The 1971 Plymouth Duster 340 carved out its own niche in the muscle car era, striking a balance between affordability and raw performance. Riding on Plymouth’s lightweight A-body chassis, it offered quick acceleration without the premium price tag of bigger muscle machines. Its design was unmistakable—marked by a sleek semi-fastback roofline, a bold rear valance with twin horizontal taillights, the aggressive “sharktooth” grille, and vibrant stripe packages that underscored its sporty attitude.
The Duster 340 quickly gained recognition among Mopar enthusiasts as a financially prudent alternative to the Barracuda and Challenger models. Despite its affordability, the vehicle consistently demonstrated impressive performance, achieving quarter-mile times within the 14-second range. Available with either a responsive 4-speed manual transmission (4265 units produced) or the dependable Torqueflite automatic transmission (6213 units produced), the Duster 340 distinguished itself through versatility and capability. As a result, it established a reputation as one of the most attainable performance vehicles of its era.
In 1971, Plymouth manufactured a total of 186,478 Duster vehicles at its Hamtramck, Michigan, and Los Angeles, California, facilities. Of these, only 12,886 units were designated as the sought-after 340 performance models, with 10,478 produced for the U.S. market and 2,408 allocated to export and Canadian markets. That year represented a pivotal moment for the Duster 340, marking its lowest production volume and the final year that high-compression engines were offered before more stringent emissions regulations reduced overall performance. These factors contribute to the particular significance of the 1971 model within Mopar history.
The 1971 Duster 340 offered exclusive, one-year-only appearance options that added to its allure. Among them was the V24 blackout hood featuring a bold “340” callout, with only about 1,200 produced, and the even rarer V21 blackout hood, which carried the same aggressive look but omitted the callout number.
The 1971 Plymouth Duster 340 carries with it not only performance credentials but also fascinating factory and promotional history. Among the highlights was an LA-built pilot car, serving as an early production example that helped refine the model before full-scale assembly. Even more intriguing was the “Orange Crush” promotion, a rare marketing collaboration between Plymouth and the Orange Crush soft drink brand.
This campaign tied directly to Rusty Staub, the charismatic slugger for the Montreal Expos, who was nicknamed “Le Grand Orange.” To capitalize on his popularity, Plymouth produced a handful of special Duster 340s finished in a striking orange theme, branded as “Orange Crush” contest cars. These vehicles were not standard production models but unique promotional builds, created specifically to generate excitement among fans and consumers.
Only five cars were ever made for this promotion, making them some of the rarest Mopars of the era. Their connection to both a major league baseball star and a national soft drink campaign gave them a dual layer of collectability—appealing not just to Mopar enthusiasts but also to sports memorabilia collectors and marketing historians. Today, surviving examples are considered holy grails among Duster 340 aficionados, representing a quirky yet unforgettable chapter in Plymouth’s muscle car legacy.
The Plymouth Duster 340 carved out a lasting place in pop culture. One standout 1971 example, fitted with the rare V24 blackout hood treatment, was immortalized in Peter Phillip’s artwork for The Cars’ Heartbeat City album—securing its role in the visual language of rock and roll. Years later, a 1970 Duster 340 roared back into the spotlight through the HBO Max series Duster.
Set in 1972, the drama stars Josh Holloway as Jim Ellis, a getaway driver whose Mopar muscle becomes central to the story. With its parade of classic Mopars, the show reignited attention on this iconic performance machine and its enduring legacy.
Driven by this mission, Liam Raftis from St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, along with co-founders Ryan Mason from Orlando, Florida, and Miguel Loubier from St. George’s, Quebec, established the world’s only global registry for the 1971 Plymouth Duster 340 (H-Code). With Chrysler’s original records long lost, their aim was to create a definitive source of information for this iconic model. Today, the registry proudly showcases nearly 400 verified survivors from around the globe, helping to preserve the legacy of one of Mopar’s most revered performance cars.
Although collector car values have generally declined in many segments, the Plymouth Duster continues to shine. According to Hagerty, prices for the Duster have surged by an average of 32% this year, going against the overall market trend. The most sought-after versions, particularly the 1971 models featuring the rare V24-coded hood package, have consistently fetched between $75,000 and $150,000 over the past two to three years, highlighting their increasing appeal among Mopar fans.
The primary mission of the registry is to collect and preserve detailed information on every known 1971 Duster 340. By building a comprehensive database of rarity, factory options, and VIN breakdowns, the registry provides a definitive resource for enthusiasts. Besides documentation, it also offers owners valuable insight into current market values, helping them understand both the historical significance and financial standing of their cars.
The registry not only serves to verify the authenticity of Duster 340s by documenting matching VINs, drivetrains, and factory options, but also works to preserve survivor data—tracking how many cars remain, their condition, and their originality. Just as importantly, it fosters community connections. complementing the lists maintained by Mopar clubs and bringing enthusiasts together under one definitive source.
It’s remarkable to think that the 1971 Plymouth Duster 340 H-code will soon mark its 55th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, Liam and his team have invited all members and hopefully future members to join them at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, July 10–12, 2026. This gathering promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, offering owners the chance to showcase their H-code Dusters and unite as a community. The group is encouraging every owner to attend, ensuring the celebration will be both unforgettable and historic.
If you’re looking for more details about the 1971 Plymouth Duster 340 Registry, feel free to reach out to Liam via email at Powerdream1@gmail.com. You can also connect with him on Facebook at @1971 Plymouth Duster 340 Registry or on Instagram at @plymouth340duster. Alternatively, you can call Liam Raftis directly at 1-519-242-5536. And don’t forget, registering your car is completely free!
