Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/eBay seller estatesofnewengland
The automotive world was hit hard by the oil crisis in 1974, but Plymouth's Duster somehow survived the wrath of the struggle, seeing its sales go through the roof.
It was its best year from a sales perspective, as Plymouth shipped more than 281,000 units in a single year. Naturally, most people ordered the smallest engines, as they were supposed to offer improved economy.
The six-cylinder unit was a top choice, but the 318 V8 also made its way to a significant number of Dusters.
The same engine is installed on the 1974 example posted on eBay by seller estatesofnewengland, with the owner explaining this is the original unit that came with the car.
I hate to state the obvious, but this Duster looks great inside and outside, with the paint only exhibiting minor issues. However, the car received a repaint 25 years ago, so the paint issues are minor. A collector would still want to fix these spots, but the best way to tell if a full respray is required is to check out the car in person.
The seller says this Duster spent its entire life with the same family since it was new, so most of it is still original, including the 318 under the hood. The mileage (43,000 miles, also original) suggests the vehicle spent most of its time inside. The car has been sitting in a garage for 25 years, going out only for short drives around the block.
It's the reason the engine is still running, so theoretically, turning this Duster into a daily driver shouldn't be difficult. However, it comes with typical issues, including rust spots and broken equipment, including a small leak from the power steering.
The good news is the rust hasn't yet invaded the Duster, likely because the storage conditions have protected the metal from unavoidable damage. The undersides look clean, and the trunk pan doesn't require anything other than minor repairs.
The car sells with several original documents, including the build sheet, so it can qualify for a survivor that could eventually find a place in someone's collection. A 1974 Duster isn't the most desirable classic, but it could become one with the right restoration work, especially thanks to the original everything and the low miles.
Its good condition makes the Duster fairly expensive, as the owner won't let it go for less than $7,000. I've seen several Dusters making their way to eBay lately, and most are available at half this price, though they also come with bigger problems, including heavy rust. The best way to tell if the car is worth the price is to inspect its condition in person, as spending more on a solid project could eventually pay off because you save more dollars during the restoration.
You can find this project in Southwick, Massachusetts, where the Duster is waiting for a new owner.
The six-cylinder unit was a top choice, but the 318 V8 also made its way to a significant number of Dusters.
The same engine is installed on the 1974 example posted on eBay by seller estatesofnewengland, with the owner explaining this is the original unit that came with the car.
I hate to state the obvious, but this Duster looks great inside and outside, with the paint only exhibiting minor issues. However, the car received a repaint 25 years ago, so the paint issues are minor. A collector would still want to fix these spots, but the best way to tell if a full respray is required is to check out the car in person.
The seller says this Duster spent its entire life with the same family since it was new, so most of it is still original, including the 318 under the hood. The mileage (43,000 miles, also original) suggests the vehicle spent most of its time inside. The car has been sitting in a garage for 25 years, going out only for short drives around the block.
It's the reason the engine is still running, so theoretically, turning this Duster into a daily driver shouldn't be difficult. However, it comes with typical issues, including rust spots and broken equipment, including a small leak from the power steering.
The good news is the rust hasn't yet invaded the Duster, likely because the storage conditions have protected the metal from unavoidable damage. The undersides look clean, and the trunk pan doesn't require anything other than minor repairs.
The car sells with several original documents, including the build sheet, so it can qualify for a survivor that could eventually find a place in someone's collection. A 1974 Duster isn't the most desirable classic, but it could become one with the right restoration work, especially thanks to the original everything and the low miles.
Its good condition makes the Duster fairly expensive, as the owner won't let it go for less than $7,000. I've seen several Dusters making their way to eBay lately, and most are available at half this price, though they also come with bigger problems, including heavy rust. The best way to tell if the car is worth the price is to inspect its condition in person, as spending more on a solid project could eventually pay off because you save more dollars during the restoration.
You can find this project in Southwick, Massachusetts, where the Duster is waiting for a new owner.
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