(Words and Photos by Kaleb Kelley) Mopar A-bodies are quite underrated in the classic car world. It may the desire to be different, but I’ve always had a weakness for these Darts, Scamps and Dusters. In a world where big blocks reigned, the small A-body took on the big dogs stoplight to stoplight with what many believe is one of the best motors Chrysler ever produced, the 340ci LA V8.
This example is an original Dart Swinger 340 that came from the factory in one Mopar’s crazy, straight-out-of-the-70’s colors; Plum Crazy Purple. Plum Crazy was easily one of the most well-known Mopar colors from back in the day. Plum Crazy wasn’t the only wild color they had. Go Mango, Panther Pink, Top Banana, and Citron Yella are just a few that come to mind.
The Swinger 340 package was the top of the line Dart in 1970. With the 275-horsepower 340, Rallye suspension, front disc brakes and a rear bumblebee stripe, it was the sportiest version of Dodge’s little car that could. Not only did it have all of these options, but it was a rare bucket seat car with a console and the Rally pack gauges with a 6,000 rpm tachometer. This Dart is a well optioned hot rod that would look good in anybody’s garage! Learn more about the car here or give us a call at (903) 891-0000!
LINK TO CAR – https://goo.gl/szsuRZ
Sweet looking and sounding Dart.
All that & no four speed? I’ll pass.
Swapping the car over to a 4 (or 5) speed would not be that difficult and likely would not hurt the value. I am really a Mopar fan (they were known for their quality) but this is a sweet little ride. The 340 doesn’t get the hype of the Mopar big blocks but is the probably the best V8 Mopar ever built.
I’d let it drip oil in my driveway any day!