Pink 70 340 Duster goes for $62K on Mecum

i did not know that it wasn't factory optioned pink/340 car. but to that end, your point still stands in that a well done resto should bring the big bucks and that's what somebody wanted and they thought it worth the price of admission.
A friend built a nice 71 318 A/C car. Original FM3 rust free. Put 340 (mild) very nice car. Guy bought it was happy, seller happy. Sold for 340 money Was worth it to buyer. Silly as sounds some guys dont care what numbers are there. It was high quality and that was what mattered to.that one buyer. It was what he wanted and had cash. And he could have sold it to others who were disappointed it was gone.