This 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 isn’t a pristine classic. However, it presents exceptionally well, its V8 should provide excellent performance, and it features a selection of desirable factory options. Lifting its appearance to perfection would be pretty easy, although there is something undeniably attractive about owning a vehicle where the occasional paint chip won’t cause its owner anguish. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting the Dart listed here on Craigslist. It is located in New York, and you could take this beauty home after handing the seller $50,000.
Dodge introduced its Fourth Generation Dart range for the 1967 model year, with the badge soldiering on until 1976. The Swinger joined the range in 1969, with the Swinger 340 the most potent and desirable version. Our feature car is a first-year example of the breed that presents really nicely. The seller admits that it received a repaint in its original shade of Dark Green, but not when this occurred. They describe it as a driver-quality result, suggesting that a close inspection will reveal minor flaws and imperfections. However, it would still turn heads and attract attention. The Black bumblebee stripe, steel wheels, dog dish hubcaps, and Redline tires combine to add a touch of menace to the appearance. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and with the car receiving a factory undercoat, it appears to have avoided the rust issues that often plague these classics. Desirable exterior options include the bumperettes and the fender-top turn signals.
As the name suggests, lifting this Swinger’s hood reveals a 340ci V8. The first owner teamed the motor with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, a Sure Grip rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The 340 offered enough power to satisfy most buyers who craved performance during what was undoubtedly the height of the muscle car era. It delivered 275hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque, allowing the Swinger to hold its own at a “Traffic Light Grand Prix.” The seller confirms that this Dart is numbers-matching. The engine features the correct carburetor and intake, while the TorqueFlite is freshly rebuilt. The new owner will slip behind the wheel of a car with no mechanical needs, with the seller stressing how strong the V8 is.
The list of factory options begins growing as we focus on this Dart’s interior. The first owner ordered it with air conditioning, a Deluxe Tan interior, and a remote driver’s mirror. The seller has added a modern CD player and a wheel wrap, but there are no other visible modifications. It is a case of this being an impressive combination of old and new. The seatcovers and carpet were recently replaced, while the remaining upholstered surfaces are original. There is nothing to fault about the new items, while the door trims and pad look great for their age. There is some visible deterioration to the dash surround, but if potential buyers consider this Dart purely as a driver-grade classic, nothing is begging for attention.
The seller’s asking price means that this 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 sits right at the very top of the market. However, it is a classic where the new owner won’t need to touch a thing because everything is done for those seeking a high-end driver. Whether that justifies the price in the face of recent sales results is a tough call, but I suspect that the seller may need to compromise for this classic to find a new home. I have been wrong on the subject before, and I would be happy if that proves the case again. What do you think of this Dart? Would you pay the asking price to park this slice of Mopar muscle in your garage?
50k for a driver-grade Dart? Nah, I’ll pass.
Can’t deny this is a sharp car in a great color, though I like the 1967s better. I wonder what the rear axle is, 3.23 or 3.55? My guess with the auto and air, 3.23. With that combo, what a great road car, even on the hottest summer days. The A bodies with this engine was always a giant killer. Why would you ever need a mid sized big block?
Agree Jerry. And as we all know if one wants a 1/4 mile or street light 🚥 rocket. Put in 3.91s. Very cool and no doubt quick Mopar here.
In 69, my favorite was the Baracuda notchback 340, 4sp. 🏁
Was a tachometer available with this dash?
No but if it had bucket seats with the console – the tach went on top of the console.
Very nice a-body but way overpriced. It may be a worthy purchase at $40k.
Like I told Oldrodder a few days ago, I love these 68/9 Darts. Too bad about the incorrect bumble bee stripe but overall, it looks like a clean car. Albeit a bit on the expensive side considering it is an auto. There was a nearly identical, but with black interior, 340 Swinger with four speed that had been fully restored for sale in Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago for 45k.
I’d agree, it’s nice, but pricey. Other than the AC it’s a bit pedestrian due to the dark green color, dig dish hubcaps, bench seat and column shift. In my opinion, if you have a muscle car with an automatic it needs bucket seats, console and floor shift. If it has a 4spd I’d take either bench or buckets, but no console.
Steve R
Original listing is in New Jersey. Car has Cali black plate FWIW.
Those are not original to the car, by 1969 they the DMV was nearing the end of the alphabet. These plates start with HHB, by 1969 if it had black plates they would have started with something like U, V, W, X, Y or Z, once a DMV office ran out of black plates it they started issuing blue plates. By the end of the year most 69 passenger cars were issued blue plates.
There is big business for California black plates, eBay always has a large number of pairs listed, you can also find them at swap meets, I’ve even found them at garage sales and flea markets. California has a process to reissue plates for someone wanting to put them on a year appropriate car.
Single plates are often inexpensive, at some point in time an owner might have bought and installed one, if they just use the car to drive to local shows they will likely never be issued a ticket.
Steve R
Nice car, but not sure where the $50K ask valuation comes from? The wrong stripe really highlights the non original paint. Even with a 340, it is still a niche market. Mid 30’s is more likely, and still boggles my mind for an old used car.
Its a beauty, most of the desirable options are present. 50 g’s is a bit wild but you hand that over take the keys and ride into the sunset. Such prices always bring the question of how much are we willing to pay for this hobby of ours. Do we pay 5 g’s for a rough example and gradually invest 45 g’s to take it to the same level. Do we work on it ourselves or just sent it somewhere to have it done. Or fork over the 50 and again ride into the sunset.
I had a 1974 Dodge Dart Swinger with a slant 225 cu.in. which has enough power for a car that size. You don’t need a big V8 engine.
Well, well, well, another ’60 something Dart. As I said a few days ago, I have a strange attraction to these things, but even that particular fetish would not cause me to drop 50K on this car. I could see maybe 30K asking and negotiate from there.
Great car but to pricey. They’ll probably get it.
I love these Swingers. Always wanted one but never have made a move to make that happen. This one could work for me but buckets would be nice. I imagine A/C is pretty rare in these? It is pricey though in my mind.
Yep pricey…..if it had the factory AM/FM roll dial maybe just maybe I would say high option but with a bench no way……and that radio looks like a pile in that dash.
I came back to view again. He lowered the price by 2K but still to high. Agree with comments about the radio and bench seats. Radio could be an easy fix with an am/fm factory replacement. If you switch to buckets it would be hard to match to the current upholstery. (just my opinion. I’m not the seller)