4-Speed Project: 1975 Dodge Dart Sport 360
The Dart Sport was Dodge’s version of the Plymouth Duster fastback. It started in 1971 as the Demon, but that name was later deemed to be politically incorrect, so it became the Dart Sport in 1973. This 1975 edition appears to have been outside for a time in the sun, soaking up some patina in the process. We don’t know if it runs, but it does have a 360 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed manual. Ready for restoration in Pleasanton, California, this Dodge is available here on craigslist for $6,900.
Dodge used the Dart name for several products beginning in 1959. At first, it was a full-size car, then a compact from 1963-76, and finally as a derivative of a Fiat from 2012-16. The automobile would have its greatest sales success between 1967-76 as Dodge’s companion to the Plymouth Valiant. The latter car was deemed a bit boring, so Chrysler created a 2-door fastback version in 1970 that sold like hotcakes, appealing to a more youthful buyer. Dodge clamored for and got its version of the car in 1971. Later called the Dart Sport, the cars would be little changed through 1976 when the Dodge Aspen replaced it.
The Demon 340 (later Dart Sport 340) was the budget-minded, performance edition of the car auto and could kick up a fair amount of dust. The 340 small block was replaced after 1973 with a 360 which some fans of the cars don’t believe was an improvement. Other than some grill changes and bigger bumper extensions, the vehicles didn’t change much physically before their day was done. During 1975 and the fallout period from the OPEC oil embargo, Dodge built 28,391 Dart Sports in the U.S. with the Slant Six. Another 8,801 were V8 models, which would be a mix of both the 318 and 360 engines.
Little information is provided about the seller’s car. It’s said to be a barn find with 34,000 miles on the odometer (or 134,000?). While no corrosion is noted, the upward-facing surfaces of the Dodge are loaded with surface rust. The green paint is past its prime and a half-vinyl top looks to have been present once but Mother Nature has since liberated it. The 360 is partnered with a 4-speed with no indication if getting it running again will be a big or small challenge. The condition of the interior is unknown. Hagerty says that the top dollar for one of these cars is just $18,000 (the earlier 340s fetch more).
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Comments
High ask for a fair amount of work needed, and no shots of the insides either?
Yeah, not cheap but it is very solid looking and has a kinda cool drivetrain. I don’t like green that much, but I would buy this & put it back to original. Could be a neat car.
Not 1 person alive would rather have a 360 in their car over a 340.
Oh I don’t know. Made sense at the time. The 340 had already lost much of its luster due to emissions anyway. The extra 20 CIs and a milder cam made for more low end pull and a smoother running engine. Just the thing for low octane unleaded gas and the well enforced 55MPH speed limit. Remember, by the mid 70s, high test gas was becoming hard to come by. For more regular driving, the 360 made much more sense. A 318 even more so. Always a 225 fan, but by 1975 they were so bogged down they were almost undrivable.
I’ll bite: I’m that one person.
By 1973, the once vaunted 340-4 Barrel was a shadow of itself, having lost the Forged Steel Crankshaft and the 2.02” intake valves for a cast crankshaft and 1.88” intake valves. 20 cubic inches (of mostly stroke) helped make up that difference and cubic inches are hard to beat. The Electronic Ignition and 750 cfm Thermo-Quad also added to the performance and drive-ability.
My only questions are: 1) With this car coming from California and being a 1975, is this a dual
Catalytic Converter car? And and deod this car have the “Space-Maker” package, with the fold down rear seat? Inquiring minds NEED to know.
Jake you and Gary both make a reasonable case.
With .. evidence.
🍻👍
Smog motor? I wonder if all of that could be removed to make it breath better with a new carb and headers?
Sure, all you need are the 2.02 340 heads, good springs, Mopar purple cam, Thermoquad, or aftermarket manifold, matching carb, and a recurved distibutor. Then it would run. Still wouldn’t have the 10.5 to 1 pistons, double roller timing chain, windage tray, and dual point distributor that was stock on my 69 340 GTS 4 speed.
Then you could upgrade the rest of the drivetrain after parts started to break. LOL.
God, I wish I still had that car.
Had a Dart Sport, a 74. 225/6 with a three on the floor and buckets. Really nice car for the era. B5 Blue and spiffy wheel covers too! Got 26 MPG once on a road trip.
Talked with the owner this past Thursday and he said he is receiving so many calls on the car. He said he purchased (6) cars, most likely due to an estate sale or property type sale. He said the Dart has a fuel issue and may just need a filter. Asked for some interior pics and have not heard back. I’m guessing he is selling everything he just acquired.
Please Sirius cash buyers only…lol So only people that work for the satellite radio company can buy it?
Russ. You say the word Demon was deemed politically incorrect almost 50 years ago, hence it was changed to Dart Sport. Dodge brought the name back with the Challenger a few years ago. Nobody said boo.
A lot has changed in 50 years ; hey ,at one time you couldn’t swear on TV, now it seems like a requirement .
I think you nailed everything on the list that made the ’71 and earlier 340s so much better than the 360s that came later. I’m in the camp that the 340 was and is still superior by any measure.
But don’t torture yourself. Every one of us that owned a 67 – 70 Swinger or GTS with a 340 and a 4 speed wishes they still did!
The post is gone so it must have sold. This sounded like a good deal, a factory 4-speed/v-8 car of any make would be rare. Doesn’t look like it would take much work to have this clean Mopar at the local car show this Spring and Summer! This would be a fun car grabbing gears around town!
I am the owner of this car it actually starts up and runs. I had a fuel pump replaced.
I know I’m a little late to post… looked at listing before. NO 360’s were built with 4 speeds in cars after 1974. 1975 Sport 360 wouldn’t have catalytic converters… only came with dual exhaust and air pump. 1975 was last year Duster/Sport w/360 was available in California. 1976 was 49 state and Canada only. I think someone installed 360 or added 360 intake and air cleaner to 318 car. The air cleaner is a B body unit and is installed backwards. I’d venture to say the fender tag reads E44,D21. Unless it was originally a 3 spd and would be D23
Ricky, new owner, I know a lot about that car. Get in touch with me if you have any questions. Jim
Jim,
I am the new owner of the car and I wonder if you could get in touch with me. I have a couple questions.
Moderators, can you send Chris my email?