Finding an original classic car that presents as nicely as this 1972 Plymouth Duster 340 is a pleasant experience. When the vehicle in question comes with an enormous collection of documentation dating back to Day One, that increases the desirability. That is the story behind our feature car, and it appears to need nothing. The buyer may choose to retain it as an unmolested survivor, but they may also be tempted to treat it to a light cosmetic refresh. Regardless of which path they choose, they will be the proud owner of a vehicle with equal quantities of good looks and performance. Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, you will find this Duster listed for sale here on eBay. The building currently sits at $18,600, but that remains short of the reserve.

The owner believes that the Chestnut Metallic paint that graces this Duster’s panels is original. He says it shows a few marks and chips, but these are not visible in the supplied photos. It holds an impressive shine, and if the buyer considers retaining this car as a survivor, it needs nothing. The paint is complemented by a Black vinyl top, and unlike the paint, it shows some signs of deterioration. It seems that the Texas climate has taken a toll across the center of the roof, and there is evidence that the vinyl may be starting to split. If I were to buy this classic, I would replace the top as a priority before corrosion can develop beneath. The owner admits that the hood has been replaced, but the original is included in the sale. The remaining panels are beautifully straight, and given that this Duster has spent its life in a drier climate, its lack of rust is no surprise. I’m unsure whether the wheels are original because the rears seem wider than standard. The external trim is in good order, as is the glass. The owner encourages in-person inspections of this classic and says that he has nothing to hide. For potential buyers, that is a reassuring approach.

Don’t be fooled by the aftermarket carburetor, intake, and headers, because this Duster is 100% numbers-matching. When the owner installed these new parts, he has retained the originals. He includes these in the sales, meaning that the new owner can return the car to its factory specifications and appearance without spending money. The 340ci V8 that occupies the engine bay should be producing 240hp. That power finds its way to the 3.91 Sure-Grip rear end via an A727 automatic transmission, while the Duster also features power steering and power brakes. Our Plymouth should find its way down the ¼ mile in 15.3 seconds with this combination. For potential buyers, there’s plenty of good news to digest with this classic. The seller indicates that a previous owner rebuilt the engine in 1998, and he has a receipt for $7,000 to verify this. The odometer shows 42,000 miles, and the included documentation suggests that these miles are original. The documentation consists of the original Build Sheet and a pile of invoices and receipts dating back to Day One that is an incredible 6-inches tall. That means that the car’s next owner should verify virtually every aspect of this classic without question.

The positive vibes continue when we open the doors and survey this Duster’s interior. The original owner ordered it upholstered in black vinyl, which remains very presentable. The owner indicates that there is some wear on both front seats, but he has a new set of replacement covers so that the buyer can address this. The remaining upholstered surfaces are in good order, with no physical damage or other issues. The dash and pad appear flawless, while the woodgrain trim shows no evidence of fading or other deterioration. The owner has mounted some aftermarket gauges under the dash, but the rest of the interior is original. This interior makes a positive first impression with a push-button AM radio, sports wheel, and optional console.

The overall condition of this 1972 Plymouth Duster 340 is impressive, and if potential buyers are looking for a survivor-grade classic, this would have to be a strong candidate. While the bidding has not reached the reserve at this point, my instincts tell me that it’s probably getting close. Potentially, it could go beyond $30,000, but I don’t feel that it will. My belief is based on recent sales results that suggest a figure of around $20,000 might be close to the mark. There have only been five bids to this point, and there are only a few days left on the listing. Of course, I have been wrong about these things in the past, so I will be watching this auction with interest. Would you care to join me?