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.