1970 Dodge Dart Swinger

Manufacturer: Chrysler Corporation, Dodge Division | Hamtramck, Michigan
Model: Dart Swinger

The first Dodge Darts were introduced for the 1960 model year. They were downsized large cars developed to replace Plymouths in the standard, low-priced car segment for the Dodge dealer network. Dodge dealers had been selling Plymouths since 1930, but divisional restructuring took the Plymouth brand away from the Dodge dealer network. Project planners proposed the name Dart, only to have Chrysler executives demand an expensive research program that produced the name Zipp. This was promptly rejected in favor of Dart.

The Dart was refreshed for 1970 with front and rear changes designed to bring the car closer to the design themes found in Dodge's full-size vehicles through grille and contour changes. In the rear, the Dart's new rectangular taillights were set into a wedge-shaped rear bumper design continuing the angled trailing edge of the new deck lid and quarter panels.

The "Swinger" name was applied to all the Dart two-door hardtops except in the high-line custom series. Other changes were made to the Dart line to avoid internal competition with Dodge's new Challenger. Dart convertibles would be discontinued along with the optional 383 cu in V8.

Museum Collection: Donated by Diane Parker of Ave Maria, FL, in memory of Richard M. Kuster

Special thanks to Museum intern Daniel Smith from Messiah University for his work on this production.