SUMMARY

Believed to have logged only 7,846 miles
The beneficiary of a detailed rotisserie restoration
Original 340 cubic inch LA V8
Original A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission
Original sheetmetal / Correct Golden Haze Metallic paint
Correct Parchment vinyl interior / Factory air conditioning
Factory power steering / Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
10-bolt rear axle / 3.21 gears
14-inch Rallye Wheels
Sale includes regional car show trophies

In the world of collector cars, some words just don't go together. Style is a matter of opinion, but the term "beautiful Edsel" usually isn't thrown around too much. "Classic Honda" definitely isn't a combination you hear too often. And "electric street rod" seems about as natural as "vanilla bean chocolate". That said, in case you couldn't tell, your friends at RK Motors Charlotte enjoy unique phrasing almost as much as we love unique cars. And that's why we're happy to use the words "affordable MoPar" to describe this sweet Plymouth Duster. As charming as it is cool, this clean classic wraps an original 340/3-speed drivetrain in warm Parchment and Golden Haze Metallic aesthetics that are guaranteed to turn heads. And at only $31,900 it's the perfect way for any enthusiast to grab a neat old car and enjoy every aspect of the hobby!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Much nicer than when it rolled off Chrysler's storied Dodge Main assembly lines, this slick coupe has been rotisserie restored into a take-no-prisoners street warrior that consistently knocks people out at cruise nights. You won't be staying under the radar with its rare and correct Golden Haze Metallic paintwork, which has been applied over a solid, original body. There are no signs of significant repair, suggesting it was a straight, trouble-free canvas before the metamorphosis began. Not surprisingly, panel gaps are good enough to make bright white stripes line up exactly right. And overall, this fully sorted Plymouth is a unique representation of the first, and some would say best, era of Motor City mayhem!

The Duster, Chrysler's sporty competitor for the Chevy Nova and Ford Maverick, resulted from the Plymouth division's desire to use allotted 1970 restyling money for something more exciting than their usual two and 4-door Valiants. And with its spirited paint, sporty profile and aggressive call-outs, this 1973 model is definitely not your grandma's grocery getter. At the front of the car, a textured, "P L Y M O U T H" branded grille centers clear parking lamps between large headlights and a heavy chrome bumper. Above that grille, a stylized hood fronts matte wipers, scratch-free glass, straight stainless trim and a tight vinyl top. At the sides of that hood, a "DUSTER" branded profile plants 2-tone marker lamps under polished mirrors, correct turn indicators, squared door handles and a painted fuel filler. And at the back of that profile, a striped valance hangs chrome-trimmed taillights and a third yellow "DUSTER" script over polished exhaust outlets and a second chrome bumper.

ENGINE

Lift this Plymouth's aggressive hood and you'll find Chrysler's stalwart, 340 cubic inch LA V8 that, while generally underappreciated, was versatile enough to serve as the corporation's big motor backbone for over three decades! At the top of the bright blue block, a big Weber 4-barrel sends wind from an orange, single-snorkel air cleaner in to a factory-spec intake. At the sides of that intake, stamped steel valve covers cap original 340 heads and restored, cast iron exhaust manifolds. Behind those tubes, a factory-spec distributor, wired to new-for-1973 electronic ignition, sequences spark through quality MoPar Electronic Suppression cables. Opposite that distributor, pliable V-belts spin an old school AC compressor above a large alternator and leak-free power steering pump. In front of that pump, a Chrysler-branded radiator circulates coolant through pliable MoPar hoses. And, on the passenger's side of the mill, a correct 2780930 casting number complements a matching partial VIN. This Duster's dressed and decaled engine bay is a nice combination of form and function, featuring a familiar yellow cap battery, a clean washer reservoir and a MoPar-branded brake booster. And everything, from the car's fenders to its firewall, is coated in the same righteous Golden Haze Metallic paint as its glossy exterior panels.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Behind the LA, an original A727 TorqueFlite hangs a correct assembly stamp opposite a matching partial VIN. Behind that 3-speed, a familiar 10-bolt axle spins friendly 3.21 gears. That smooth drivetrain feeds a fully sorted front torsion bar and rear leaf suspension that's shackled to factory power steering. Cool and confident stops are provided by a correct combination of power-assisted discs and power-assisted drums. Exhaust floats through fresh pipes and traditional turbo mufflers. Above that impressive hardware, solid floors have been properly polished in a nice shade of body-matched 2-stage. At the corners of those floors, fully dressed Rallye Wheels spin a duo of 205/70R14 BF Goodrich Radial T/As in front of a duo of 245/60R14 BF Goodrich Radial T/As. And a thorough examination of all the car's bushings, lines and hoses ensures it has road going reliability to matches its eyeball-popping curb appeal.

INTERIOR

Swivel this Plymouth's level doors and you'll find a correct Parchment interior that reflects the luxurious push of early 1970s America. Correct seats, a split bench up front and traditional bench out back, are wrapped in pliable vinyl covers that display hardly any signs of wear. Below those seats, "DUSTER" branded floor mats protect stain-free carpet. At the sides of that carpet, Parchment door panels hang clean wood trim above cupped handles and traditional cranks. In front of those panels, a wood-trimmed dash features rebuilt gauges, Airtemp air conditioning and a Solid State radio. In front of the driver, a color-keyed steering wheel mixes subtle form with major function. And behind the passengers, a nicely finished trunk features a correct jack and spare tire.

PROVENANCE

Here's a detailed breakdown of this Duster's original Fender Tag.

V: Plymouth
S: Duster
29: 2-door sports hardtop
H: 340 cubic inch V8 that utilizes one 4-barrel carburetor to create 240 horsepower
3: 1973 model year
B: Assembled at Dodge Main in Hamtramck, Michigan
XXXXXX: Production Sequence Number
E55: 340 cubic inch V8 that utilizes one 4-barrel carburetor to create 240 horsepower
D34: Light duty automatic transmission
JY6: Golden Haze Metallic exterior paint
C: Charger Trim Grade
4: Vinyl split bench seat
L3: Parchment interior color
000: Full door panels
719: Assembled on July 19th, 1973
485280: Order number
V1L: Champagne vinyl top
U: Built to United States specifications
B41: Front disc brakes / Standard 10-inch rear drum brakes
G33: Left-hand remote racing mirror
H51: Heat and air conditioning
L25: Trunk lamp
L31: Fender mounted turn signals
M21: Drip rail moldings
N41: Dual exhaust
N42: Chrome exhaust tips
N76: Coolant recovery system
R11: 2-watt Solid State AM radio
V68: Longitudinal stripe delete
V88: Transverse stripe delete
26: 26-inch radiator
EN2: End of sales codes

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ACCESSORIES

A box of regional car show awards

Compact, well-built MoPars are just good, clean fun. And every time we park a reasonably priced example in our showroom, our phones start ringing off the hook. Take a good, long look at the body, drivetrain and interior on this sporty Plymouth. There's just no way anyone could build or restore a classic this well without significantly overshooting our $31,900 asking price. Don't be that guy who calls late and asks: "Is it really sold?" Pick up the phone and call now!