Vehicle Description
Some of our favorite creations are the cars that the factory could
have built but didn't. This 1971 Plymouth Duster Twister 426 HEMI
is such a machine - a beefed up, high-horsepower version of the
Duster Twister package that was introduced in 1971. With 426 cubic
inches of raw HEMI V8 power further upgraded with aluminum heads
and fuel-injection, a modern 4L60E automatic transmission,
high-impact Sassy Grass paint, and a power-to-weight ratio of, say,
a cruise missile, it's a drop-dead gorgeous Mopar that checks all
the right boxes.
Plymouth's flyweight Duster (a very close cousin to the Valiant,
the Duster was first produced in 1970) proved the old adage that
taking weight out was just as effective as putting horsepower in.
But what if you did both, then painted it bright neon green and
loaded it with a set of sinister graphics? Well, you'd have this
incredible HEMI Duster Twister, that looks like it could beat you
up and steal your girlfriend if you're not careful. Built from a
rust-free Slant-6 car out of California, it was treated to a
comprehensive restoration in 1996 from the original owner, who then
sold it to the 2nd owner in 2014 who in 2015 dropped in the HEMI
and upgraded drivetrain, swapped-in a sporty suspension, and loaded
it with lots goodies inside and out. It's been professionally
engineered and fully sorted for the mean streets or the car show
circuit, depending on your fancy. The little Duster is one of
Chrysler's best styling efforts, clearly Mopar, but not ashamed to
be mid-sized, and because of this, builders have been drawn to it
since its inception. The Sassy Grass paint is indeed the car's
original color, and it's even a true Code A51 Twister, which was
introduced in 1971 and enhanced the car's curb appeal with a
shark-tooth front grille, a matte-black hood with dual-scoops, rear
spoiler, and a special decal package on the hood, sides, and rear.
And with the addition of 426 fender emblems and dual exhaust
turn-downs out back, this HEMI Twister stands alone in the 'WOW'
department. Even though the paint was finished way back in 1996, it
still looks impressive today, with a deep luster and bright shine
that 1970-era paints could never achieve, and although there are a
few signs of use and some minor flaws that can be seen upon closer
examination (mostly in the decals, which are easily replaced if you
don't like the minor patina), we're still talking about a top
driver-quality muscle car that will stand up to scrutiny with all
the refinished chrome and polished brightwork.
The interior is anything but race car basic, wearing handsome black
vinyl upholstery on the front and rear bench seats, plush black
carpets on the floors, refined door panels complete with 'Duster'
emblems, and a taut headliner above. The Duster's original dash was
retained, complete with a crack-free pad and lots of bright accent
chrome within, and a set of custom retro gauges from a 1968
Barracuda Formula S were fitted ahead of the driver to keep a close
eye on the HEMI under the hood. A sporty, thick-rimmed steering
wheel was swapped in and mounted atop a tilt column, and it matches
the look of the B&M shifter in the floor, giving the driver a
pro-touring feel at the helm of the cockpit. Modern A/C and heating
was added to keep the cabin comfortable, and though original AM
radio is still in place, although it will need to be upgraded, or
you can just sit back and enjoy the siren song of the HEMI rumbling
under the hood - music to my ears. There are seatbelts fore and aft
(and you'll need them), rubber floormats protect the carpets, the
backseat looks largely untouched, and even the trunk was neatly
finished off with a relocated battery and replacement plaid
mat.
Backing up those killer good looks is a new, aluminum-headed Indy
HEMI 426 cubic inch crate Hemi V8 under the hood that's been built
for battle. With a quad intake manifold, an entire Holley twin
direct fuel-injection system (that included a new gas tank and fuel
pump inside), a mini-starter, modern cam/crank sensor set-up,
block-hugging headers, and a giant aluminum radiator and twin
electric fans, it's both scary fast and very dependable. The engine
bay is a thing of beauty with matching Sassy Grass paint on the
inner fenders and firewall, chrome valve covers and a matching 426
HEMI air cleaner atop the engine, and all the extraneous plumbing
and electrical bits have been neatly organized. Power steering and
power 4-wheel disc brakes improve road manners, while a Silverport
4L60E automatic transmission and torque convertor were built
specific for this HEMI application, making it quite
street-friendly. A custom driveshaft spins an 8 � Auburn locker
rear end with a 3.73 gear ratio that can easily handle the
horsepower, and the suspension was professionally built and
upgraded to keep the car on the road with a host of new parts
including frame connectors, QA1 tubular A-arms, a big sway bar, and
Caltracs suspension mods out back just to name a select few. A
complete TTI dual exhaust system strikes the perfect baritone note,
and the 15-inch mags finish the look wrapped in staggered Cooper
Cobra radials.
With an extensive restoration and incredible preservation, this is
one brutal Mopar that you can buy with confidence and enjoy with
impunity. Call today!
