The Plymouth Barracuda went from a elaborate compact to a elaborate compact between 1969-70. Or, to some of us, it went from an A-body to an E-body. That left a distinct segment at Plymouth, as having a sporty compact was a wonderful factor to have in a single’s portfolio. The Pick of the Day is the answer that Plymouth got here up with: a 1970 Duster 340. It is listed on ClassicCars.com by a vendor in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Click the link to view the listing)
The introduction of the 1970 Duster gave Plymouth a possibility to supply a sporty Valiant-based compact that might play the function of financial system automobile or supercar, similar to the Barracuda earlier than it. Its semi-fastback design wasn’t fairly the swoopy determine reduce by the 1967-69 Barracuda, however the “Fuselage” design language launched on the full-size 1969 fashions was utilized to the compact to good impact.
There have been three Duster fashions. The first was the Duster 6, which got here customary with a 198cid “Slant Six” providing 125 horsepower; non-obligatory was the extra standard 225cid six with 145 horses. The three-speed on the column featured a primary gear that was not synchronized, however both the Sport Trim Package or Custom Sport Trim Package put the shifter on the ground and supplied three synchronized gears. The solely engine obtainable for the Duster 8 was the 318 two-barrel with 230 horsepower, with its customary three-speed being absolutely synchronized.
And, then, there was the Duster 340, which was solely obtainable with the 275-horsepower 340, a giant-killer of a motor. In truth, the Duster 340 was so potent that it was a dependable and cheaper different to the 383-powered Road Runner. Included with the Duster 340 have been black tape remedy longitudinally and on the rear panel (no different shade was obtainable), roof drip-rail moldings, “four-place” vinyl inside, particular round dial instrument panel (a hand-me-down from the 1967-69 Barracuda) that includes gauges for engine temperature, alternator, oil stress, and gas stage, simulated woodgrain trim, cigar lighter, heavy-duty suspension, entrance disc brakes, 3.23 gears, E70 x 14-inch tires, and Rallye highway wheels. The 340 was backed by a floor-shifted three-speed guide, although a four-speed or TorqueFlite (column- or floor-mounted) was non-obligatory.
This 1970 Duster 340 is a wonderful instance of this mannequin that performed twin roles in Plymouth’s portfolio. Of particular observe is that it options the customary three-speed guide, which was the rarest of the three obtainable transmissions with 3,401 U.S.-spec vehicles being constructed. Painted in “FE5” Rally Red with matching inside, it’s price noting that this Duster 340 options the non-obligatory split-back bench seat with folding armrest.
“Full, older restoration,” says the vendor. “All-original panels.” (S)he says little else about the automobile, however this seems to be like prime Duster 340 materials. Can you abdomen $55,000 for a Valiant? It’s doable that’s the state of the pastime today.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
