Plymouth Duster History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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The Duster arrived for 1970 as a semi-fastback two-door coupe based on the compact Valiant, sharing front sheet metal with it but getting a distinct sporty roofline from the cowl back. Affordable and well-packaged, it was a runaway sales success against the Ford Maverick, AMC Hornet, and Chevrolet Nova.
The performance Duster 340 paired the small body with a 275-hp (gross) 340-cu-in V8, special 'shark-tooth' grille treatment, and wedge stripes — a giant-killer for the money. Tightening emissions rules saw the 340 replaced by a detuned 360 V8 for 1974; the Duster ran through 1976.
Body styles
- Coupe (semi-fastback)
Notable special editions & performance variants
Duster 340
The performance Duster — a 275-hp 340 V8 in the light compact body, with shark-tooth grille and wedge stripes; replaced by a 360 V8 for 1974.
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