UPDATE 12/03/2023: We’ve recently seen a few desirable classics at Barn Finds that have failed to sell on the first try. This 1975 Dodge Dart is a perfect example of that trend because while the previous auction bidding reached $9,100, that figure fell short of the reserve. The seller has decided to give it another shot, listing the Dart here on eBay. Bidding still remains below the reserve at $8,400, but this time, potential buyers have a BIN of $15,000 to consider. It appears nothing has changed, and it will be fascinating to see whether the seller tastes success this time.
11/15/2023: While many buyers viewed the 1975 Dodge Dart as affordable family transport they could purchase on a tight budget, others wanted creature comforts to make life aboard one of these classics a pleasant affair. That appears to be the case with our feature car. It is unlikely to be mistaken for the latest offering from Cadillac, but it also isn’t a bare-bones vehicle. It is a solid and clean car needing little beyond a new home. Therefore, the seller has listed the Dart Sport here on eBay in Springfield, Oregon.
Dodge introduced the Fourth Generation Dart to the buying public in 1967, and the extended production run meant the last ones drove off the showroom floor in 1976. The original owner ordered our feature Dart Sport in 1975, electing to cloak its panels in stunning Yellow Blaze paint. They added a Black vinyl top, matching side tape stripes, and bright wheel arch moldings to this. I believe the Rallye wheels are a later addition because the Sport package brought full wheel covers as standard equipment. Finding anything to criticize about this Dart’s presentation is difficult. The paint shines nicely, and neither it nor the panels show signs of significant flaws or issues. The vinyl is in as-new condition, and a previous owner performed a light cosmetic restoration that included replicating the original side stripes in paint protected by a clear coat. The underside shots confirm the only rust is a small area on the passenger-side front floor from a previous windshield leak. However, it appears to be patchable without needing to replace the entire floor pan. The trim and glass are as spotless as the rest of the exterior, and while the wheels aren’t original, I think they perfectly suit this car’s character.
The Sport Package didn’t merely bring exterior cosmetic enhancements because the interior received its share of attention. Faux woodgrain trim found its way onto the dash, doors, and rear seat trims, and carpet matching the trim color covered the floors. The driver gripped a three-spoke wheel while two-speed wipers and windshield washers rounded out the package. The original owner enhanced the interior with luxury touches like air conditioning, The “Space Maker” fold-down rear seat, the Fuel Pacer light system, a remote driver’s exterior mirror, and an AM radio. I admire the seller’s honesty because they admit the interior isn’t perfect. However, if considered a driver-grade classic, its condition is easily acceptable. The only significant flaws worth noting are a slight carpet fit issue on the passenger side front floor and some stretching on the lower driver’s door trim. Otherwise, the Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from obvious major rips and physical damage, there are no dash or pad problems or aftermarket additions.
The original owner may have focused on occupant comfort when ordering this Dart Sport, but they selected the most sedate drivetrain combination available in 1975. The engine bay houses the venerable 225ci slant-six that sends 90 hp and 165 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. They ticked the box beside power steering on the Order Form, and while the photos confirm the car features front disc brakes, I can’t spot a booster suggesting they feature the power assistance mentioned by the seller. As mechanical packages go, they don’t come much more robust than this. The seller claims the Dart has 43,000 miles on the clock, and the indications are that the figure is documented. It runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
This 1975 Dodge Dart Sport won’t suit an enthusiast seeking a high-performance model, but it could be an ideal and affordable option for someone considering a first classic purchase. Its needs are relatively minor, and addressing them during the cold winter months would have this gem ready for action when the sun shows its face next summer. The market can spring unexpected surprises, but I am unsure whether the bidding on this classic can threaten the BIN figure. Do you agree?
This one is nice and the slant-six and torqueflite will last forever. About the only thing i’d do is get a power brake setup on this.
Why? With the right sized bore in the master cylinder, Mopar manual brakes can be perfectly fine, even with discs. I’d try it first to see if it suits you (the driver, I assume not literally you).
When equipped with a sunroof and folding rear seat it was the Convertriple. Part convertible, part hatchback and sporty coupe. You had to use your imagination but in this market it was an edge. Love the black and yellow. Would be a fun car.
I remember the Convertriple! As I recall, it was the first modern hatchback sold in America by an American car company. Hatchbacks soon became as common as dirt, before falling out of favor sometime in the 1990’s. Now, you almost can’t give a hatchback car away, kind of like station wagons.
Except there’s a rabid group of “long roof” fans out there. They are the opposite of the image conscious people driving the market toward SUVs. (lol)
Just nice, what else can I say.
I owned the 1975 Plymouth Duster model , but it had a 318 ci . It was a fantastic car and I still have the dent in my ass from kicking it for getting rid of it.
Bought a new one for my wife great car!
Very nice, with Fuel Pacer light option!
Really like the row of Mopars behind this beauty.
Yellow and black are sharp.
Very nice!
It’s Dork Wormans with all them mopars
I traded in a perfectly good 1974 Dodge pickup on a 75 Dart because I thought I needed more room for the second kid. Good looking but terrible car. Those slant sixes got recalled because they would stall if you stepped on the gas pedal too hard. The one I had came with bubbles in the windshield glass and leaked on the passenger’s feet. Started rusting under the dash within months. Worst dealer ever. Maximum POS factor.
Yeah, right …in months .. If you bought it new, and the factory glass was defective, its a free repair ,as would the leak issue. I’ve owned close to twenty slant six cars , from the 60s to the late 70s, and none ever had a stalling issue
Yep. Mark Worman of Graveyard Carz is the seller. One would think he’d know enough to list the options properly.
Yep…..just don’t see why we give a dealer a place on BarnFinds…………
Got my license in one of these. Rusted out and gone by 1980.
Didn’t these used to be called Dodge Demons before the “Bible Thumpers” complained? IIRC, Dodge then renamed them so as not to offend any Christian buyers in the Bible Belt! This was the twin to the Plymouth Duster, with the fastback roof. The “notchback” two-door coupes were Dart Swingers or Plymouth Scamps, while the four-door sedans were simply Dodge Darts or Plymouth Valiants.
Yes, these were basically Demons until they were no longer demonic. Chrysler pushed people around with their marketing. A heart with a pointed tail, Demon, Swinger and the implied meaning of the HIP colors. The one that flew under everyone’s radar was Corinthian Leather. Corinth was a rather hedonistic region that became the subject of many of St Paul’s travels and letters. To this day I suspect few have ever picked up on that.
I know I didn’t, and I was subjected to twelve (12) years of a parochial school education, LOL!
I am really not up to date on my Mopar knowledge. This to me (a Chevy guy), looks like a Duster or Demon body style. No matter this is a great looking car. I would be proud to drive around in.
This car doesn’t have a “sport” package , its a Dodge Dart Sport – all 1973- 1976 Darts that used the Duster body were Dart Sports .Its definitely a fairly high option car for a slant six ; even the yellow paint was an extra cost option. It looks pretty nice, although I could have done without the usual black painted grille instead of the stock argent paint , and the painted on stripes ruin any chance of putting reproduction stripes on it without a complete paint job !