The 1970s Dart Swinger was the hardtop version of Dodge’s popular compact car. It wasn’t quite as sporty as the Demon (later called Dart Sport) which was offered as a fastback. But quite attractive compared to cars like the Chevy Nova which still had doorposts. This ’72 edition has the basic Slant-Six engine and is said to be a good running car, but some work will be needed to bring the body and interior up to the same level. It looks to be a forest find brought back to life. Located in Greenup, Kentucky (cool name for a town!), this Swinger is available here on eBay where the bidding stands at a flat $3,000.
The A-bodied Dodge Darts and Plymouth Valliant’s enjoyed a lengthy run from 1967-76. The Dart nameplate had begun life as a full-size car but joined the Valiant in the compact car ranks in 1963. With mostly cosmetic changes for ten model years, the autos would remain a Chrysler staple until the ill-fated Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volare series arrived as their replacements. For 1972, Dodge built more than 263,000 Darts of which more than half wore the Swinger script (Plymouth would build even more Valliant’s and their version of the Swinger was called the Scamp).
Characterized as a daily driver even at nearly 50 years of age, this ’72 Swinger could have plenty of life left. The car has 160,000 miles on it and is said to run well, although no mention is made if the 225 cubic inch six-banger or TorqueFlite automatic have ever been apart. It sports new tires and brakes, so it could continue to be driven daily if appearances are secondary. The Dodge once had factory air conditioning, but that hardware is now gone.
The paint has loads of patina – if that’s your thing – and there are rust and dents to be found in both rear quarter panels, so they should be replaced. The seller has already put a patch on the floors on the driver’s side of the car and he’s coated the entire area with rust-resistant paint. The roof may have once carried a vinyl top, and if so it would have been removed and painted white instead. Although the back seat looks good, the seller confirms the rest of the interior is rough and will need attention unless you’re good with pullover seat covers and faded carpeting.
A video of the car is provided by the seller for your review. It shows the car languishing in the woods for who knows how long. Since this is not a Swinger 340, pristine examples are not likely to be worth more than $10-15,000. So, if you decide to restore this car, your margin before becoming upside down is maybe $10,000 at the current bid level. Or you could just do as the seller has done and use it as a $3,000 driver.
$3,000 is just about what it cost new.
My friend had a 72 in high school. Had a masdive hole on the passenger floor pan.
You had to put your feet on the dash when it was raining or snowing. It drove her faithfully to school and then college every day for four years until the rear shocks went through the trunk upon hitting a large pothole. At that point her dad felt it wasn’t worth the body work to fix it. The slant six was running strong as it went to the salvage yard. Lots of good times riding around in that Swinger.
At 160K miles, the slant six does not need to be taken apart. She has at least 100 grand more miles in her. One of my Dad’s last cars was a slant six, he put 272,000 miles on her. Neither the engine or TF were ever apart. The car drove itself to the wrecking hard . The only reason it had to meet its maker was because the body rotted away around the mighty drive train. SS have soul, you can’t ever take that away. I bet in Heaven Dad is driving that car again, or maybe one of his flat head Plymouths. Dad knew what he liked. I miss my Dad.
Dodge got very jealous of the success of the Duster and demanded a version of their own so Plymouth got a 2 door hardtop Valiant to sell. Pretty weird this one was ordered with A/C but no pwr brakes. Car is missing head rests.
You can’t beat the old slant sixes for durability!!
Have a ’74 Swinger that I paid $1600 for 5 years ago. Has a six and no mechanical issues. Still needs some cosmetic work for rust at the usual locations. Dependable running car.
I had a 72 Scamp with a 318 in it brown body Brown body with a white roof
I had a 72 Swinger with the 318 put around 50,000 miles on it and sold it to my Mom she drove the wheels off it but the 318 never gave her problems.
SOLD for $3,500.