Rough! That’s about all one has to say about this 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340. I have a soft spot for these cars but this poor example has gone completely soft on us. It’s a shame but it may be salvageable with the right amount of time, talent, and $$$. Languishing in Logan, Utah, this A-body muscle car is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $1,025 with the reserve not yet met. There is a BIN price of $6,000 available too.
So, this Dart is a Swinger 340 and not a GTS but they’re basically the same car, it’s just that the Swinger came in at a lower price point due to trim and equipment. The heart of either model was Mopar’s fabulous 275 gross HP 340 CI V8 engine, which in this case, is long gone. It was a four-speed manual transmission car too but the gearbox has likely joined the engine in some other locale. Actually, now that we’re delving into the born-with powertrain, let’s include the original eight and three-quarter rear axle too – it’s a threesome of important missing components! The seller mentions that there is a seven-and-a-quarter inch differential under the rear end of this Dart now.
The body is claimed to be OK as the seller states, “The body on this car is really pretty nice and solid” but I’d say it’s looking shaky. The rear bumper, rear window, and perhaps the driver’s side glass are all missing and the underside image shows lots of scale and what may be cracking undercoating – or is it cracking something else? At least the cool power bulge 340 hood, with its fake vents, is still in place.
The interior is almost completely gutted and the steering column, with wheel, have been unceremoniously ripped from their perch and tossed into a very rusty trunk. The instrument panel is still in place but it’s showing lots of dust, dirt, and dullness. As for the seats, the frames may still be useable – that’s about it.
This Dart Swinger 340 appears to be as advertised though conveniently, “the car is missing the fender tag” – it probably doesn’t matter at this point. No doubt about it, this Dodge is going to need a complete redo from stem to stern including a power and drive train, interior, glass, rust repair, probably wiring, many interior bits, a grille, and associated trim – and probably more stuff that I’ve missed. And those are just the parts not to mention the necessary time and labor…Still, anything can be fixed for a price, right? What’s your estimate, too far gone, or is there something here that is doable and worthy of a complete restoration?
Geez—Dude needs to put the crack pipe down
No, just no. Maybe if the drive train was there and needing a rebuild but otherwise just find a Dart and build your own.
No bueno. Push it back in the weeds and let it sit. With no engine, trans, differential or fender tag, this a $100 car. Once again, we have BJ auctions and their over valued sales to thank for deals like this.
Fun fact, I bought my running, driving and very presentable 69 4 spd Swinger a touch over 25 years ago for $7,500. Just chew on that for a minute.
That seems high to me,for 2000 era.I used to drive from fla. to S.C. dragging a tow dolly.Found lots of running,minor rust $1000.00 cars back then.53 Ford f-100/302-c4,mint 70 Torino gt,351/4 speed,62 LeSabre conv.,69 impala 396/4 speed.There
were some great deals back then,and travel was a plus,at under a buck a gallon.
Didn’t mean to upset you,swinging.Fun fact.I didn’t like or buy MOPARS in those days,cause I didn’t like the whine from the starter.Smart,huh?.LOL
Wow swinging I think 7500 was pretty high for 25 years ago, I bought my 71 Demon (Lm29H1) maybe 30 years ago and only spent $900.00. Body was straight as an arrow and could bury the speedo at 150, that 340 with the 4sp was the ticket. Do you have any pics of your 69, would like to see it.
I’m looking at a Pro Street project here! Minus well, it’s a perfect starting point!
Well if I had it I would reach out to the guys from Graveyard cars and see if I couldn’t work out a deal I haven’t followed the market close enough to know if this is a good deal or not
You bet here at cesspool of cars turd of the week only $5995.95 extended warranty and financing available!!!!!!
And leave the patina
Sad, just Sad. But…What a car in it’s day!
But look guys, it’s got $6,000 worth of shiny hub caps! Oooh aaahhh!!
$0.50
It’s no wonder the motor and trans are gone. For 6K you can get a rust free if it’s not a 340 4 sp
I have the twin to this car sitting in my driveway. Of course it’s wrecked but, complete drivetrain. Will bid a few more times for this body. Bad timing though, just bought my 70′ 340 Swinger back last weekend (after 30+yrs. apart). Under/@ $2k and it’s mine!
GLWTA, and keep us posted if you get it-I’ll bet 95% of us BF readers would like to see your finished project as it comes together!
Didn’t win. Went for $1800. Oh, well I have too many projects in works. I’ll get one of these rollers next time. 67″ drop top going from 6cyl lump to 340/auto/posi as I type. My 69′ Swimger is going to have to wait a little longer.
Yep….already stripped of the good parts…..now selling for extra….
Sorry folks, but this is a parts car. Sheet metal and dash only, everything else is gone. The BIN price is wildly optimistic, somewhere between $600 and $1600 is closer to reality. You could easily drop $20k to $30k on body prep and paint before even starting on the drivetrain, and that’s if what’s underneath the paint is relatively clean and straight, which is highly unlikely. What comes back from the dipper or media blaster with likely be full of holes, Bondo, or both.
Ended at $1,800, Reserve Not Met.
What is wrong with sellers lately?
sorry but i know for a fact, that i can call the local mopar guru and buy the same as this, but complete needing overhaul for less than this shell’s buy it now.
i like a challenge but this is over the top.