. Somehow it did not deter girls from associating with us.
I’d go for a set of Magnums, instead to really make it pop! :-)
Yes Rex, we also used to call these “Rusters” and Mustangs were called “Rustangs”.
Wild… the bargain bin Duster got a much more elegant console shifter than the sporty Challenger/Baracuda that received that gauntly stubby short gearshift.
Have to disagree Stan. The “slap shift” was pretty cool.
Aaaaal, um, no Peg,,
Um, the front of the 72 and 73 are completely different, (and ugly compared to prior versions), far beyond bumper guards. And the 225 slant six was in everything, in fact it is hard to find a 73 Duster that didn’t have one.
This is a very nice used car, with interesting buckets and a floor shifter. But it is a long way from a 340 equipment wise. You could do a lot worse as a starting point if you don’t mind the 73 front end and brown color and it may be worth the ask. Especially to Al.
I might do a 392/6.4 swap on something like that. It would be quite the sleeper.
She’s a beauty! At my age the “slant six” is appropriate.
IMHO Mopar had the best styled compact car of the early-middle 70s. Whether it was these or the hardtop Scamp/Swinger you can’t beat the looks.
Beautiful vehicle. Those mirrors however, look aftermarket and have to be swapped out for OEMs
I had one of these, but a Gold Duster. 318, bench seat. Was a great car and would pass a lot of things except the gas station. On it’s best day I got about 13.7 MPG. Still enjoyed it though.
I’ve never seen a Duster with buckets, console and floor shift. They must be pretty rare especially on slant 6 grocery getter. Nice looking car.
Beautiful looking Duster. I agree those side mirrors need to be replaced but the rest of it looks great. If it’s a WA car originally and if that’s the orig. mileage I’d bet that’s probably the original paint and interior. With those buckets and console it must be a rare one.
These were sharp cars. I bet they were a big reason why the E Bodies sold so poorly (that and the mean insurance industry). Cheaper and lighter then an E Body. I always liked them better, bought a new ’71 with a 318 3sp. Wish I still had it.
Joining Paul & Tigger in saying the outside mirrors have to go. They look like ones I’ve seen on cheap foreign cars or a Mercury Capri.
Other than that, kind of an unusual optioned car, hub caps but a center console. I like the color & the vinyl roof treatment.
At a car show a couple of months ago, I saw a mid-70s Valiant. 4-door, that bland sort of lime green color with a black vinyl roof. Sort of bland looking until you looked under the hood. Looked like they hooked up a supercharger to the slant 6. Some of you Chrysler experts can clue me in on this, but it definitely fit the definition of a sleeper.
Nice car, I can’t get to the $10,500 price point possibly $5k but that would be a stretch its a little over 2 hours away but I’m not going to waste the sellers time with my offer…. Yet