Download the app
Back to Plymouth
Plymouth

Duster

1969 - 1972

The Plymouth Duster, produced from 1970 to 1976, is a two-door coupe version of the compact Plymouth Valiant model. Designed to provide a sporty alternative to other compact models of the era, it was offered with a range of engines, from inline sixes to powerful V8s. The Duster achieved significant commercial success, standing out with its distinctive design and performance appreciated by car enthusiasts.

Variants by year

2 versions

1972

D
R
1972
Duster

1969

D
R
1969
Duster

Model summary

Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.

2referenced versions
1969 - 1972covered years
0published scans
0contributing members
—latest photo
Raredominant rarity

Model introduction

The Plymouth Duster, produced from 1970 to 1976, is a two-door coupe version of the compact Plymouth Valiant model. Designed to provide a sporty alternative to other compact models of the era, it was offered with a range of engines, from inline sixes to powerful V8s. The Duster achieved significant commercial success, standing out with its distinctive design and performance appreciated by car enthusiasts.

History

The Plymouth Duster was introduced in 1970 as a sporty version of the Valiant, featuring a distinctive semi-fastback coupe design. It was offered with a range of engines, including 198 and 225 cubic inch inline sixes, as well as 318 and 340 cubic inch V8s. In 1971, the Duster received the "Twister" trim package, mimicking the appearance of the Duster 340 with special side stripes and a matte black grille. In 1972, minor changes were made, including the addition of side marker lights and larger taillights. In 1973, the Duster underwent design changes, including a new hood, grille, and taillights mounted externally and trimmed with chrome. In 1974, the 340 V8 engine was replaced by the 360 cubic inch V8, detuned to meet new emission regulations. In 1975, the Duster was equipped with catalytic converters on six-cylinder and V8 engines to comply with environmental standards. In 1976, the Duster was replaced by the Plymouth Volaré, marking the end of its production.

Generations

The Plymouth Duster was produced over a seven-year period, from 1970 to 1976, without major generational changes. Throughout its production, it retained its two-door coupe design based on the Valiant platform, with minor modifications made each year to meet market demands and emission regulations. For instance, in 1974, the 340 V8 engine was replaced by the 360 V8 to comply with new environmental standards. In 1975, catalytic converters were added to six-cylinder and V8 engines to meet ecological requirements. Despite these adjustments, the Duster maintained its popularity as an affordable sporty model throughout its production.

Key differences

The Plymouth Duster underwent several notable changes during its production. In 1971, the "Twister" trim package was introduced, offering an appearance similar to the Duster 340 with special side stripes and a matte black grille. In 1972, minor changes were made, including the addition of side marker lights and larger taillights. In 1973, the Duster underwent design changes, including a new hood, grille, and taillights mounted externally and trimmed with chrome. In 1974, the 340 V8 engine was replaced by the 360 cubic inch V8, detuned to meet new emission regulations. In 1975, the Duster was equipped with catalytic converters on six-cylinder and V8 engines to comply with environmental standards. In 1976, the Duster was replaced by the Plymouth Volaré, marking the end of its production.

Photo recognition

To identify a Plymouth Duster, look for a two-door coupe with a distinctive semi-fastback roof design. Models from the early years (1970-1972) feature taillights mounted internally and a cleaner appearance. Starting in 1973, taillights were mounted externally and trimmed with chrome, and the hood was redesigned. Models equipped with the 340 or 360 V8 engine can be identified by specific badges and enhanced performance features.

Important versions

Notable versions of the Plymouth Duster include the Duster 340, equipped with the 340 cubic inch V8 engine, offering high performance. The 1971 "Twister" package was also popular, providing a sporty appearance with special side stripes and a matte black grille. In 1974, the Duster 360 was introduced, equipped with the 360 cubic inch V8 engine, detuned to meet new emission regulations.

References

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Plymouth Duster produced?
ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1969 - 1972.