With a project car, you need to understand what you’re getting into. The brilliant blue 1971 Plymouth Duster recently for sale on eBay is a great example. It presents an excellent opportunity to own a sought-after vintage muscle car for thousands less than a turn-key example of the same model.
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Proper Upgrades
While it did not roll off the assembly line as a high-performance Duster 340, an extensive transformation and restoration costing thousands of dollars make it indistinguishable from the real thing. Although it's not a high-dollar, numbers-matching original, this Plymouth Duster 340 looks the part. The correct striping, badging, rally wheels, and new raised white-letter BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires - opens in new window or tab. present beautifully.
Best of all, it has the performance potential to back it up, with a potent 340 cubic-inch V-8 under the hood backed by a four-speed manual transmission - opens in new window or tab. equipped with a Hurst shifter - opens in new window or tab.. Some mechanical work and finishing are all it needs to be to be ready for cruising and local shows.
Restoration in Progress
The freshly painted engine compartment looks new, and the engine was recently finished in the correct orange. While it appears complete, the engine is not running for reasons unspecified in the listing. That makes this Duster an ideal project for an enthusiast with mechanical know-how or the funds to complete the work. Thanks to Mopar parts availability - opens in new window or tab. on eBay, whatever is necessary will be easy to find.
This is an appealing buy for a buyer with the required skills. With the engine and transmission in place, all the heavy lifting is done. The exterior was freshly painted and treated to correct Duster 340 striping and badging, and no additional bodywork appears necessary. Lightweight fiberglass bumpers have been added to the front and rear.
Other recent work and upgrades include:
- An 8 3/4-inch Sure-Grip differential
- Rebuilt front end
A Well-Kept Example
Inside, you'll find original two-tone black bucket seats and upholstery in excellent condition, and similarly well-preserved door panels - opens in new window or tab., trim, and headliner - opens in new window or tab.. The Plymouth Duster's dashboard is like new, with original gauges for temperature, alternator, and fuel, along with a push-button radio - opens in new window or tab.. Factory air conditioning vents are mounted under the dash. The AC compressor can be seen in underhood photos.
This Plymouth Duster spent most of its life as a garage-kept southern car from the temperate climates of Texas and Florida. It was already a solid and well-cared-for example before the extensive transformation began.
Now, it’s even more appealing, with the performance chops to back up its head-turning good looks. With a solid following and ready availability of stock and performance parts, Plymouth Dusters are rapidly increasing in value. What the next owner needs to decide is whether to keep the 340 engine in stock form or enhance it for even higher performance.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.