The seller of this 1973 Dodge Dart Swinger – in the proper 1970s shade of Dark Green Metallic with a black vinyl roof, setting off the blackwall tires and full wheelcovers – says that it “starts, runs, and drives reliably.” The Mad Max-style “impact-absorbing” front bumper looks like it would come out on top while doing battle with a Suburban. Thanks to Mitchell G. for the tip!
We’ve seen five 1973 Dodge Dart Swingers here on Barn Finds, which is a little surprising, it sure seems like there should be more in the archives than that. Russ showed us a somewhat similar but really nice one for 50% more cash than the seller is asking for this example. It’s hard to argue with the cosmetic condition of the body on this car, at least from what we can make out from the photos. It looks like there are a couple of chips in the left front fender but I don’t see much else of concern, do you?
The seller does say that there is older bodywork behind the rear wheel well openings, which is a pretty common thing for this era of the Dodge Dart, or really for any car from 1973 that isn’t from the Southwest or Pacific Northwest. They say that the floors and trunk floor are solid so that’s good. The frame, or partial frame that is under this era of the Dart is the biggest wildcard. We don’t see any underside photos but I’d want to peek under there.
The first thing that catches my eye is the unusual color of the vinyl seats. Both front and back have been redone in this bright green that doesn’t really match anything else in this car so I’m not sure what’s going on there. I’d have to redo that, but at least they appear to be in nice condition. A common issue with padded dashes is the area by the speaker holes on top. This one doesn’t appear to have speaker holes punched in the top of the dash, but it’s in tough shape nonetheless, but no fear, the seller has another dash that comes with the sale.
The engine is the famous 225-cu.in. OHV slant-six, which in 1973 would have had 105 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque when new. Sending power through a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission to the rear wheels, we already know this one runs and operates well, and as a fancy tough, this car has power steering. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Buckingham, Pennsylvania and they’re asking $6,950. Here is the original listing. Hagerty is at $8,000 for a #4 good-condition car, how much is this one worth?
I think Hagerty is optimistic when it says a #4 1973 Dodge Dart Swinger with a 6 cylinder is worth $8,000. Nearly 3 weeks on the market within easy driving distance of several million people suggests that the asking price of $6,950 isn’t particularly appealing either.
Steve R
It’s a boring slant 6 with no A/C, that probably has something to do with it.
My first car was a 1973 Dodge Dart Swinger two door with a 318 V8 auto. Exterior was a butter scotch yellow with a green interior and green vinyl top (seventies colors LoL). No A/C or power brakes but did have power steering. Great entry car for a seventeen year old back in the day.
Time for a little “Spacegrass”
A 1973 car with “Antique Vehicle” on the plates hit me hard. Guess at 68 I just realized something. 😁 These cars were known for the leaf springs coming thru the trunk. That’s probably the reference Scotty made. A girlfriend waaaay back in college had one that did that. Time 4 a nap.
“The leaning tower of power”, just put a TorqStorm super charger on it and then you would have something really really cool at cars and coffee. The slant 6 is pretty robust and can easily take the extra power not to mention it would surprise a lot of folks light to light.
Starting at $3,000, plus carb, manifold, and ignition at a minimum. Why spend that much on this car. Start with something pristine or more interesting.
Steve R
I had a blue one years ago it was dependable my biggest complaint was the gasket where the windshield wipers poked through needed replacement and would drip water on my feet
Looks like a OK driver for $5000. If you put that TorqStorm super charger on it count on another $5000.