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Cheap And Clean: 1974 Dodge Dart Swinger

By 1974, there were over 1.5 million Darts on the road, but people were still buying them. It was the right car for the time because the first oil crisis was upon America and people knew value and economy when they saw it. In 1974 there were 105,397 Dart Swinger and Dart Swinger Specials 2 door hardtops sold. This didn’t count an additional 141,734 Dart 4 door sedans and Dart Sport 2 doors. This was all on a body that dated back to 1967. Here is a 1974 Dodge Dart Swinger for sale here on Craigslist in Tigard, Oregon. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for bringing it to our attention.

The original Yellow Blaze paint does show some scratches and dings. There appears to be no rust on the body. The black vinyl top appears to be in good condition. Aftermarket wheels are included. The rear window of this curved outward much like the full-size Chevrolet of 1971 to 1976, but Dart had it first.

While the front seat is not original, it is in good condition. I would prefer a seat in the original pattern. The rear seat is original. A dash cover prevents any cracking. Air conditioning is an option on this car.

The engine is a “newer” 318 cubic inch V-8 which has recently received a tuning. It also has a new carburetor, starter, alternator, water pump, plug wires, hoses, and all fluids flushed and refilled. There is no information on the miles on this engine. The car has automatic transmission. For $4,000, it seems a reasonably priced car that would provide enjoyment while not being a gas guzzler. How about a Dart Swinger in your garage?

Comments

  1. Avatar MotorWinder

    From what I’ve seen on Barn Finds, I suspect this is going to be a buy and flip …
    This is a great buy for anyone looking to get into a classic rid, amazing survivor!

    Like 15
    • Avatar MotorWinder

      … oops …. RIDE … : )

      Like 4
    • Avatar Steve R

      This is the flip.

      There appears to be some shoddy rust repair, especially in picture number 3. I’d be wary of this car.

      Steve R

      Like 3
      • Avatar LAB3

        Looks like that front bumper has seen it’s intended use, either the mounts are tweaked or perhaps rusted pretty bad.

        Like 0
  2. Avatar Ian McLennan

    Had a Dart as a company car in 1975. First day I had it I drove on a major highway for an hour in a soaking rain storm. Came to the exit, applied the brakes and about 1/2 gallon of water sloshed from the right rear passenger footwell into the drivers side footwell.
    Must have been a Monday morning car. Never forgot that.

    Like 10
    • Avatar Miguel

      When it rains my 1974 Dart fills up the glove box.

      I still don’t know how it is getting in there.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Michael Kurzdorfer

        I also had a 1974 Dart where the glove box filled with water. Never did figure out how it got in there. Also would stall on left turns (slant ).

        Like 0
  3. Avatar Classic Steel

    So when buys a swinger do they have to dress differently and get gold chains and teeth?

    Wear leisure suits and a Pencil mustache?

    Maybe a por n ⭐️ name ?

    Okay kidding and yes this is a great deal for a starter muscle car!

    Like 7
  4. Avatar Mark

    Nice car, nice price, not nice rims, put dodge dog dish hubcaps black steel rims, would look great

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Beatlepat

    I didn’t like these much when they were new, but maybe, just maybe, I’m a little bit smarterer now.

    Like 6
  6. Avatar Jimmy

    Offer 3K let him come back with $3500 and drive it home. I like the style of these cars and for that price I could live with the less than professional body work for a daily driver. You just don’t get much for 4K or less in the classic car market today.

    Like 6
  7. Avatar Jeff

    I agree with others– this appears to be a good deal. I hate yellow and would prefer a third pedal, but this would make a great starter classic that you could drive often without much worry.

    Like 4
  8. Avatar Chinga-Trailer

    25 – 30 years ago I had an identical looking ’74 in Salem, with the slant six and stock wheels & hubcaps. Tigard isn’t that far away, maybe it’s the same car with a motor swap and new wheels.

    I had an employee who was my best outside salesman and when he wrecked his VW I offered to sell him my Dart, with payments to come out of his paycheck.

    He looked at me with shock and disdain as if I had greatly insulted him and said “I wouldn’t be caught dead in a Dodge Dart, and I can’t understand why you drive a Dodge Dart when you also own a Rolls-Royce!”

    I replied “It’s because I drove this Dart I was able to afford my Rolls-Royce!”

    Like 13
  9. Avatar z28th1s

    Most of the time a dash cover isn’t on the car to prevent the dash from cracking it is to hide the cracks that are already in the dash.

    Like 5
  10. Avatar Neal

    I have a sweet spot for these.
    Yellow isn’t my favorite color, but it seems nicely sorted and a good deal for the price. I DO like the rims. And I too would prefer a floor shift.
    Someday maybe.
    Here’s me with my brother and our 73 Swinger in the late 70’s.

    Like 3
  11. Avatar Rustytech Member

    I worked for a Dodge dealer when these were built, spent a lot of time fixing water leaks from the windshield. Once that was fixed they were very good cars. I never owned one, but most of my customers loved them. They remained popular even after the Aspen was introduced. That front bumper sag was also typical of these and all early 70’s cars for that matter.

    Like 6
  12. Avatar Del

    Nice. Love yellow

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Neal

    Posting deleted. Guess it sold.

    Like 1
  14. Avatar Rod

    Nice car but could not bring myself to but a car that did not start life with bucket seats

    Like 0

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