Photos from the CC Cohort by Hyperpack.
When I think of the 1970s, one of the main things that comes to my mind are the earthy tones that dominated the decade; the mustards, moss greens, beiges, and browns. But before the decade got swallowed by that whole moss-like earthiness, holdouts from the youthful sixties stuck around. A case in point, Chrysler’s High Impact colors of the ’69-’73 era. Want an anti-brougham antidote to the 1970s? How about this 1972 Plymouth Duster in “In-Violet” or, as Dodge called it, “Plum Crazy”?
No vinyl options, no frivolous trim bits, just plain (then) affordable A-body sportiness.
Admittedly, the High Impact color hue (C7) was a frivolity. But look, why should only the better-pocketed folks have all the fun? This was self-expression. Too much for some, but if so, avert your eyes while this Duster drives by. I, for one, admire these attention-grabbing hues.
As for me, in that trying first decade of my life (honestly, childhood in the ’70s?), violet mostly reminds me of the artificial sweetened goods of that era. From candies to powder drinks of various brands. Was it healthy? Likely not, but there was still an overhang of goodwill toward industrial goods in those days. Besides, is not like I had any choice on the purchases made at home.
Talking about sweets, the Duster was just the one the Plymouth division needed in the youth department in those days. A somewhat unlikely hit, but who would have thought? Another Valiant-based coupe to take on the sporty market? How to know that after two strikes the third would be the golden one? To think that after it arrived in ’69, it would outlive and outsell the Barracuda, which had gone into a different body line by ’70.
So, the car of choice for those in need of affordable transport, with a choice for upgrades, including budget-racer cheap thrills. And well, becoming quite a common car of choice for plenty of incidental characters in 1970s action TV shows.
So, how many spoons of artificial sweetener do we think are in this Duster? From the looks, I would say a good deal. A 340, a 360? Something yet more unique? Hard to say by just looking at the exterior package, but at least on a Duster, artificial enhancements do well for it.
Related CC reading:
Curbside Classic: 1972 Plymouth Duster 340 – The Tweaker
Curbside Classic: 1974 Plymouth Gold Duster – There’s Gold In Them Thar’ Hips
Vintage Car Life Road Test: 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 – “Re-roofed Budget-Racer Valiant”
Vintage Car And Driver Comparison: 1972 Plymouth Duster 318 vs 340
I like your presentation. This color did sell well. It went along with bellbottom trousers, hairy chests in advertisements, slinky ladies.
Not to be a pill but the color is “Plum Crazy” and not the reverse.
Indeed, I had forgotten to update the title. Thanks.
Was pretty sure it was a “PA”, neighborhood before I ever saw the license plate.
Yep for sure in PA. on a slopey grade. This one is pretty well flat.
Plum Crazy was last available in 1971, though a few post-1971 special orders exist.
I would be willing to bet that this color choice was a result of a respray.
I but the original hue was a brown, yellow or green earth tone when it rolled off the factory line in 1972.
I see many of the A/B/E Bodies recolored in the repaint process. A quick look down the quarter window or near the “cat Whiskers on the passenger doors usually reveals the as produced color on these cars. Nothing wrong with that, but I like to keep cars the color they were manufactured with.
Cat whiskers?
I like how they moved the rear wheels outboard further on this one. Nice look.
I still don’t like those wild colors but I have learned how good those cars were .
It’s very nice to see one curb parked and well loved .
-Nate
I was 12 in 1971 and in love with Chrysler’s aggressive way with colors and decals. And I remember the Duster suddenly being seen everywhere. These colors remind me of the choices offered on the original run of Hot Wheels cars.
I was always a little mystified by the 1-year taillight treatment on the 1972 models. I thought it was fairly good looking and should not have interfered with the 1973 bumper.
Not my first choice, but at least it’s a COLOR unlike 95% of todays ubiquitous transportation modules that reside in a black & white world ! Almost bought a purple
318 Torque-flight Duster around 1976 it was a disgusting rolling ash tray and the paint was dead (folks pay extra for that nowadays )probably never washed. I likely would have made the purchase had it been equipped with a manual transmission..
Not my first choice, but at least it’s a COLOR unlike 95% of todays ubiquitous transportation modules that reside in a black & white world ! Almost bought a purple
318 Torque-flight Duster around 1976 it was a disgusting rolling ash tray and the paint was dead (folks pay extra for that nowadays )probably never washed. I likely would have made the purchase had it been equipped with a manual transmission..
The Duster always lent such a strong ‘budget’ blue collar vibe. Even now, as they command high prices.