The 1971 Dodge Dart is a classic American muscle car that is still highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Originally introduced in 1960, the Dodge Dart went through several changes over the years, but it wasn’t until 1970 that the Dart truly became a muscle car.
History of the Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart was first introduced in 1960 as a small, economical car designed to compete with other compact cars of the time. It was available in several different body styles, including a two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and station wagon.
Over the years, the Dart went through several changes and redesigns. In 1962, a convertible was added to the lineup, and in 1963, a hardtop version was introduced. In 1964, the Dart underwent a major redesign, and a two-door hardtop and a four-door sedan were added.
The Dart as a Muscle Car
It wasn’t until 1970 that the Dart truly became a muscle car. In that year, Dodge introduced the Dart Swinger 340, which was powered by a 340 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 275 horsepower. The Swinger 340 was designed to compete with other muscle cars of the time, such as the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang.
In 1971, Dodge took the Dart even further by introducing the Dart Demon, which was essentially a two-door version of the Swinger. The Demon was available with several different engines, including a 225 cubic inch slant-six, a 318 cubic inch V8, and a 340 cubic inch V8.
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Features of the 1971 Dodge Dart
The 1971 Dodge Dart was available in several different trim levels, including the Dart, the Dart Swinger, and the Dart Demon. The Dart was the base model and was available with either a six-cylinder or V8 engine. The Swinger was available with a V8 engine only, while the Demon was available with several different engine options.
All 1971 Dodge Darts came with a standard three-speed manual transmission, but a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission were available as options. Other options included power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning.
Legacy of the Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart was discontinued in 1976, but its legacy lives on. Today, the Dart is still highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, and it remains a popular choice for drag racing and other motorsports.
The Dart also had a significant impact on the automotive industry as a whole. It helped establish Dodge as a serious player in the muscle car market, and it paved the way for other iconic muscle cars, such as the Dodge Challenger and the Plymouth Barracuda.
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Conclusion
The 1971 Dodge Dart is a classic American muscle car that has stood the test of time. It was a significant player in the muscle car market of the early 1970s, and it continues to be a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts today. Whether you’re a fan of vintage cars or just appreciate the history of the automotive industry, the Dodge Dart is a car worth knowing about.
FAQs
- What engines were available in the 1971 Dodge Dart?
- The 1971 Dodge Dart was available with several different engine options, including a six-cylinder, a 318 cubic inch V8, and a 340 cubic inch V8.
- What transmission options were available in the 1971 Dodge Dart?
- The 1971 Dodge Dart came standard with a three-speed manual transmission, but a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic were available as options.
