In the absence of documentary evidence, potential buyers must assess every aspect of a classic to determine whether a claimed ultra-low odometer reading appears plausible. Such is the case with this 1973 Dodge Dart Sport 340. The seller claims that it has a genuine 10,425 miles showing on its odometer without mentioning verifying paperwork. However, since it is a one-owner survivor, such evidence may exist. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this gem here on Craigslist in Millsboro, Delaware. The seller has set their price at $49,500 for a car that needs nothing.
Dodge’s Fourth Generation Dart range graced showroom floors from 1967 until 1976, with this Dart Sport 340 leaving the factory in 1973. The listing indicates that the seller is its sole owner, ordering the car in classy Dark Silver Metallic with a Black vinyl top. The seller states that the paint is original, with no history of restoration or repairs. Its presentation is particularly noteworthy if that is the case, because there is little to criticize about the condition. This paint shade can be prone to patchiness and developing a matte appearance, but that isn’t the case here. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the vinyl is excellent. The Dart is more than a pretty face, because the seller confirms that it is rust-free. The trim and tinted glass are spotless, but I think that this Dodge rolls on slightly larger Rallye wheels.
The 1973 model year marked the end of the line for Dart with a 340ci V8 under the hood. Its place would be taken by the 360 the following year, with the larger engine only delivering minor performance gains due to tighter emission regulations and an increase in the Dart’s curb weight. The seller teamed this car’s 340 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The engine produces 240hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque, and while acceleration won’t be neck-snapping, it should still be respectable. The seller confirms that this Dart is numbers-matching, a crucial factor when we turn to the subject of its price. They also state that the car has a genuine 10,425 miles showing on its odometer, without mentioning verification. The overall condition makes the figure plausible, although that doesn’t represent iron-clad proof. Another listing shortcoming is a failure to supply information regarding the Dodge’s mechanical health. Of course, it would be fair to expect any Dart within this price range to run and drive perfectly.
Air conditioning, bucket seats, a console, a sports wheel, and a radio might not seem like much by modern standards, but it lifted this Dart above average in 1973. The seller has installed a couple of additional gauges, which I would probably remove to protect the car’s authenticity, but beyond that, this interior needs nothing. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear and distress, and the carpet looks extremely good for its age. The faux woodgrain, dash, and pad are excellent, and there is no evidence of deteriorating plastic.
There’s no disputing the fact that this 1973 Dodge Dart Sport 340 possesses the “wow” factor, from its sparkling exterior to its spotless interior. This was the final year for the Dart 340, with 11,315 buyers taking one home in 1973. That brings us to the subject of the price and whether it is justified. Whether you rely on Hagerty, Nada, or recent sales results, the figure appears optimistic. However, much depends on the odometer reading and whether that can be confirmed beyond all doubt. If that proves the case, do you believe the seller is being realistic, or will they need to compromise?
On the one hand, quite rich for a ‘73 model, maybe for a ‘71 340 Demon or even ‘72 340 Demon. On the other, where else you gonna find a 10,000 mile original car?
Tough call, will be interesting to see what the market says.
The asking price would be a good number for a 1970-71 340 Dart, Demon, Duster to pull. It’s has a lot of modifications for a car that was only driven 200 miles per year for 50+ years, wider/oversized Rally wheels, aluminum intake, Mopar orange ignition controller and aftermarket gauges. It would be nice to see the gauges to find out if they are modern or vintage, same with the intake, it’s rare for a car to survive with such low claimed mileage then to get modified after several decades. It would also be nice to see what documentation there is to vac up the claim. Unfortunately, with obviously false mileage claims becoming common, it’s up to the seller to provide proof, especially if they want to get paid.
Steve R
Very nice example, love the color combinations. But not $49k. 10k miles or not I think this price is to strong.
Clean Dart with engine bay and interior but aftermarket gauges didn’t do any favors.
I don’t think the market will bear 🐻 this price.
If one is dropping 60 grand on a car then purchase a collector that can be driven and should one need to sale its a desired muscle car. When one buys a collector its for cruising not profit.. While its possible to profit .. don’t bank on it and purchase one to drive on weekends to cars and coffee and not to keep in the garage and not drive to save devaluing…
Good luck on ssle!
Why would adding a tachometer to a supposed performance car, devalue it? Unless the car would be a static display piece, which would be a shame.
Under $50 not 60 if one was going to be realistic. The car is an unmolested original 340 car, the car is in amazing shape and it correct this could be a near new prospect for anyone wants stock muscle car like a 340 Duster or Dart sport 340. After all it’s 52 years old and looks near new. For the original owner to take this kind of care for a beautiful car for 52 years and have it represent the way it does have added value.
The Dodge brochure shows a Dart Sport 340 with 14″ Rallye wheels. They could be original.
I don’t believe for a second this is a 10K mile car. I do believe it is a restored car made to look like a 10K mile car and there is a huge difference. Even if it were it wouldn’t bring this kind of money. Plus no fender tag or build sheet.
I smell a rat!
Beautiful car regardless if its 10K or 110K miles…odd to see one with a full vinyl roof; most had the 1/2 vinyl roof (or not) but with the side 340 stripe….also, center caps look out of place as they are 70-72 style caps…and where are the bumper guards, front and rear? I know they were huge and many owners removed them….but if your gonna ask nearly $50 grand this baby better be ORIGINAL and MINT. Nice car!
Show proof of the mileage claim. That car does not have the look of a 10K mile car. I looked at the “17K mile” 66 Impala the other day. It was not actual miles either IMO.
I cannot believe the claims people make without docs.
These conversations are always interesting. Believe it, don’t believe it, whatever. I’m not saying don’t do your due diligence mind you, but I do know that simply for the condition it is in this is not an out of line ask for a one-owner (that’s verifiable) car so well factory equipped (also verifiable). The noted modifications that exist are very simple ones that many enthusiasts would do to their cars over time simply because they want to, and probably long before there was any thoughts about the kind of value that they command now in original form. 40 years and a few simple but correctible additions means nothing. I hunt these cars and I can tell you you very rarely come across these in this condition and equipped this way. You can always buy one for 20 thousand less and you’ll put the difference back into it if you want it to look like this. Yes, unfortunately there is a scam a minute out there and we have to be very careful. But there are also still some honest people out there too.
Admittedly I go into something like this with a guilty until proven innocent attitude. I tend to look more at the seller than the car and make my decision there.
To be asking for this kind of $ there needs to be pictures of the underside, trunk and inside doors. The price is a little high but doesn’t scare me with more pictures and documentation on the miles.
Thanks
Nice ride, but not $50k worth of nice. I agree with a few of the previous commenters that it looks like it was it was restored to look like a low mileage car.
need mileage proof.50k way too much but i am sure some fool out there will pay it
My dad was the Service Manager at a local Dodge dealer when I was growing up back in the 60’s-70’s. And if he had one superpower, it was rolling back odometers. This car has every indication of a rolled back odometer. Nice car and could very well be a good car to have. But 50K? No documentation? No VIN? No data plate? No way!! A careful inspection is warranted before purchasing this one.
If you forward such a claim regarding originality and asking more than top dollar, it becomes incumbent on you to put your money where your mouth is. It takes no effort to obtain documentation. Without it, plus knowing of the slippery side of scams….steer clear
No better place to either show the documentation or lay out what documents there are is in the ad. It’s reached the point where a picture of a speedometer doesn’t cut it anymore and never should have.
Steve R
Chances are high that the seller has no idea that barnfinds featured this Dart along with all the comments. I posted comments on this dart and apparently barnfinds dropped my input for some odd reason. I simply asked for more photos to
Include the underneath, inside doors and trunk especially under the trunk mat. That could speak volumes regarding the mileage. Yes these cars were easy back in the day to roll back the mileage. lol Still a beautiful car! Wish these listers allowed for a bid. I’d be offering but can bid from wha i can see.