1975 Dodge Dart

The design language bestowed upon the 1967 Dodge Dart, the first year of the fourth generation of styling, would continue through 1976, albeit with annual updates. The A-body car had a 111-inch wheelbase, a width of 71.6 inches, and stood 54 inches tall. A four-door sedan and two-door hardtop were offered through the entire fourth generation, and a two-door sedan was offered from 1967 to 1969. A convertible body style was offered from 1967 to 1969, and a coupe from 1971 to 1976. Six and eight-cylinder engines powered the Dart, paired with both manual and automatic transmissions.

Throughout its existence, the Dodge Dart was one of the most successful automobiles in the compact category, offering reliable transportation at a budget-friendly price.

The 1975 Dodge Dart was offered in Sedan and Hardtop Coupe body styles, and in 'base,' 'Custom,' and 'Special Edition' trims, and standard with a 225 cubic-inch Slant Six or optional 318 cubic-inch V8 engines. The styling remained similar to the previous year, with updates to the grille and heavy gauge steel in the windshield pillar area.

The list of standard amenities included a cigarette lighter, rubber floor mats, glovebox with rotary latch, a heater and defroster, all-viny bench seats, a three-spoke steering wheel with padded horn button, a dome light, and a concealed spare tire. The improved energy-absorbing steering column had multiple slots in the column jacket, replacing the previous mesh design. The mandatory Federal Motor Safety Standards equipment included front seat belts and a starter interlock system that prevented the engine from engaging unless the driver and front seat passenger fastened their seat belts. Additional standard amenities included two-speed windshield wipers, vent wings, and a parking brake with a warning system.

The Dart Swingers had a deluxe steering wheel, dual horns, carpeting, and additional exterior brightwork (drip rail and around the door edge).

The options list bucket seats, fold-down seats, a Vinyl top (standard on the Dart SE), power disc brakes, sunroof, Rallye package, and 'Hang Ten' package. An automotive transmission was standard in the Dart Special Edition and with V8s, and the three-speed manual transmission was standard with the Six.

Trim Levels
The Dart Custom trim level, priced approximately $175 higher than the 'base' Dart, added plush cloth and vinyl seats. The Special Edition trim level, priced approximately $890 higher than the 'base' and $640 higher than the 'Custom,' included velour interior seating surfaces, color-keyed wheel covers, and a padded vinyl top.

Engines
The 225 cubic-inch inline-6 cylinder engine had a cast iron block, 3.40-inch bore, 4.12-inch stroke, a one-barrel carburetor, solid valve lifters, four main bearings, 8.4:1 compression, and delivered 95 (SAE Net) horsepower at 3,600 RPM. The 318 cubic-inch V8 engine had overhead valves, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, a two-barrel carburetor, and delivered 145 (SAE net) horsepower at 4,000 RPM.

Pricing and Production
The 'base' Sedan was priced at $3,279 and the hardtop coupe at $3,340. The addition of the 318 CID V8 added approximately $150 to the base price. Most of the 'base' Darts were powered by six-cylinder engines, with 1,749 of the 19,349 examples receiving the V8.

A total of 93,557 examples were Dart Customs and 13,971 were Special Editions. The Custom Swinger Hardtop had a base price of $3,520, the Custom Sedan at $3,445, the Special Edition sedan at $4,160, and the Special Edition coupe at $4,230.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2023