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Upgraded 340: 1971 Dodge Dart Swinger

This 1971 Dodge Dart Swinger has led quite a life. Not only does it wear a different paint color, but its engine bay has undergone some significant upgrades that should unleash welcome performance improvements. It is a solid and clean classic that runs and drives well, although there are a couple of minor jobs that the buyer might choose to tackle to lift it to the next level. If you feel up to that challenge, you will find the Swinger located in Williamstown, New Jersey, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding currently stands at $13,600, but this figure is short of the reserve.

There’s a bit to consider with this Demon. It wears what appears to be Bright White paint, but this isn’t the original shade to grace these panels. Someone has performed a color change in the past, and they’ve been pretty thorough in this process. Scrutinizing the photos reveals no evidence of the car’s original X9 Black paint. The White shines nicely, and I can’t see any flaws which might justify a further cosmetic refresh. The panels are straight and free from any dings or dents, but the best news for potential buyers comes when we discuss the ever-present question of rust. The owner admits there is a small spot appearing on the passenger side rocker, plus another in the lower quarter panel on the same side. Both are visible in the above photo, and it seems that addressing them would be possible with some well-crafted patches. Beyond that, this classic remains completely rust-free. That is excellent news, especially for potential buyers who aren’t confident about taking to any car with a grinder and welder. Otherwise, the trim appears to be in excellent condition, and I can’t spot any flaws in the glass.

When we turn our attention to this Dart’s interior, we find that the owner has added a column-mounted tachometer, a Kenwood radio/cassette player, a sports wheel, and a new shifter. Beyond those changes, it looks pretty standard and unmolested. Its condition is also impressive, and I suspect that the buyer won’t need to splash much cash inside this classic. The upholstered surfaces are in good order, as are the dash, pad, and carpet. Apart from the aftermarket additions previously mentioned, the original owner didn’t load the inside of this Dart with luxury extras. If you want air conditioning or power assistance for the windows or locks, you’ve come to the wrong place.

This shot is indicative of the state of this Dodge’s underside and should provide reassurance for interested parties. The owner doesn’t supply any engine photos, but he does provide plenty of details in his listing text. There is one small point of confusion because he indicates that this car rolled off the line equipped with a 318ci V8 and a manual transmission. However, decoding the VIN shows that the original motor was a 225ci slant-six. Regardless of the truth, that engine is now a thing of the past. If we could see under the hood, we’d find a 340ci V8 that is equipped with “X” heads, an upgraded cam and lifters, aftermarket headers, and a dual exhaust with Flowmasters. A real Demon 340 would be churning out 275hp, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that figure were higher with this motor. Rounding out the drivetrain are a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and an 8¾” rear end. For interested parties, don’t be fooled by the fact that this Demon sits on a trailer. The seller says that it runs, drives, and stops extremely well. If the buyer wants to hit the road immediately, it seems that this classic is ready to oblige.

For purists, this 1971 Dart Demon will not be the most appealing vehicle we have featured here at Barn Finds. However, for someone seeking a solid and tidy driver-quality classic that they can enjoy without the stress of preserving and protecting a numbers-matching survivor, it could be a strong candidate. It has already attracted 22 bids, suggesting that there are enthusiasts who like what they see. The owner says that the reserve is realistic, so it will be interesting to watch the auction to see when (or if) the reserve is met. You never know, but if the figure is low enough, you might find yourself tempted to submit a sneaky bid so that you can take it home.

Comments

  1. Avatar DrillnFill

    I find it strange that someone who races cars (he says they blew a race motor and need an enclosed trailer in the eBay ad) did not include a single photo of the engine. Maybe not suspicious, but strange to me at least. That’s the first thing I would want to see.
    Perhaps they didn’t paint the engine compartment to match when they changed the color over- it should be white too.
    Nice Demon for someone who’s not a Mopar purist

    Like 14
  2. Avatar Stan

    Shoulda kept the manual transmission for that great hi winding 340. An all time practical and strong motor for street and strip

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Terrry

    Am I missing something? This is a Dart Demon, not a Swinger. The Swinger had the conventional Dart 2-door notchback body with slightly upgraded interior and graphics.

    Like 11
    • Avatar bone

      You are correct its not a Swinger ,its a Dodge Demon . They didn’t call it a Dart Demon . The Duster was called a Valiant Duster in its first year , but a Duster after that

      Like 5
      • Avatar john vititoe

        Fires how do we know it is a true Demon it just might be wearing that badge, all dressed up and nowhere to go.

        Like 1
      • Avatar jrmedsel

        @ John Vetitoe: In 1971 and 1972, all cars with this body were called a “Demon”, as a separate model that was based on the Dart chassis. But after religious zealots complained about the demonic connotation, Dodge changed the name to “Dart Sport.” (in the same way that the first Mustangs were based on a Falcon chassis — but who calls them “Falcon Mustangs…?”

        Perhaps this is the first instance of society attempting to be politically correct, and missing the point.

        Like 3
    • Avatar AnthonyD

      The writer apparently needs to google Dart Swinger and Demon. They are two different models. This is a Demon…later changed to Sport.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Joe

    I thought Swinger and Demon were differentiated be trunk and fastback respectively.

    Like 1
    • Avatar AnthonyD

      They were two different body styles…two different Dodge models. The heading is wrong…the question is why.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar dogwater

    This things are in the car world at the bottom with star fish why would someone want to put any money in to it day gone by;;;;;;;;

    Like 0
    • Avatar MoPar Mike

      Then why are you even here dogwater? This website exists because of people with a passion for things from as you would say “day gone by.”

      Like 2
  6. Avatar erik johnston

    Thats a clean car with a big following. Too bad for the color change and the manual removed.unjoy your dogwater. Its clouded your perspective.

    Like 4

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