In the late 1960s, Dodge injected sportiness and performance into the compact Dart by adding the GT and GTS models. The former was more about image, while the latter was about going faster. The seller has a 1969 Dart GT that appears to be a barn find; it runs but needs restoring. Located on the back of a trailer near Tulsa, Oklahoma, this cool little project is available here on craigslist for $3,500. Barn Finder Barney strikes again (tips)!
The GT designation stood for Grand Touring, while the GTS was Grand Touring Sport. The GT came with either a Slant-6 or small-block V8, while the GTS went with a 340 cubic inch V8 or a 383 (and occasionally a 440) if you really wanted it to move out. The GT’s suspension was regular Dart Swinger fare, while the GTS had the heavy-duty Rallye underpinnings. This GT has a 273 8-cylinder engine, which was in its last year at Chrysler.
GTs found nearly 21,000 buyers in 1969 while the GTS attracted 6,000 customers who wanted muscle. We don’t know the history of this Dodge other than it appears to have been sitting somewhere for a long time, exposed to the elements. Besides the small V8, the Dart also has a 904 automatic transmission with a 7 ¼ rear end. We’re told it runs, but we’re guessing not for long, as the radiator cap is missing.
The GT has bucket seats and a console, and the interior is ripe for a complete overhaul. There is plenty of patina associated with the Q5 paint, which may be original at a reported 60,000 miles. Options included factory air conditioning and power steering. The little car looks complete and not rusted out, so perhaps it’s a good foundation for a restoration in stages.
Restore and drive it. One of the most beautiful color combinations.
And a great and underrated design.
This would be a labor of love but would be a stunner just put back the way it came. Could see it on conservatively sized Cragars or slots with red stripe tires.
Original paint V/8 and all there….at that price I’d buy em all day
Dang!.. The parts car I need at a price I can afford. Yet, too far away. I would have it cut in pieces to restore my 340 Swinger wreck. Been holding on to for 15yrs. How much to ship to CA? It’s getting harder and harder to find useable parts cars nowadays. If it’s not a GTS/Swinger 340 or Convertible. Not worth restoring. Good luck to whoever buys it.
Sounds like yours is the parts car.
My dad bought a 1969 Dart swinger with the 340 engine, the only brand-new car he ever owned. He always said he wished he kept it.
Waited 35yrs until my good friend was willing to sell me my 70′ Swinger 340 back 2024. It’s being restored as I type. My 68′ GTS is close to how I want. While my 67′ Conv. 408 is also getting the finishing details. My 69′ is just waiting for right priced donor now. I finally found a shop that actually fixes/repairs to near perfection. Thankful to pay after prior experiences.
Mopar or No Car!
Restore the body and interior. Drop a 500hp new hurricane crate motor in it and have a sweet ride. I am loving the possibilities
Except it probably has the 7.25 inch rear diff, that’ll explode with a launch of 500 hp.
You’ll need a bigger boat, er, pumpkin.
Although it may cost 1k for delivery that’s still 4500. If the seller is the firm on 3500. I doubt you’ll gather parts for less. My Dad and I restored a 70 Super Bee
A 70 Super Bee emblem 475. Dash facing 3500rear window 5000. Someone offered him 5000 for the 70 bubble hood scoop hood. I completely understand if it’s not in the budget at the present. As it took 7 years to complete the project. it seems that we only came across unbelievable deals on parts when the piggy bank was low lol. Best of luck with your project and thanks for keeping another mopar beauty from the crusher.
Cold340,
Have you tried Wildcat Mopar (wreckers) in oregon? They have a lot of available parts.
Also Dead Dodge Garage (check out his youtube), and Rocket Restoration in WA.
seems like a good buy if it’s as solid as it looks. these colors new must have been a real looker. dr it up and drive it.
I see holes all over that thing. Not solid. Either do a lot of patches and pulls or just replace the quarters whole. Needs rocker work, and I can’t tell for sure from the pics, but possibly quite a bit of roof work. Inspect carefully, proceed with caution! I bet the underbody is a mess. Would be a beautiful car done though, upside down (almost positively) or not (almost not positively).