I just had an impulse to buy a 1971 Dodge Dart V8

[matthew1]

Darts almost always came with slant 6's. 318s were rare, and 340s very rare. I think the 340s were called "GT"s, and had racing stripes on the trunk. All this is found in droves on the 'Net I'm sure.

I've only seen a couple 340s on the street.

The good thing about V8 Darts is that they're not Camaro, or Corvette, or 'Cuda, in other words, they're cheap . They're not given much credit in the world of classics, and probably less credit than that in the world of muscle cars.

And to me there will always be that family connection that draws me to the Dart. My grandfather was very proud of his Dart. He was an airline mechanic so he took very good care of it. I got my technical side from him... and many of the tools I use to this day on my Volvo.

[jacobharding]

I had the opportunity to purchase a 72 (73?) dart swinger with the 318. It was in amazing condition with under 100k miles. That was in 95 or 96. It sat in front of the guys house for at least a couple of months before it sold. He was asking $2,000! That thing would have been gone in like 2 seconds today. That was when I first got my license. I feel fortunate to have caught the tail end of an era gone by. Many classic cars and REAL muscle cars were still running around and were in reach to a teenager on a part time paycheck. What a difference just a few short years have made

[jimmy57]

The 340 version with stripes and scoop on hood was a Dart Demon in fastback and GT in notchback if I remember correctly.
IF someone today makes poly bushings to replace every Mopar bushing in the front end then it might make an A body have decent steering feel and response.

[precopster]

The other day I spotted a rare classic that I hadn't seen on the roads for mote than 15 years I'm sure. It was a VW Karmann Ghia. I think they were early to mid 60s production. Basically a Beetle with svelte bodywork. I could put up with the odd Sunday drive if the car evoked an emotional response in me like that car did. I grew up in the rear seat of a Beetle.....

[jblackburn]

The other day I spotted a rare classic that I hadn't seen on the roads for mote than 15 years I'm sure. It was a VW Karmann Ghia. I think they were early to mid 60s production. Basically a Beetle with svelte bodywork. I could put up with the odd Sunday drive if the car evoked an emotional response in me like that car did. I grew up in the rear seat of a Beetle.....

!!!

Matt, do it. One of few Mopars that were really, really cool. Plus, old American V8's are just incredible to drive/hear.

The new "Dart" just seems like a cheap POS replacement for something that was once a pretty cool car. Drove one out of curiosity and it just seemed like a Neon.

Some day when I've actually got money, I want a 1968 Mustang Fastback. Red. Been my dream car since I was little, and when I got to ride in one, I wanted it even more.

[jacobharding]

My first car that I bought was a 67 Mustang coupe. Talk about loose steering, that thing would get you pulled over for DUI sober. It was originally a 289 non Hi-Po but I transplanted a 351W police intercepter from an 86 police Crown Vic. Slapped on an Edelbrock intake, Holley Carb and headers. It already had low gears in back, I think they were 4:10. It was a 3 speed auto but I can remember spinning it sideways and almost leaving the road when it grabbed 3rd. That was a fun car. Paid $1200 and about $1000 in parts over the year or so I had it.

[jacobharding]

I'm losing my mind. Now that I thought about it the 351 I put in the 73 Mustang coupe that I bought later on. The 67 already had a windsor in it when I bought it.

[precopster]

Hey if we're going to add a Karmann pic let's make it a beauty This example's owner is asking $27,000 fully restored. Some day.........

[matthew1]

^ That's a very pretty sample. I see them from time-to-time.

Justin, I agree, the new Dart is unfortunate. But then again, which car resurrections are good enough to carry the torch for the original?

[cardiegoV70]

I want my 1967 Beetle back. KYBs and radials and a sack of sand in the spare tire well. We all had one and we "raced" them on back roads. Ironically, I flipped it over backwards spinning out on black ice just going to school.

Can you imagine a restored example going for $9K? I only had $900 into mine and it was a clean, original example. Transplanted the motor, wheels and shocks into a '70 in one afternoon after the accident. The complete '70 shell was fifty bucks.

Mopar? Yes please. My buddy owned several: 1972 Charger SE, '69 Super Bee, '69 Road Runner (4 speed), and others. All 440 and 383 motors. Neighbors would come out of their house when he fired one up. "What is that?" One time a torsion bar snapped while driving and it sounded like a gunshot. Good times.