The Dart was Dodge’s compact car from 1963 to 1976. It was especially popular during its last generation, which began in 1967. To draw it out of the ranks of being more than an economy car, the Dart Special Edition was rolled out in 1974, sporting velour upholstery and woodgrain trim. The 2-door version used the Swinger body with SE badging replacing the former. Located in Seattle, Washington, this ’74 Dart has just 30,000 miles and is available here on craigslist for $16,500.
Dart Special Editions weren’t really luxury cars, just dressed-up Mopars. You still couldn’t order deluxe items like power windows or seats, and the factory air conditioning still placed the vent network under the dash rather than being integrated. And the 225 cubic inch “Slant Six” was standard fare, though you could upgrade to the 318 V8 like the original owner did with this Dart 52 years ago.
We’re guessing this SE hasn’t changed hands multiple times. If it had, the odometer reading would be higher, and the car’s condition wouldn’t be as nice. A TorqueFlite automatic transmission was standard when you checked the Special Edition box on the order form. The seller says this car runs quite well, as a 30k-mile automobile should. There is no rust (probably has never had any), and the green paint, vinyl roof, and fancy interior are all probably original.
While the survivor wears 15-inch Torque Thrust wheels with BFG T/A tires, the vehicle’s original wheels and tires will also come with the sale with whitewall tires. We’re told service records will come with the sale, although we don’t know how far back they will go. He/she adds it’s a fun Dodge to drive and it’s capable of being piloted anywhere. If you’re looking for a 1970s V8 Dart, they might not come as nice as this one. Thanks for finding this one for us, “Curvette”.
One of the nicest (2 doors) of these I’ve seen in a while. (The 4 door Valiant Brougham from a week or so ago was right up there, too.) Its too bad this was ordered in such a terrible color combo. But it’s still super nice. That velour interior they put in these and the Valiant Broughams was really plush.