30k-Mile Survivor: 1974 Dodge Dart SE

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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”.

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Comments

  1. JDC

    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.

    Like 9
    • The Other Chris

      I love the color combo.

      Like 11
  2. Tigger

    This has a Plymouth steering wheel and is missing a hood ornament.

    Like 7
    • JDC

      Good catch! I need to be more observant!

      Like 3
      • Driveinstile DriveinstileMember

        That is a good catch. I missed that too. But look at how good the color matches the dash and all. It blends in perfectly.
        Its in terrific shape though.

        Like 4
  3. Troy

    Nice car $12k may be a stretch but good luck to the seller

    Like 5
    • Paul

      $12K? They’re asking $16,500.

      Like 1
  4. chuck

    Nice car… 318, auto, air… always get the highest trim…. the interiors are nicer… Those wheels, tho….

    Like 2
  5. Nelson C

    Well, it’s got a V and an 8 and that really cushy interior. Nice colors, too. Air should make it a sweet cruiser.

    Like 1
  6. Paul

    Overall looks really nice minus the issues previously stated, plus the carpeting on the lower passenger door is a different color than the drivers. I’d deep six those wheels and get the originals back on, as well as jettisoning that master blaster sound system. At $16.5k I think they’re reaching a bit.

    Like 2
  7. Robert Atkinson, Jr.

    The Good: Condition, mileage, 318 V8, A/C, colors. The Bad: Bench seat, it’s on the left coast. The Ugly: Nothing! If I had a place to park it, and it was closer to me, I’d be all over it! GLWTS!

    Like 2
  8. Fenky

    Sharp ride.

    Like 0
  9. Christopher Gentry

    Hood ornament ? Never seen a 2 door dart with a hood ornament . Any who , reminds me of my 73 Swinger. Agree about the wheels.

    Like 0
  10. TV

    It went from $12k to $16k. Probably got a lot of calls on it and realized they could get more. Greedy Son of a Guns! I hope their plan backfires right out that Darts Exhaust system! Shame on them!

    Like 1
    • Robert Atkinson, Jr.

      True enough, but on one level, you can’t blame them. This is still a capitalist system, with a free market. Objects are worth what buyers agree to pay sellers, no more, no less. That is why an auction is your best bet. Bidders compete for a desirable object, and the high bidder wins. That maximizes profits to the seller and establishes a market price for comparable items.

      Like 0
  11. Tacoma Washington

    Lovely car. I had a teacher in elementary school who drove a Dodge Dart.

    Like 0
  12. Firemedic2714

    Price drop to $14,900.

    Like 0

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