The 1970 Dodge Dart incorporated one significant change regarding engine choices over the previous year’s model, as the option to equip your ’70 Dart Swinger with a 383 was nixed over the company’s apparent concerns that it might interfere with sales of their hot new offering, the Challenger. But you could still get a pair of slant-six motors, a 318 with a 2-barrel, or the very capable 340 including a 4-barrel on top. The latter is what’s under the hood here, so if you’ve been searching for a high-performance Dart this one’s probably worth checking out. The Mopar is in Santa Clara, California, and can be seen here on eBay, with bidding already just beyond the $19k mark and still shy of the reserve.
Even without the availability of a big block, the 1970 Dart Swinger 340 hardtop was quite a fine package, coming from the factory with a pair of functional hood scoops, disc brakes on the front, a 3.23 rear end, and heavy-duty suspension all as standard equipment. The seller mentions his car still retains the original motor and manual transmission and has recently come out of storage that began all the way back in ’82. The stock carburetor has been rebuilt plus a new fuel tank has been installed, with the car’s mileage listed at just under 61,000.
Some areas are said to have received new paint over the years, and from the looks of things outside I’m guessing none of it was recent but the appearance is still pretty decent for a driver, although there are some scratches and dings plus some visible rust on the driver’s side quarter panel. We also get a couple of shots from the undercarriage, and based on the components we can see most things appear to be structurally sound on the bottom side.
I’ve always been a fan of muscular cars with a bench seat and floor shifter, as this combo just seems menacing in a good sort of way, even though I’m not opposed to buckets and a console either. Most of the inside seems to be in excellent condition, with some more good news being a build sheet has been discovered under the rear seat, along with the fender tag present which I wasn’t able to read but just it being there is a plus. This one was a fun concept from the factory and overall still seems OK as a driver or a good candidate for restoration, I’m just curious how much higher the price is going to have to climb before the reserve disappears. What’s a reasonable amount to pay for what we’re seeing here?
$25500 at least for this little project provided that everything is straight underneath-the slightly different colored front fenders in the photos and the dented original gas tank would warrant a look-see with questions IMHO.
Looking at the sellers other items for sale, they were obviously gearheads with interests very much like we BF readers.
Hopefully this sale is just a downsizing thing and not anything more serious.
GLWTA.
Ended at $19,900, Reserve Not Met. That made me wonder what others thought how much more it would be worth.
The one owner history and originality perhaps makes it at 25K car, just needs to find the right buyer.
For “Swingin” people, apparently.
While the 70’s were known as the “Swingin’ 70s”, it generally referred to wife swapping or key parties, but it also was more of a hip term, Dodge capitalized on the era more than anyone else. The Swinger in its present form, was nothing more than grandmas Dart, with a bit of zing. The way it sat, it wasn’t anything to write home about with a standard 3 speed. 0-60 in 6.6sec, and 15.0 1/4 mile times, but Dodge wasn’t stupid, and with some tuning and a 4 speed, 13s were possible. This car sold for $2800 new, and chump change for a car that provided all the fun of the big boys.
Chump change today adjusted for inflation would get you a used extremely hi mileage clearcoat peeling lookalike ugly colorless 4 door no younger single back then would want 2b caught dead in.
Good summary Howard. And this sweetie is just about perfect. Love the taller gear ⚙️ for nicer hwy sojourns 🛣
These were little rockets, Chrysler took the reworked 318 did a hell of a job in the 340. Rated at a factory 275 hp , actually the rumored output was 300-325. I’ve experienced them new. This is a teddy bear, I see good profit here. I’d never sell this one.
New tank & CARB won’t like missing gas cap – forgotten at last gas station visit?
Were these better built & less likely to rust out prematurely than say Dusters?
Same car.
This was the sportiest option in the Dart lineup before the Demon made its appearance in 1971. This begs the question, could you get a Dart Swinger with a 340 “Six Barrel” or was that option only available on the Demon? Similarly, the Plymouth Scamp was the sport coupe version of the Plymouth Valiant, so I ask the same question, could you get a 340 “Six Pack” in the Plymouth Scamp, or did you have to move up to the Duster to get the Six Pack?
Good info Robert. This 340 was so good stock, anything extra was bonus territory. 🙌 🏁
Neither Dusters or Demons or Swinger could be factory ordered with a SixPak, but it was easy to order the OEM parts and install them. That is what I did and it made for a great car.
This is a really nice ride. 3:91’s would really wake it up. Judging by Dusters, it should hit 20K or a bit more.
True Jay, It was an aftermarket set up. I think “Mr. Norm” did it. There was only a hand full done.
You might be thinking of the ’71 Demon GSS with the 340-6, but that wasn’t a factory car, that was a Mr. Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge special.
I always thought the GSS was Grand Spaulding Dodge’s supercharged model . . .
Had a yellow 73 swinger slant 6, automatic,A/C was a very good car wish I still had.
I had the lime green version of this. 340, 4 speed. Great car.
F.Y.I.>> I worked at the Chrysler Canada Windsor assembly from 1967 to 1975. We built many of these and Dusters back then. Played out back with them on the weekend shifts along with the Hemi cars that were brought in for “special tuning” before customer delivery. Fried many a tire off. Wish I still had my ’70 Duster 340 –and my ’72 Roadrunner 400—that we “specially built” for me. Helped and watched both builds from the floorpan up. Some of my best memories. Thanks ..Larry S.
Lucky lucky person!!
I heard of some stories about the drivers who took the cars off the assembly lines.
Terry:
On weekends at the plant, some of us working at the “front end”–the secret area of special tuning–“tried out” some of the cars brought in for that special service which was provided for customers that ordered 440’s and hemi’s. The cars were not removed from the line, they were already completed but sent for tuning before customer delivery. Once finished “tuning”–sometimes tires and speedometers were replaced before the cars left the plant. My 400 Roadrunner was treated to some “tuning”. I had problems with fuel loading up so I was allowed to bring it in extra early one day on the day shift–but not allowed to attend the area–until the end of the day way after my shift. Never told what they did–but the car just flew after that–no problems. I did notice new intake, exhaust, and head gaskets when I got home and looked it over. I really enjoyed my time there! Thanks.
I think the seller should have taken the high bid
Worth every penny all day long !!
Ended at $19,900.00. The market has spoken but the seller wanted more, which I’m not sure will be attainable for this Swinger that still needs work and has rust evident.
How much to buy it please
The car sold for 28k on Craigslist