Vehicle Description
So nice to see the Plymouth Duster getting some respect. Cars like
this immaculately restored 1972 Duster 340 were really the last of
the true performance cars before a long, dark winter of emissions
regs, and guys today have definitely learned to respect these
compact bruisers. Fully numbers-matching and finished less than 700
miles ago, it's just about as nice as these cars get.
Kudos to Chrysler for keeping their way-out colors and aggressive,
almost over-the-top decal packages long after the big motors were
put out to pasture. If you wanted a fast car in 1972, you could
scarcely do better than this Duster, and the original owner loaded
it up with slick Bright Blue Metallic paint, a dual-scooped hood,
and, of course, the Duster 340 decals that were the muscle car's
last gasp. Given a comprehensive professional restoration, it was
freshened recently and presents today as a highly correct example.
Ma Mopar wasn't famous for quality control in 1972, so during the
restoration all the production-line missteps were corrected, so the
doors fit well, the hood sits flush, and the paint has an
impossible shine that looks like a million bucks. That aggressive
front grille and limited bright work look equally fantastic, and
all the chrome was polished up to look new, get a load of those
shiny bumpers. There's no sneaking around in this car, but you'll
be proud to be noticed, that's for sure!
The high-back bucket seat interior is a rare option for these cars,
as they were still economy-minded machines. Everything inside is
new: the upholstery on the seats and door panels, the dash, the
plush carpets, and even the headliner, suggesting that someone
thought this was a very special car from Day One that needed to be
restored the right way. There's a tall Hurst shifter in between the
buckets that's topped with a cue ball knob to manage the 4-speed
manual below, and there's nothing like an original steering wheel
to grip when you're out cruising. The stock instruments are still
crisp and clear, augmented by a an oil pressure gauge underneath,
but precious little else varies from stock. An original AM radio is
still in the dash and other than a heater/defroster and seatbelts,
luxury options are scarce. This was a car meant for driving, not
lounging in. Give the uber-clean trunk a careful inspection and
you'll notice that it's very special, and houses a correct mat that
fits beautifully.
The biggest bang for the buck was stuffing a high-winding 340 cubic
inch small block into a lightweight car like the Duster, and this
car still packs its original, numbers-matching powerplant. It's got
less than 700 miles on a full rebuild, and has been detailed for
show with Hemi Orange paint on the air cleaner (which also wears
reproduction decals), and Mopar turquoise engine paint. Hoses,
clamps, and other hardware is restoration-grade so it looks right,
and thanks to careful ownership it runs like it should. It's backed
by a quick-shifting, 4-speed manual transmission, so it's the
ultimate point-and-shoot machine in traffic, while out back there's
an 8.75-inch rear with 3.55 gears, according to the builder.
Factory 14-inch Rallyes look right at home, and now wear 205/70/14
front and 225/70/14 rear BFGoodrich T/A white-letter radials to
complete the killer look.
Beautifully restored, this is an investment-grade Duster 340 that
can be driven on the street or shown with the utmost pride. The
fact that you'll be grinning like an escaped convict while you do
it is only icing on the cake. Call today!