The fourth-generation Dodge Dart is one of those cars that was often viewed as just economical and affordable basic transportation, as by this era it had been reduced to a compact size and was a popular choice for a family-style sedan during the mid-sixties through 1976, when production ceased in the North American market. However, it’s an unusual sight nowadays to see such a nicely preserved example as this 1974 Dart Swinger still on the road, and some more good news is that this one’s V8 powered.
Green was a popular color during the mid-seventies, with this one wearing it everywhere you look. The seller tells us this is a two-owner vehicle with just 43,000 miles on the ticker, and while he doesn’t confirm that this is still the original paint, it’s certainly not a recent respray as the finish is said to be getting thin. There are also a few dings here and there plus a scrape on the passenger side rocker panel, but the body is stated as rust-free, and as well as this one presents in its current state I’d probably not be in any hurry to address much on the outside. One small blemish can be spotted on the vinyl top under the rear window, but it appears minor and likely nothing to be overly concerned about.
Mint is a term that’s often misused when describing just about anything vintage, and that’s how the owner reports the interior here, so it sets the precedent for potential buyers to expect the very best inside. After a careful examination, I think the seller is almost on the right track here, as just about everything in here looks a lot like it would have half a century ago when this one was new. Even after enlarging the photos, the only imperfections I’m spotting right off are a little wear on the dash panel and around the glove box, plus a small smudge of some sort on the driver’s door panel. Near Mint definitely, and about as tidy as you’re likely to find on a 50-year-old driver.
A 198 cubic-inch Slant 6 remained the base engine for the Dart Swinger in ’74, with a bit larger version available, coming in at 225. However, this one’s got a 318 V8 under the hood, and for a car this size, I’m guessing 150 horsepower is more than enough to make the driving experience enjoyable. This one’s down in Okahumpka, Florida, and can be seen here on eBay, where it’s not surprising to find out that the current bid of $3.050 is short of the reserve. Any speculation where the seller, “hemiroadrunnerowner”, may have set the amount it will take for him to part with this fine Mopar?
These are good looking cars especially with those rally wheels. And the 318 is more than icing on the cake. If the money tree hadn’t died, I’d be in the bidding on this.
It’s a mint colored interior, Mike! Maybe that’s what he meant.
Of course the A/C doesn’t work, just needs freon…….yeah right!
Very nice shade of green inside & outside.
I never much cared for these new, but looking at it now, very nice. I can imagine sliding around on those bench seats while cornering. Interesting how even an entry level car in this era presents as luxury with the wood grain.
One more thing. What happened with the bumper filler in the back? Did this car get rear ended at one time or did the paint just fall off? Inquiring minds want to know.
The fillers were silver, but the paint wears off as the plastic ages. Its very common on these cars. I guess its better than completely disintegrating like the 78-80 mid size GM bumper fillers !
A little Armour-all helps that slide!
The fillers were silver, but the paint wears off as the plastic ages. Its very common on these cars. I guess its better than completely disintegrating like the 78-80 mid size GM bumper fillers !
What a great driver this car could Be! I had a 1969 ,6 cylinder bare bones and loved it this one ,would be a 100% better
A former friend of mine had the Plymouth Scamp version of this car. The interior was the same as this one, but the exterior color was a light green. That car was very fun to drive and it got decent gas mileage for what was expected back then.
The slant six 225 had I think almost as much HP?