1972 Plymouth Duster 340 Tribute

Here's an extremely clean 1972 Plymouth Duster 340 Tribute that is ready for immediate enjoyment by its next owner. A California car for most of its life, this car is extremely solid and has been well maintained over the years by its meticulous owners. Better yet, the 42,492 miles showing on the odometer are believed to be original (albeit undocumented) but once you start looking the car over you'll likely start siding with the current owner's belief that the mileage is indeed correct.

By 1972, the government and insurance companies had driven the last nail into the muscle car's coffin, but Chrysler stuck to a classic formula that won over hearts and minds for decades - big engine, small car, and light body - and created the Duster 340. This particular example, however, isn't some smog-strangled stocker, but rather a dialed-in Mopar hot rod that speaks relatively softly and carries a very big stick. And while the Duster was technically an economy car, this one has had a big pile of money spent getting it into fighting shape, both externally and under the hood. Flashy graphics with '340 Wedge' callouts on the hood and rear flanks advertise in a big, bold, Mopar way, and both a chin spoiler and rear Go-Wing have been added to give this Duster a definite boost in the attitude department. The white and black decals do a wonderful job of brightening the somewhat muted factory Code GY9 Tawny Gold Metallic, and the finish is very strong and above driver quality, laid down smoothly over the super straight bodywork. And for a '72 Duster, this one must have been pretty clean to begin with (California tends to be very kind on cars, especially low ownership, low mileage beauties like this), which is a rare thing all on its own. The grille is great shape, the chrome is good all around (although a light buff on the bumpers is overdue), and out back the revised taillights look practically new.

The economic and utilitarian theme continues inside with a newer black split-bench seat interior, complete with plush carpets below, a taut headliner above, and matching door panels that adorned with the same wood grain appliques found on the dash. Sure, the carpets might be a little more plush than original, but nobody complains about an upgrade, and even as a value-priced entry, this Duster comes complete with a full array of informative gauges set inside the factory bezel. The original AM radio is still in its upturned niche in the dash, but you'll likely prefer to use the JVC AM/FM/CD stereo unit installed underneath when you want some entertainment. The rest is street-fighter basic: crank windows, a standard 3-spoke steering wheel, and only a heater and defroster, but that's entirely the point here. Go fast on a budget was its motto then, and it still holds true today, offering a ton of bang for the buck. Out back, the trunk is surprisingly spacious and come equipped with a correct mat and spare tire/jack set combination.

Originally born with a 318 V8, this scrappy MOPAR was upgraded with some big muscle by way of a built 340 V8 date-coded for a 1969 model. The 1972 340 was only rated at 240 horsepower (which was actually still quite a lot for an 'economy' car), but this upgraded 1969 mill used here offers considerably more pop to the wheels. With matching 'X' heads, stainless-steel valves, Keith Black pistons (bored .020 over), a Mopar 'Purple camshaft', and an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor atop a Mopar aluminum intake, it cackles like a proper Trans-Am racer, not your mom's grocery-getter. Supporting equipment includes a big Modine radiator, a Mopar electronic ignition, and HP exhaust manifolds which flow into a fresh dual exhaust system with polished oval tips peeking out under the rear bumper. A quick ratio steering box and front disc brakes were added during the build, and a quick-shifting 904 3-speed automatic that was fully rebuilt handles all level of shifts. Out back, an 8.75-inch rear has been fitted 3.23 Sure Grip gears inside a 489 case, and underneath the suspension is completely upgraded with MOOG parts everywhere you look, including new shocks, bushings, tie rods, ball joints, control arms, pitman rods, etc. And thanks to the lightweight package and a new Flaming River steering box, handling is impressive. 14-inch stock Rally wheels offer a classic performance look and wear BFGoodrich T/A white-letter radials that finish off the look.

Big advertising means you'd better be able to deliver the goods when the light turns green, and this Duster 340 Tribute has all the right equipment. Call today!