Expert: Jesse Moser - 10/21/2001

Question
I own an original 1976 Plymouth Duster with a factory hi perf (e-58) optioned 360.  I've been told by a few people that this car is "rare" because of the 360.  I know 76 Had a low Production number due to the introduction of the volare/aspen.  Do you know just how many 360 dusters where built?

Answer
Corey, sorry it took so long to reply to you, I thought I had sent you one reply already.  What you know is right, 76 Dusters are already rare because they were being replaced.  The only numbers I have, which are the best I have come across, only give total 1976 Duster production, which was 34,681.  In 1974, 1.141% of the Dusters produced were 360s.  For 1975, that number was 1.183%.  If we apply that to 1976 production numbers, that's about 400 cars produced for the 76 model year with 360 CID engines.  Again, I could be close, or I could be very wrong, but it gives you an idea of some kind.  Sorry I can't give you a better idea, but after about 1972, nobody really seems to care.  I have yet to find a breakdown for 73 production beyond the 340s.  The information is simply not available.  I do encourage you to keep looking, though.  You might look up a man by the name of Galen Govier.  He makes his living decoding VIN numbers, fender tags, and looking over restored vehicles for certification.  he does charge a fair bit of money, but if you really need to know, it could be worthwhile.

I hope I have given you at least some direction.  Good Luck and Mopar to ya!