1970 Plymouth Duster 318 cid (5.2L) V8 from North America
Summary:
Nothing modern that even comes close to this car
Faults:
Needed timing to be set.
Bad freeze plug.
Starter wore out.
HVAC (heater/vent fan) controls broken.
Slightly worn seats, missing interior parts.
Still needs mild engine tune-up (timing chain, carburetor rebuild, etc.), transmission adjustment, mild brake tune-up, and front suspension rebuild.
General Comments:
This is, in the most literal sense of the word, a fantastic car. I honestly wish car companies built cars like this today so everybody could see how great the classic Plymouth A-body really is. Great size/space, but low weight and great economy.
The 318 c.i.d. V8 has plenty of low-end grunt and makes the car get up very quickly, especially since the car only weighs around 3000 lbs, and gets decent gas mileage (low 20's). Lacks on the top-end though, which I hope to remedy with a 4-barrel carb, dual exhaust, electronic ignition, and maybe better cam.
The A-904 TorqueFlite automatic shifts smoothly and quietly when getting around, but shifts hard and quick when accelerating quickly (like every great automatic transmission should).
The front torsion-bar/rear leaf-spring suspension, while being old and needing new bushings and alignment, is very smooth and soaks up bumps better than our 2003 Chrysler minivan.
Best of all, this car is VERY dependable, ESPECIALLY considering it is almost 40 years old, and it is VERY easy to work on. I do all the repairs myself. Great first car for a 16-year-old gear-head like myself!
I have many plans for this great car, including a drive-train swap to a built 360/4-speed manual, interior restoration, bodywork, and paint job (car has almost NO rust).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th March, 2008