The “340” was the muscle car version of Plymouth’s new Duster compact in 1970. The car was home to Chrysler’s popular and powerful small-block 340 cubic inch V8 that was rated at 275 hp. This 1971 edition has been restored with a “crate” 360 V8 where the surviving 340 once lived (and comes with the deal). Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, this sweet ride is being offered by a dealer here on Hemmings. The current bid is $14,500, below the seller’s reserve. Another great tip brought our way by “PRA4SNW”.
Chrysler first released the 340 V8 in 1968 and it accounted for nearly 217,000 installations in six years. Most of these would be in the Plymouth Duster and Dodge Demon, both Valiant/Dart derivatives. When this Duster was restored, we don’t know why the owner didn’t stick with rebuilding the 340. Instead, a brand-new 360 was used, yet we’re told the 340 should still be viable.
The owner opted to continue with the 727 automatic transmission, 8 ¾ rear end and a 3.55 Sure Grip differential – a lot of potency in a fairly light muscle car. The Plymouth has been refinished in Sherwood Green paint, its original color. The black vinyl interior has also been refreshed. The hood prominently displays a huge 340 graphic.
We’re not sure how much documentation comes with the Duster at a supposed 45,000 miles. The exhaust system is new but is said to have an occasional rattle. Even with the replacement motor, this one of 12,866 produced seems like a nice out-of-the-ordinary find.
Another sweet Duster. The Tiktok tach is a neat feature! The last blue one topped out at 33k and was a no sale. Although some outliers are going for much more, I think that is top of the mark for these right now. I suspect the dealer hopes so too. Don’t care for the color, never did. Wing and wheels aren’t original but look good.
https://barnfinds.com/4-speed-survivor-1971-plymouth-duster-340/#comment-1586143
If it runs on modern fuel then it’s an upgrade.
An original 340 can easily run on modern fuel. Yes, additives are good if it’s truly original, but it’s not an issue at all. And when rebuilding, you’d make the required mods, which would be the default. Modern fuel is not a real issue.
Beautiful car. My favourite years for the Plymouth Valiant and Duster are 1970-72. I love the front grille of the 1970-72 Plymouth Valiant, particularly the 340 model.
The only thing it is lacking bucket seats, and a console and power brakes
I bought an new one in ’70 with 4 spd, PS/PB/AC buckets, console and 3.91 sure grip. Think I paid about $3,500 for it. This one should be worth about 10 times that! Sure wish I still had it, best car of the nearly 100 I’ve had.
We used to laugh at these in high school and call them Rusters. They have grown on me though. I think it’s still true about them rusting easily though. Probably why you don’t see many of them today.
Well you dont see many (or any) 1970 – 1977 Mavericks either, and they made a lot more of them than they did Dusters – Compacts were looked on as disposable cars, and few were taken care of
Removed from Hemmings. I hate when places do that. You can’t go back and see the results/updates, or look at all of the pics. Maybe it was a scam, or maybe the seller can do that. It’s unusual that a car would be completely removed like that.