Fresh Paint and a Rebuilt 318: 1971 Dodge Dart Swinger
Some enthusiasts are unable to tackle a full-blown restoration, but long to find a classic that allows scope for them to make their mark. That is the opportunity offered by this 1971 Dodge Dart Swinger. The hard work is done courtesy of the fresh paint and rebuilt mechanical components. However, there is a chance for someone to add the finishing touches that would personalize the ride and guarantee it will earn heads. If you feel tempted, perhaps you need to read on.
Dodge’s Fourth Generation Dart range enjoyed an extraordinarily long production life, remaining available from 1967 until 1976. The company didn’t let the dust settle, performing annual upgrades that kept the range surprisingly fresh. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1971, and its presentation is impressive following a recent repaint. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the Medium Green Metallic is the original shade, but if it has undergone a color change, the process was pretty thorough. However, there are visual clues suggesting that it is the factory color. It shines as richly as you would rightly expect, cloaking panels that are as straight as an arrow. Unsurprisingly, there is no evidence of rust or other issues that might cause sleepless nights, because this garage-kept Dodge spent most of its life thriving in sunny and dry California. The trim and glass look excellent, while the Black wheels and chrome lug nuts add a sense of purpose.
The seller’s spending spree didn’t end with the exterior refresh, because they lavished a similar amount of attention on its drivetrain. This car features a 318ci V8, a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission, and power steering. The seller rebuilt the V8, fitting new rings and bearings to an engine block that has never been bored or decked. That means it should churn out at least the 230hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque that the first owner had at their command. Those ponies feed effectively to the road because the A-727 is also freshly rebuilt. The seller doesn’t indicate what the process cost, but they hold invoices verifying the work. Potential buyers shouldn’t need to spend a dime. They can slip behind the wheel and hit the road in a car that should provide excellent performance.
The interior is something of a mixed bag, and this is where the new owner could make their mark. The seller recently replaced the carpet and headliner, swapping in the seats from another Dart parked in their workshop. That means there is a mismatch between the seats and the original door trims. Some people would live with the difference, but others might consider a retrim for consistency. The dashpad is cracked, and the wheel center and radio are missing. The first owner ordered the Dart with air conditioning, which is missing a few parts. So, as you can see, the interior provides plenty of opportunities for the buyer to make their mark on this beauty.
The big decision awaiting the new owner of this 1971 Dodge Dart Swinger is how to apply the finishing touches. Many will feel that the mismatched interior trim would need to go, and sourcing a radio and the required components to return the A/C to a working state would seem a no-brainer. There are other options available, allowing the buyer to personalize this classic. The seller listed the Dart here on eBay in Harvard, Illinois. Three bids have left the price below the reserve at a mere $2,550, but there is plenty of auction time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim. Does this Dart tick the boxes for you? If so, how would you finish it?
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Comments
A “Swinger”,,,for swingin’, or so it would seem. Swinging”, in the 70s, could be described as having fun, someone who likes to party, however, has a much more sinister meaning, like shenanigans that may trip the BFs filter. I talk about “gateway” cars, meaning a clear path to the next step, the big block whatever,. This is where all that got started.
I hope folks don’t mind my “plausible” stories, and the MSRP new is kind of a hobby of mine. Whoever ordered this car did NOT have the kind of Christmas trees I have in mind. This was Auntie Gladys car. It cost folks like her right around $2550 bucks for the 6. Another $50 for the V8 and she didn’t get much else. Did get P/S, no P/B though, a measly $39 option. The A/C might be aftermarket? Never saw a Dart with A/C up nort’. These cars were never popular as Auntie Gladys’ car. Most I came across were 2nd or 3rd owners, and were cheap, possibly given away to the nephew. The Dodge Dart was incredibly popular, as I read Dodge sold an amazing 102,480 Swingers. The Dart comprised over 30% of Dodge sales.
So, like all these, where are they all now? Being a “gateway” car, and gotten cheap, was a recipe for, well, not many made it. I still wonder how these ever did. Great find.
Bla green and black wheels doesn’t do anything for me but the power train does. If the evaporator is complete under the dash then the condenser and compressor under the hood should be easy to install.
GM man my whole life but I love these.
They look… purposeful. Body lines like a tumbled brick. They look best in appliance white, IMHO.
Before I married my wife, she had one of these. It was embarrassing! Teenagers would mock it at stop lights it looked so out of date compared to other cars at the time. I quickly traded it.
Heater hoses not connected. Not an expensive fix if the core is bad. Nice cheap project
My parents had a 71 four door with 318. It ran really well was impressed by the one-wheel burnout it would do.
Just a minor thing, but does anyone know if those bumper overriders were factory equipment is 1971? I know that they were mandatory on ’73 and higher due to increased crash standards.
I think the car looks cleaner without them, and if they don’t belong, I would take them off.
I like it! Fix the A/C, reupholster the front seat to match the interior, put an aftermarket stereo in it, and drive it! Maybe swap out the bench seat for a pair of bucket seats if you’re feeling frisky, along with a set of period correct alloy wheels, ditto, and add a console as a finishing touch, but it won’t take much to whip this bad boy back into fighting shape!
Another one that says leave me alone and just drive me.
I’d take it as it is and enjoy it daily.
That black seats work for me as does the lack of AC, just roll down the windows.
V-8 is in place, tranny rebuilt, steel wheels with chrome lugnuts … what’s not to like? Though if it had a 4 spd, oh boy.
Overall physical dimensions are perfect as well. I’ll never understand the American mind set the says bigger is better.
The only thing I’d do is upgrade the front brakes to discs and beef up the suspension front and rear. Then, as they say, drive it like ya stole it!
There’s something endearing to me about these cars. Maybe it’s the simple shape and the attractive front and rear styling. Or, it could be that it’s the only compact hardtop coupe of the era. Eighty-six the air, fix the heat and install some tunes. You’re ready for the road.
Looking at the paint color I suddenly have a taste for avocado toast. Man that color was everywhere back then. I would leave the seats alone. Too much green otherwise, or black buckets maybe. I agree with some of the comments here on the car’s styling. Those crisp lines compared to the blobs today look fresh.