The fourth-generation Dart (1967 to 1976) was the most popular run for the Dodge compact. Yet sales of the automobile eluded the more youthful buyers until the Swinger 2-door hardtop was introduced in 1969. Two years later, Plymouth got its version of the Swinger, which they called the Scamp. But sales of both would soon be overshadowed by the Plymouth Duster/Dodge Demon with the sporty fastback body style. This 1971 Swinger sports a rebuilt and tweaked 318 cubic inch V8, but some fine-tuning is needed (like a radiator) and extra sheet metal is provided to remedy a rusty body.
Swingers came with a Slant-Six engine as standard fare but could be upgraded to a 340 cubic inch small-block V8 for the performance-minded. We don’t know if the rebuilt 318 in this car is original, though you could surmise that since this is said to be a one-owner vehicle. But with Edelbrock add-ons, a beefier camshaft, and headers, this engine should be more powerful than a stock 340 would have been. From 1970 through 1973, Swinger sales would best 100,000 copies every year.
This Swinger has a Ram Air hood (is it functional?) and a spoiler on the back, so the car certainly looks the part of a muscle car. The seller is sending along a collection of extra sheet metal to replace some of the rusty pieces we see in the limited photos. The seller neglects to include any photos of the interior, so we have no idea if work is needed in there, too.
As the seller says the car has been driven 300 miles (unless a plug figure), it would appear the mechanical stuff has just been completed. The unfinished Mopar project can be found in a garage in Akron, Ohio, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,800. If you like projects that have been started but need completing, could you “swing” with this 1971 Dodge? BTW, this tip is brought to us by Barn Finder “Ted”!
Appreciate the sellers candidness RE:”rough body”.
Offer $4000, settle @ $4500. Yank the motor, rear end, save the good parts (maybe even the fuzzy red dice?) and build one that isn’t dying of rust cancer. Underside photos might tell more..
I concur.
That offer is pretty rich for a 318 with a few performance parts and an 8 3/4. You’d need to see receipt’s on the 318 to make sure it was a performance rebuild with forged pistons, balanced, name brand valve train, ported heads. Dies the 8 3/4 have Sure Grip, if so what gears. Is the transmission a 904 or 727, how fresh is it, stock or performance converter. What are the rest of the parts worth? When I’d part out a car, if I couldn’t see my money back with a handful of parts like rear end, bucket seats, console, floor shift column, etc., I’d take a pass. Used performance engines with low can found for not much money, especially small displacement small blocks, which frequently get swapped out for bigger engines with better parts. For a car like this, I’d probably be all in for $2,000, unless I already had a rust free roller of the same year, make and model.
Steve R
Lightly massaged 318 more juice than the 340 Dixon ? Maybe, im not sure, but skeptical. This one looks like you could add some HD suspension, fill it w moonshine ⛰️ 🥃🏁😲
I’m a Buckeye, beware of cars from there as the rust develops anywhere just ask me how I know!
Also from the Buckeye, my dad had a ’74 model and the rear springs went through the floor pan at both ends.
Man always hated that awful wing on these cars. Scoops look ok but not sure they were ever functional on a 318 car.
Air car but no compressor. Remote oil or transmission fluid for ease or cooling?
And would seriously be wondering about the underside based on whats above.
Could be a nice car with enough time and money. But would probably pass and find something in better shape. Good luck with the sale and new owner.
I don’t remember these ever having the “basket handle”, someone tacked that one on.
You’re right, Swingers di not have a spoiler option, but people put them on everything
Looks like a thunder chicken to me 340’s weren’t offered in the dart after 70 only the demon, stripe is wrong much work needed a warmed over 71 318 could achieve almost 300 HP though,could make a fun cheap bomb!