Vehicle Description
1971 Dodge Dart Swinger
The Dart was totally refreshed for 1970 with front and rear design
changes to bring the car closer to the design themes found in
Dodge's full-size vehicles. This was achieved through grille and
contour changes. In the rear, the Dart's new rectangular tail lamps
were set into a wedge-shaped rear bumper. The Dart convertible was
discontinued along with the optional 383ci big block, leaving the
340 4-bbl as the top Dart engine. The 1971 Dart received new
smaller quad tail lamps that would be used through 1973. The
Swinger 340 was replaced in 1971 by the Demon 340. Changes for 1972
included a revised grill without the central divider of the 1970-71
item, new surface-mounted side marker lamps rather than the
previous flush-mount units, a new instrument cluster featuring a
large rectangular speedometer, and the AM/FM radio option returned
to the Dart line.
For consignment, a Medium Green repainted Dodge Dart Swinger in
nice condition. Nice enough to drive as is or take to the next
level and have a real showstopper with an upgrade from the lowly 6
cylinder leaning tower of power to a now 360ci V8 and recovered
correct but non-original bucket seats.
Exterior
Medium Green Metallic, a respray, covers rust free straight panels
for this machine. It is all looking factory from the grille to the
rally wheels, to the twin scooped hood. We can see a few runs in
the paint on the vertical surfaces, inclusions in the paint on
nearly every panel and the remnants of unremoved adhesive on the
roof from the former vinyl top. Dual hood scoops also in Medium
Green Metallic adorn the hood, which cozies up to the front glass,
which is all surrounded by beautiful shiny stainless trim, as is
all glass for this cabin cover, but we note a missing piece of trim
at the top left of the windshield. Badging placement, comes to a
roost on the rear of the front fenders just in front of the doors
and a thin chrome trimmed black vinyl beltline breaks up the sea of
green. A body colored gas cap, and inset tail lighting into the
rear bumper add to the buttoned up look, and just below are dual
exhaust tips peeking out from under the bumper. A shout out to the
curvature of the rear glass which also adds to the Swinger for 1971
look. 14-inch Mopar rally wheels are on all 4 corners and are
looking great with polished trim rings and OWL radials. A swinger
with looks that sting...read on!!
Interior
As we open the doors to slip inside, we shake hands with plenty of
vertical tuck and roll insert panels among smooth green vinyl
framing for the outside of the door panels. A shiny door actuator
is attached to a dark green armrest, along with a window crank and
chromed mirror joystick. Some wrinkling is evident on the lower
section of the vinyl panel, creating an egg crate pattern. Sleek
high back buckets with the mixture of black tuck and roll and
smooth pine green tweed looking nearly perfect flanking the black
carpeted center hump. The metal inward V shaped dash is painted
green with the new for '71 instrument cluster and wood applique
that sweeps across the front top of the dash just below the green
padded topper. Dash center holds the chrome slides for the heater
as well as an AM/FM/Cassette stereo. Just below are a trio of
aftermarket gauges. For the back bench, more tuck and roll black
inserts and smooth pine tweed stretches across and these interior
chairs are floating in a sea of clean black carpeting. This car
will make others green with envy.
Drivetrain
Underneath the hood in a restored but patina showing medium green
engine bay, is a nicely presenting but not original 360ci V8. There
is a gleaming 4-barrel Edelbrock carburetor and aluminum intake
manifold atop, covered by an open chromed air filter cover. Chrome
valve coverings are noted, and on back a A727 3-speed automatic
transmission resides. For the rear axle, the original 7 1/4 inches
with an unknown ratio spins the tires.
Undercarriage
All looking good down below with factory undercoated flooring and
unibody with a mix of surface rust thrown in for good measure, but
all remaining strong and solid. Independent torsion bar front
suspension, and leaf spring for the rear, along with drum brakes in
front and back. Headers and a Turbo muffler system is in dual form
and snaking its way rearward.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, smooth runner and great accelerator. The interior
is as comfy as it is flawless, and all functions were working
perfectly. Nice handling and quick stopping bias free braking was
at hand for this test drive.
Overall a nice and not oft seen version of the 1971 Dart Swinger. A
driver quality repaint on a solid body, an engine upgrade and we
are in ready to rock and roll territory. Check it out because if
you monkey around too long, you'll miss out on your chance to swing
around town with your very own Swinger.
VIN DECODE
LH23C1R204898
L-Dodge Dart
H-High Price Class
23-2 Door Hardtop
C-225ci Slant 6 Cylinder
1-1971
R-Windsor, Ontario, Canada Assy Plant
204898-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
