This California blue plate find is a 1974 Dodge Dart Swinger that was parked 20 years ago in a garage and seemingly forgotten about. Pictures are limited as the Dart wasn’t pulled out for a proper examination, but the seller claims it was running when it went into storage. The Dart is equipped with a 318, and as the seller points out, this is a potentially tempting hot rot build for California residents as the car qualifies as being smog exempt. It could be a great platform for a Swinger 340 replica, too. Find it here on craigslist in Orange County for $1,500, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find.
Cheap is certainly the price point for this Dart, as $1,500 isn’t much cash to buy a two-door Dart that hopefully has no rot given its California location. Though a 318 is no hot rod, it’s a well-loved engine that could likely still bring a few bucks once you prove that it runs and it gets removed to make room for a true performance engine. Of course, there’s no rule stating the 318 has to vacate the premises, especially if you’re seeking a reliable classic that won’t cost much to maintain (and doesn’t consume much at the pump.) It’s hard to tell what’s going on with the bodywork, but the hood looks like it was used for painting practice.
If you want to build a tribute car, may I suggest keeping it OEM+ and going with the Dart 340 as your target? Upgraded factory wheels, the stripes over the rear haunches, and a nicely-built 340 would give this Dart a big-time performance injection all while keeping it in the family. The seller claims the faded paint is yellow, and I love the idea of adding a black bumble bee tail stripe. Of course, I’m no hot rod expert, so how would you choose to revitalize this Dart if you were to drag it out of its long-term parking space? Or would you simply clean up the paint, get the 318 to hum once again, and use it as a sensible, classic driver?
Man, I must be getting old. When I read “parked 20 years ago “ I think 1970s, not 1999-2001.
LOL. My wallet is from 1999 and I think of it as new.
My classic car budget is only $1999.00, my classic car dreams are $19,990.00.
I don’t think the hood was used for painting practice, but the unit is surely somewhere dusty and that’s just accumulation stenciling by life’s detritus, relocated to the roof.
Even with the cheap price of admission, until I could see more pictures of what is being offered, it would definitely be a no go!
Why put a high horse power motor in anything.? When all you can get at the pump is low octane garbage ethanol fuel? That 318 will get that small car down the road really nice. They are tough motors and give you plenty of service. I,d clean it up . Check what needed to be done to it and enjoy it. They were really nice dependable cars, With the price–saying the undercarriage is good, Ther rest of the body is in good shape. Put new tires,brakes system,gas system–about $2-$2,500 and you,d have a really nice car. Alot more car the way it is–then any new or late model one they make now. Wished it was close to me. I,d go look it over and if everything checked out. I,d buy it.