Cars like this 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 used the idea that less weight was the same as more horsepower, creating a segment of small performers that packed a big punch.
Clean Arizona car. Numbers on engine match VIN. Older repaint in very good condition, beautiful original interior. Runs and drives very well. Nicely documented. An affordable piece of Mopar muscle with a great pedigree!
A well-driven Dart with a small block was probably a formidable performer in 1969. Cars like this 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 used the idea that less weight was the same as more horsepower, creating a segment of small performers that packed a big punch. Having spent the first half of its life in Arizona, this particular Dart is quite solid and wears all its original sheetmetal underneath the handsome yellow paint job. Of course, after being in the hot Arizona sun for all those years, it was due for a refresh, so when it came east about 20 years ago, it was treated to a repaint in the original color combination. Correct black bumblebee stripes were applied to give it a bit of attitude, and the result is a handsome car that fits together nicely. Panel gaps are pretty much where the factory left them in 1969, so the doors close with a satisfying sound and the hood snaps closed without a big slam. Yes, after 20 years there are some minor touch-ups here and there, but nothing that detracts from the all-business look of the Dart. All the chrome and stainless trim is original, too, some of it polished but all of it in good condition. You’ll note the ‘340’ emblems on the hood are showing their age, but that’s just about the only part that suggests this car is approaching its 60th birthday.
We believe the interior is mostly original and in excellent condition for its age. Of course, the bargain-priced Swinger was bare-bones inside, so you got a wide bench seat with pleated upholstery, a basic set of instruments, and an AM radio in the dash. This one has been upgraded with a Grant GT steering wheel that looks right, as well as a trio of auxiliary gauges under the dash to monitor the engine’s vitals a bit better than the factory setup. The carpets might be replacements, since they’re just too nice to be original, and the same goes for the headliner, but the rest appears to be OEM ChryCo stuff. There’s a bit of age on the instrument panel bezel, but the lights, signals, and other important stuff works like it should, although the turn signals sometimes activate when you turn the steering wheel. And the nice thing about the Dart is that there’s still plenty of room inside: the back seat is big enough for real-sized adults and there’s a massive trunk outfitted with a correct plaid mat, jack assembly in the quarter panel, and a spare tire underneath.
The 340 cubic inch V8 under the hood appears to be the original powerplant, as the numbers stamped on the pan rail match the car’s VIN. It also carries a correct EW340R stamp, indicating a 1969 340. The bright blue engine looks nicely detailed sitting in the yellow engine bay, and it runs great with easy starts, a rumbling V8 idle, and plenty of punch out on the road. There’s a 4-barrel carburetor underneath the original air cleaner assembly, which proudly advertises that this is a performance version of the 340. Other details include a set of Mopar Performance finned valve covers, a big radiator, a recent master cylinder, and an aftermarket electronic ignition system. There’s plenty of punch on tap at almost any speed, making the Dart a lot of fun to drive, and the 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission is a willing and eager partner. 3.23 gears out back are a nice choice, making for easy highway cruising. The undercarriage is not restored and shiny, but you can see that this car lived in a dry climate and nothing is hidden so there will be no surprises later. Newer shocks help with ride quality, and there’s a clean gas tank out back. Staggered Rallye wheels are a cool choice that look right, and they carry 225/70/14 front and 245/60/15 rear white-letter radials.
Documentation includes the original Chrysler Corporation broadcast sheet, original owner’s manual, and receipts for recent service work.
Back in 1969, the Dodge Dart was an affordable way to get a cool fast car, and that remains true today. It’s basic, yes, but that’s part of the appeal. The go-fast hardware is robust, this car has a good pedigree, and after living in the desert, it hasn’t been patched or welded. We think that still adds up to a lot of car for the money. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
