Matching Numbers: 1972 Plymouth Duster 340
The mid-size muscle car movement of the mid-1960s was quickly followed by a similar (but smaller) push in the 1970s in the compact market segment. For example, Chevy had the Nova SS 350 (and 396) which led to the Plymouth Duster 340 in 1970. That’s when Chrysler introduced the Duster as a fastback version of the Valiant (which was joined by the Dodge Demon and Demon 340). The seller’s car looks as though it could be an older restoration or perhaps even a survivor as the powertrain has numbers that match. A tip from Mitchell G., this Mopar is in Rutherford, New Jersey, and is available here on craigslist for $20,000.
Introduced in 1968, the Chrysler small-block 340 cubic inch V8 was an ideal performance engine for a smaller and lighter automobile like the Duster. Yet, between then and 1973, the engine found its way into 217,000 vehicles, including Chrysler’s pony cars and some mid-sizes. 1970 would be the pinnacle for the 340, installed in more than 56,000 cars. As for the 1972 Duster 340, more than 15,000 were sold.
We’re not told much about the seller’s car other than it’s a nice driver with an automatic transmission. Only four photos are provided and one of them shows it on the back of a trailer. So perhaps this was a recent barn find that’s quickly looking for a new home. The body and paint look nice, although there is some chipping below the windshield.
The interior looks good, but the painted metal on the door panels may be getting worn. And the vehicle would present a lot better if the interior had been vacuumed before the posting of pictures. Whatever shortcoming there may be (and that’s just an assumption), the fact is that it runs well with its original engine and transmission at 100,000 miles.
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Comments
4 pictures!!! Really!!! And asking $20,000 for a Duster with 100,000! Wow the seller must think people are gullible. No pictures of the engine compartment Vin or fender tag!! Is this a scam? Buyer beware!! 🐻🇺🇸
Good eye from the bear ⚠️ 🐻
Not a serious seller if there’s only 4 pictures.
If it had 4spd, buckets and factory AC like the one I bought new in 1970 I’d give $30K for it in a heartbeat! (Not the “Heartbeat of America!”)
i would love to own one again to give to my dad
There were several 1970 and 1971’s that sold at auction Saturday. They were 340/ 4 speed cars. The black on black sold for 3750! I bought a ’68 Formula S
what auction?
Soneff Garage in Denver
Liberty Liberty Liberty… Liberty
Which auction were you talking about sir?? I need to check it out, please let me know,,,
gone.