Duster

1971 Duster

Background:

The Plymouth Duster debuted in late 1969 as a 1970 model and was a sporty version of the Plymouth Valiant. The Duster featured curvy exterior styling and a rounded fastback look for the rear. The front end was the same as the Valiant. The interior was pure Valiant.

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History:

Model Predecessor

1964-1969 Barracuda 1960-1969 Valiant

Model Successor

Volare

Export Versions

Related Models

Competition

Chevrolet Nova
Ford Falcon
Ford Maverick
Mercury Comet
Olds Omega
Pontiac Ventura
Buick Apollo

Year by Year Changes, Production Numbers, and Cost:

1970

1970 first year Duster was offered (came out in late 69 but as a 70's model) Plymouth Duster 340 cost $2,547

1970 Plymouth Duster 340

Body Styles

2-Door Coupe Only

Class

Sports-Economy

Platform

A-Body

Engines

198 I6 125 bhp.
225 I6 145 bhp.
318 V8 230 bhp.
340 V8 275 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 340 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.

Transmissions

Length, width, height, wheelbase

1971

The Duster returned in 1970 with virtually no changes.

1971 Plymouth Duster Postcard

Body Styles

2 Door Coupe

Class

Sports-Economy

Platform

A-Body

Engines

198 I6 125 bhp.
225 I6 145 bhp.
318 V8 230 bhp.
340 V8 275 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 340 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.

Transmissions

Length, width, height, wheelbase

1972

1972 Dodge re-rated all of its engines to the new SAE Net standard. The top of the line 340 saw its rating drop from 275 bhp SAE Gross to 240 bhp SAE Net. The Twister trim continued, but lost the unique hood and grille. All Dusters received a new set of long thin taillights, and standardized marker lights. The 198 Slant Six engine was dropped. The hood scoop was changed to a new dual snorkel scoop, similar to the 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A. The "Gold Duster", a new appearance trim was also introduced. The Twister, a new trim level between the Duster and the Duster 340, debuted for 1971.The Duster 340 (but not the base Duster or Twister) also received a new "sharktooth" grille

1972 Duster

Body Styles

2 door coupe

Class

Sport-Economy

Platform

A-body

Engines

225 I6
318 V8
340 V8 240 bhp

Transmissions

Length, width, height, wheelbase

1973

The Duster 340 lose its unique grille and all Dusters received a new grille, bringing them in line with other A-body cars. The taillights were changed, and the old sleek bumpers were replaced with bulky bumpers to meet the new Federally mandated 5 mph standard. A new model, the Space Duster, was added. This model featured a fold down rear seat and folding trunk separator which resulted in over 50 cubic feet of cargo space.

1973 Plymouth Duster

Body Styles

2 Door Coupe

Class

Sports-Economy

Platform

A-Body

Engines

225 I6
318 V8
340 V8

Transmissions

Length, width, height, wheelbase

1974

The most successful sales year for the Duster. Unfortunately, this would also be the year that the 340 V8 was dropped and replaced by the 360 V8. Despite the greater displacement, decent 245 bhp rating and greater torque, the heavier 360 engine couldn't match the outright performance of the old 340.