I’ve always had a “thing” for fourth-generation (’67-’76) Dodge Darts, such as this 1972 example. I prefer the first three years, styling and power-wise, but the simplicity of design and basic, clean styling transcends all ten model years. Today’s discovery, courtesy of Mitchell G., is claimed to be a one-family-owned car with documentation. Located in Seaford, New York (Long Island), this 69 K-mile example is available here on craigslist for $9,500.

Our subject car is said to be a “Swinger” model, which makes sense as that’s the only version of the Dart two-door hardtop offered in ’72. There was, however, a Swinger “Special” as part of the line-up too. Those looking for power would have to opt for the fairly new Demon 340, an A-body model introduced in ’71 and closely related to the Dart. Based on the included documentation, this Dart appears to be a standard, non-special, Swinger, one of 119K assembled that year, while the total Dart output touched 214K units. As for our subject car, there’s nothing like a brown finish and a vinyl top to typify the seventies! If I’m reading the sales contract correctly, the hue is Dark Tan Metallic, and the finish still presents well. The seller tells us that this Dodge spent twenty-eight years in Arizona, and that may explain the comment of  “very little rust.” The body and underside seem too clean for a car that has spent over half a century in New York. Of note is the vinyl top – it’s a replacement.

Old reliable, a 110 net HP, 225 CI, “Slant-Six” engine is under hood and it’s driving the rear wheels via a TorqueFlite, three-speed automatic transmission. The seller makes no mention of running or driving characteristics but does list various parts replacement, including: front and rear suspension, front and rear brakes and hardware, radiator and all hoses, carburetor, and an electronics ignition upgrade.”

Inside, we find a simple black vinyl upholstered bench seat environment that looks better than anticipated, thanks to a new front seat cover. The dash pad shows as being free of splits, but the carpet has faded significantly to something less than black – a minor matter. Good to know is the replacement of the heater core – that’s usually a lousy, time-consuming job. A quick observation shows the speedometer reading 40 MPH while the car is parked with a cover obscuring the windshield – that item will need some attention!

So, what’s remarkable here? Nothing really other than general survivorship. Being a non-performance model of a car whose body wasn’t known for longevity is usually a death sentence for a compact such as this Dart. Clearly, that one family owner cared for this car and went to some effort and expense to keep it sound and maintained – and that’s a nice story. As for the $9,500 price, however, I’m not feelin’ it, how about you?