Vehicle Description
Being an auto enthusiast and having a great understanding of how
concepts influence production goes hand in hand. Ask any major auto
exec and they'll tell you that concept cars and design studies are
the ideal artistic embodiment of how corporations want their brands
to be perceived. Fortunately, some of those concepts make their way
to production virtually untainted by ergonomics, economics and
regulations. And very rarely, the literal concept itself survives
generations of storage, leadership change and corporate purge to
find its way into the care of adoring collectors. In 1969, a
sanguine Chrysler Corporation introduced the Dodge Dart Swinger 340
concept to preview the newest addition to their growing roster of
legendary muscle cars. After decades lost in the abyss, the car
joined the very private and exceptionally exclusive Steven Juliano
Collection. And today, fully restored to original condition with
New Old Stock parts, it represents the ultimate opportunity for the
ultimate MoPar enthusiast to experience one of the purist Dodges in
existence! Are you a serious collector who's looking for an
historic, one-of-a-kind classic? Here's your chance to own one of
the coolest muscle cars of all time!
BULLSEYE
Looking to toss their entry-level Dart into the bullseye of the
muscle car wars, Dodge decided to create a new model that would be
too tempting for consumers to pass up. Less extreme than the famed
Hemi Darts of 1968, and less content-heavy than the brand's newly
introduced Challenger pony car, the Dart Swinger would, in essence,
be a fun way to introduce the brand to new buyers. The Swinger name
was eventually applied to almost all Dart hardtop models and, like
every MoPar of the era, would feature a full catalog of great
colors and cool striping options. The only thing the division
needed was a flashy way to introduce their newest offering to the
public. Enter this beast: the Dodge Dart Swinger 340 concept.
Developed by Chrysler and built by Detroit's own Alexander Brothers
Custom Shop, this classic was officially introduced at the 1969
Chicago Auto Show and, like its kin the Rapid Transit quartet,
eventually wowed spectators on a publicity tour across America.
The sad thing about concept cars is they tend to literally embody
the principle of 15 minutes of fame. Once the spotlight fades,
these mavens usually suffer the fate of being stored indefinitely,
getting scrapped immediately or, worse yet, being totally
forgotten. The logic is simple: concepts, especially concepts
assembled in corporate studios, are generally purpose-built show
cars that pay no mind to usability. In fact, concept cars are often
so compromised that any sell to the public would be a liability for
their parent corporation. Not so with the Dart Swinger 340 concept!
Being a largely cosmetic creation that was one of over 60 customs
assembled by a reputable automotive shop, this Dart has always been
fully functional and fully streetable. So, after disappearing for
quite a while, it found its way to legendary MoPar collector Steven
Juliano. Juliano, in his typical style, restored the car using 100%
original and NOS components. And today, this classic rolls as a
stunning tribute to everything great about vintage Detroit
muscle!
There's just something inherently cool about late 1960s Detroit
metal. It's almost as if the Big Three had struck a perfect balance
between the lavish, hand-tailored designs of the late 1950s and the
ubiquitous, content-driven designs of the early 1970s. That
resulted in cars that were equal parts style, power AND presence.
At the front of this clean coupe, a broad bumper frames a deep,
Charger-style grille, which hangs ornate driving lamps between
square Cibie headlights. Behind that grille, a pinned hood centers
a jet-inspired 'triclops' scoop in front of a filled cowl that's
been relieved of its wiper arms. Behind that cowl, a chopped
greenhouse reflects painted mirrors, which cap slick doors that
stack frameless glass on custom inboard handles. A requisite
Chrysler Pentastar floats on a clean hull that's decorated with
small markers and a familiar Flip-Top Fuel Filler. Dodge's
customary Bumble Bee Stripe looks great leading a molded steel
spoiler that, judging by its weight, custom shop build history and
intricate restoration, has been traditionally leaded in. And at the
back of the car, a second broad bumper splits the difference
between polished exhaust tips and a custom, Charger-inspired
valance.
PROVEN 340
Lift this coupe's long hood and you'll find Chrysler's stalwart,
340 cubic inch LA V8 that, while generally underappreciated, was
versatile enough to serve as the corporation's big motor backbone
for over three decades! At the top of the bright blue block, a
correct Carter 4-barrel drops wind from a dressed air cleaner into
a factory Chrysler intake. At the sides of that intake, stamped
steel valve covers cap original 340 heads and restored, cast iron
exhaust manifolds. Behind those tubes, a factory-spec distributor
sequences spark through eight Chrysler Electronic Suppression
Cables. A Chrysler-branded radiator circulates coolant through
pliable hoses and old school squeeze clamps. Overall, the car's
crisp engine bay presents well, complementing traditional Satin
Black paint with righteous Metallic Maroon fender and cowl trim.
And, despite its lack of blades, this Dart still maintains a
factory wiper motor and an old school Chrysler washer
reservoir.
READY TO ROLL
Since this custom is founded on legit Dodge production cars,
factory functionally was baked in from the start. Behind the proven
LA block, a tough A833 4-speed spins power to a predictable
8.75-inch rear axle. That third-member pushes a reliable factory
suspension that's been professionally restored all the way down to
its Cosmoline-look torsion bars. Turns come courtesy of factory
power steering. Solid stops are provided by power-assisted,
factory-spec drums. Aluminized pipes employ throaty Chrysler
mufflers. And momentum comes courtesy of D70-14 Goodyear Wide Tread
GTs, which spin sporty white letters around slotted Ansen
Sprints.
BUILT TO BE TIMELESS
Open the doors and a traditional vinyl cockpit proves that modern
doesn't always mean better. The first thing you'll notice is tall
bucket seats, which were swapped for a split-bench set-up in
production Swingers. Opposite those mitts, a tasteful dash hangs
factory telemetry above a one-off radio delete. Fade-free carpet
centers a long Hurst shifter between pristine side panels and a
tight headliner. And the driver spins a requisite Chrysler Rallye
Wheel.
A literal example of the unbridled swagger that fueled the rise of
American performance, the Dodge Dart Swinger 340 concept is a truly
one-of-a-kind tribute to the golden age of muscle cars! More
importantly, it's pure, uncompromised preservation of one of
Detroit's greatest style and technology leaders. Don't miss your
chance to own this superb piece of automotive history!
HIGHLIGHTS
Authentic, 1 of 1 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 concept car that debuted
at the 1969 Chicago Auto Show
Formerly a part of the Steven Juliano Collection
Restored using 100% original and New Old Stock parts while in the
Steven Juliano Collection
340 cubic inch Chrysler LA V8
Chrysler A833 4-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter
Chrysler 8.75-inch rear axle
Factory power steering
Factory 4-wheel power drum brakes
Factory Black vinyl interior with Chrysler bucket seats and a
Chrysler Rallye Wheel
Candy-look Metallic...for more information please contact the
seller.