The ’70s were tough on American car manufacturers. Gas shortages, high fuel costs, and more strict emissions regulations left muscle cars in a tricky situation. Despite all this, Dodge made a powerful and fun V8-powered car. This 1974 Dodge Dart Sport 360 can accelerate quickly thanks to the seller stroking its original engine to a larger 418 cubic inches. The car was listed for sale on craigslist in Jonesboro, Missouri, on November 20th. Thanks to Tony Primo for the tip!
The exterior of the car is finished in red. The paint appears to be damaged, especially on the front quarter panel. A white stripe gives the Dart a groovy ’70s flair. The black hood scoop adds to the car’s powerful appearance and the long front end makes the car look mean. This ’74 undeniably oozes nostalgia. Two-door coupes in the ’70s were massive in comparison to today’s more often, small sports car two-door platforms. Larger usually means more comfortable and we can all agree a quick and cozy car is ideal, even if it sometimes means spending more on gas.
From the photo posted by the seller, it appears that the interior could also use some work. The cream leather seats are stained and wrinkled. The dash appears to be in good condition and is black over dark wood. With a little love, this cabin could easily become very clean and cool. No significant damage was listed by the seller and nothing irreversible is pictured.
The original engine was modified and the seller notes that the work was done by Sturdy Racing. On the dyno, the engine produced 515 horsepower and 567 ft-lbs of torque. The car runs and drives great making it a perfect restoration project for someone who has bodywork and interior knowledge. The next owner can have fun with the powerful car while restoring the cosmetic issues at whatever pace they want. If you think this Dodge Dart is up your alley contact the seller via craigslist before it’s gone.
Stick shift sleeper. 😲🏁
500 HP, bucket seats, red, 4 speed for under 20K! This is a performance value, especially with 47,000 miles.
Not my favorite year, but depending on the read end ratio it must be a hoot to drive.
That ridiculous hood scoop isn’t stock, is it. I don’t remember anything that ugly coming off the production lines.
To>JDC: That is a correct Factory Stock Hood Scoop!!!!!!
Wow. I don’t remember ever seeing one like that. And it’s so ugly, I would have remembered it!
The hood scoop is a Factory Correct option installed at the plant
Just think, if it wasn’t for that pesky EPA and those clean air rules, this car could have come stock like this in 1974, and our cars would be literally flying today!
True, but we would all be breathing much less easier today. Much as I disliked the anti-smog rules at the time, life is much better since we’ve learned how to build cleaner cars that can still perform! Modern electronics make it all possible, electronics that were science fiction in 1974! I just wish that Detroit didn’t take so long to catch up to the Europeans in fuel injection technology, otherwise the revolution would have happened much sooner! If you don’t believe me, just smell the exhaust of a pre-smog classic compared to the exhaust of any modern car, to smell the difference, LOL!
I knew that Detroit was behind the curve in emissions technology when the VW Beetle got an early version of Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) before the first American cars got EFI on a regular basis! Yes, the Corvette got fuel injection first, but it was a purely mechanical system, electronically controlled injection would have to wait for the mid-1970’s at best, and the late 1980’s at worst, with the invention of the microprocessor in the mid 1970’s.
The Good: “Stroker” 360, four-on-the-floor. The Bad: Bench Seat. The Ugly: That Godawful hood scoop! Factory or not, it’s butt ugly!
I’m not a fan of that scoop also. I do like the Twister double scoop though. I like what is done to this dart ,but my flavor is 70-72.I’m working on a 71 twister(fc7) and not doing the scoops but it has the black out hood with the correct black over the top of fenders, cowel and over the gutters and the 340 wedge on the hood any scoops look to much. And no go wing, those look ugly.