The healthy coating of dust that covers this 1970 Dodge Dart Swinger makes it easy to believe the owner’s claim that the car was last driven in the year 2000. The photos that the owner supplies tend to indicate that this is s solid car, and this would make it a strong candidate for a restoration project. The Swinger is located in Roann, Indiana, and is listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN price of $7,700 for the Dodge, although there is the option available to submit an offer.
Giving the photos that the owner supplies a good look, rust appears to be virtually non-existent in the Dart. The rockers and lower quarter panels look good, and even the areas under the shredded Dark Green vinyl top seem to be okay. There are a couple of photos of the trunk floor, and it also appears to be nice and solid. The Dark Green Metallic paint is pretty tired, while there are a few notable dings on the car. None of these appear to be major, and they should be a straightforward repair. Some of the external badges are missing, there is a dent in the rear bumper, and the leading-edge cap for the front fender is also damaged (a replacement is included). Overall though, it seems to be quite positive.
Under the hood of the Swinger is a 318ci V8, backed by an A904 automatic transmission. The good news is that in spite of the healthy layer of dust, the engine runs. the owner doesn’t indicate how well the car drives, but if it has actually been sitting unused since 2000, then there will undoubtedly be some work required before the car is ready to hit the road again.
This is the moment when you just want to grab someone and ask them what on Earth they were thinking. That’s a mighty big hole in the dash, which was cut (if that’s the right word) to fit an aftermarket stereo. The stereo is gone, but the hole remains. There are matching holes in the kick panels where speakers have been mounted. The only other bad points are the damaged cover on the front seat, faded carpet, and cracked dash pad. The rest of the interior presents extremely well, while your comfort is assisted by the inclusion of air conditioning.
For the Mopar enthusiast who is on the search for a solid project car, this 1970 Dart Swinger looks like a pretty worthy candidate. The body would seem to be solid, and the car is largely complete. The color combination of Dark Green Metallic paint and the green vinyl top is a nice one, and it could be a real eye-catcher once it’s restored.
Remember people, you can get 400 hp out of a 318. Ditch the automatic though. Cool car.
Skorzeny, as I got older I discovered that at 20 years old (1973) I HAD to have a 4 speed. At 40 it was OK, but I could live with an automatic. At 60+, I look at the 46,000 original mile 63 Impala convertible (327, PG, full power and factory air) that I converted to a 4 speed in 1991 and I’m not sure if I’d do it again.
I find myself launching it and shifting from first to third like my Did did in the 70’s. One trip up through town and I’m not ready to get the Powerglide down off the pallet rack and change it, but I question the decision to install the 4 speed. I even got a correct 63 1/2/ 64 2.56 low gear Muncie that’s correct for the car, if not original. If I knew I was going to live this long I would have done a LOT of stuff differently in the good ‘ol days.
That is in decent shape with only the interior needing most of the work. These cars rusted easily so this has been nicely stored either way. A friend had the lower model with the slant 6 and 3 on the tree. He would have loved this except for the automatic. Brings back great memories of high school.
I pay extra for vintage dust. Unfortunately, with a slushbox I would have to deduct 4 X the vintage dust premium I was earlier prepared to pay because of said slushbox.
Hey (Camaro) Joe, ( hey that was a song), if that Impala is annoying you with it’s 4 speed and you’re prepared to sell it for what an poorer older gear head can afford, I still like to shift :)
Is the price a joke or a misprint?
I like this car. A little pricey for what it is, in my opinion.
I don’t see anyone paying $7k for this car, but at the right price, say $2500, it could be made into a nice cruiser for head turning if that’s your thing.
God bless America
Someone has been smoking something!! Not that price for an automatic.
I have a 70 Swinger with 318 I bought in this same shape (better, possibly) in 1993 for $750. I can’t see $7,000, but give it time.
Unfortunately, 1970 was the year Chrysler made automatic standard and manual a no-charge option. Previously, automatics were an extra $287….. 10% of the price of the car. That’s why you see so many more 69-down A-bodies with manual transmissions than you do 70-up.
Who used an axe to take the radio out ?
I am pretty sure this will have a 7 1/4 salisbury axle.
I never heard of a 318 A body coming with an 8 3/4 AXLE in 1970.
I’ve seen a very few with a 318 and the 8 3/4” rear….. I think all had a manual trans.
Just what my cheerleader girl drove in high school…same color and all….still going to get her cheering me on some day…..
Man, BF is THE source for Swingers, Scamps, Darts, and Valiants! Love it!
I owned its Plymouth twin (Scamp).
Mine came with the 318 automatic and
7 1/4. I swapped it out for an 8 3/4 that came out of a 340 Swinger. Added dual exhaust and Cragar SS wheels. Had a lot of fun with that car.