New for 1969 was the Dodge Dart Swinger 340. The Dodge Dart was Chrysler Corporation’s answer to the GM Chevrolet Nova SS. The new two door Dodge Dart Swinger 340 with it’s new engine debuted as a lower priced sleek muscle car. The Dodge Dart was produced from the 1960 model year through 1976. The 1969 Dart was built during the fourth generation of the model.
This 1969 Dodge model packed plenty of power as opposed to the earlier Dodge Dart automobiles that were marketed as economy cars built with a slant six engine. The 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 changed all of that.
The Dodge Dart Swinger 340
Taking a cue from corporate cousin Plymouth and the popularity of its low-budget/high-performance Road Runner, the 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 kept the amenities to a minimum and focused on the performance of the 340 V8 engine, which was rated at 275 horsepower.
The Dart Swinger 340 was a big success. The model was a great relatively cheap reliable muscle car. The year 1969 was at the peak of the late 1960’s muscle car era. The Dodge Dart Swinger 340 was a no frills automobile but had the ability to compete effectively with much higher priced models. The 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 packed plenty of muscle for not a lot of money.
The Dart 340 was perfect for most people as a daily driver and fared extremely well against Ford and GM small-block V8s. In some cases fared better.
1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 Styling
The Alexander Brothers of Detroit was hired by Dodge to create a Dodge Dart Swinger 340 Concept Car for the 1969 Chicago Auto Show. The Dodge Dart Swinger 340 Concept automobile had a different shape than the production model. Also, the concept example had large, rectangular headlights. The driving lights were placed next to each other in the middle of the custom chrome grille. There was a non functional custom hood scoop. The concept car has hood pins which are also on the production models. This concept Swinger 340 was unveiled in Chicago several months after the production model started production.
The concept car rear was sculpted with an integrated spoiler which continued to slant downwards at the rear end of the rear quarter panels. The rear end was indented as were the tail lights. The concept car was adorned with chrome wheels, bucket seats and a four speed Hurst shifter..Most concept cars are eventually torn down later but it’s said that the 69 Swinger 340 survived and is still around today.
All if the above is in reference to the concept car made for the Chicago Auto Show. The differences between the concept build and the actual production model featured here were many. The production Swinger 340 had less chrome and trim and plain wheels, circular headlights and a grille with horizontal bars. Seats were vinyl bench and a tail stripe was standard. As mentioned the body shape of the production model was also quite different.
The 1969 Dart Swinger 340 was a plain car but also a fast car. While the Swinger had no engine options there was an option for a column shift TorqueFlight transmission.
The first 1969 Dart Swingers were done on the same A-body-shell as the 1968 Dodge Darts were.
The Dart Swinger 340 models lasted into the early 1970’s. Like with all high performance cars of the early 1970’s, power was lost with the new federal emission controls. The U.S production of the Swinger 340 came to an end after the 1970 model year. Canadian production of the model lasted another two years.
1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 Specifications
The Dodge Dart Swinger came out in 1969 with the 340 cubic inch small block V-8 with it’s four barrel carburetor and 275 HP. Chrysler Corporation stated the engine had 340 pound feet of torque. The 340 small block V-8 was one of the more popular engines of the 1960’s and 70’s.
In comparison, the 1969 Dodge Dart GTS model came standard with a 340 V-8 but with options for a 383 and 440. The GTS with it’s larger engine was priced about $390 higher. While the Swinger had a successful debut, some opted for the Dart GTX because of the big block engine options.
Standard transmission is a four speed manual with the TorqueFlite three speed automatic as an option.
Brakes were rear hydraulic drums with power front discs.
The torsion-bar/leaf suspension with the Dodge Dart Swinger offered better cornering than most Ford and General Motors models.
The 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 has a 111.0 inch wheelbase, 195.4 inch outside overall length, 69.6 inch width, 52.8 inch height. Curb weight is 2,900 lbs.
Total 1969 Dodge Dart production came in at 197,700 vehicles. 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger production was 20,000 vehicles.
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Reference material includes.. Mopar Muscle : The Complete Story by Robert Genat..The Complete Book of Dodge and Plymouth Muscle Cars by Mike Mueller.e
Current asking prices for the 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 can range from $25,000 to $70,000 plus. The high end price would be examples in excellent condition, restored and with matching numbers.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)