Dodge Dart Swinger Concept nearly hits $0.2M

Mecum Auctions has let go of a rather exotic custom car with the Dodge Dart Swinger underpinnings.

These cars were made from 1959 until 1976 across four generations. They were among the most affordable Dodges on the market, although you could still option one with a powerful V8 if you wanted to. The Swinger modification emerged in 1968, advertised as the cheapest muscle car you could get.

Those looking to maximize the power could cram a massive 6.3-liter V8 under the hood of their Dart Swinger. Most made do with a less powerful, but much cheaper 5.6-liter, four-carb mill. It produced around 275 PS (271 hp / 202 kW) and could rev up to 5,000 RPM. A four-speed manual transmission allowed it to sprint from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in six seconds or so.

As for the concept seen here, it was a work of Detroit-based Alexander Brothers. The company brought it to the Chicago Motor Show and later toured it all around the United States as a part of an advertising campaign. It had its own, distinct headlights and exterior design, but otherwise wasn’t any different from stock. That air intake on the hood may look cool, but it has no practical function.

The coupe had stayed in a private collection for a few decades. It was restored before the sale using OEM parts. Auction holders estimated it at U.S. $160,000–180,000, but it managed to exceed expectations with a winning bid of $181,500.