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1969 Darts featured a few subtle styling changes and some shuffling of trim lines. Notice that we are back to the oblong marker lights on the grille, which would seem to be identical to those on the 67s. Closer inspection, however, reveals subtle differences. Look, for example, at both 67 and 69 side by side. The fins on the 67 run vertical, whereas they run horizontal on the 69. Also, there is a short span of solid chrome running between the 2 parking lights on the 69 that is absent on the 67. Finally, notice that the 69 has a more aggressive, well, stare. The headlights are tilted in slightly (they were straight on the 67), and the grill forms a subtle arrow-like point at the center.

There were very subtle differences to taillights as well. Here's the 69's taillights. Notice that we have moved from the 3-pod unit of the 68 to a 2-pod unit. The backup lights are hidden in the inside of the assembly. Trim lines have expanded and now include the GTSport, the GT, the Swinger 340, the Swinger, the Dart Custom and the Dart. The Dart 270 is dropped, as well as the 2-door economy Dart sometimes called the post car.

1969 Dodge Dart At A Glance GTSport Top-line model 2-door or convertible; no 4-door 340 or 383 V-8 3-speed automatic Distinguishing marks: bumblebee stripes on tail (slightly different than 68 stripes); hood scoops/trim with engine callouts Rallye suspension is standard Though it supposedly replaced the 68 GTS, it is still sometimes called the GTS, even in Chrysler literature Standard 3.23 rear end could be replaced with 3.55 or 3.91 if SureGrip was ordered List price of $3326 for hardtop; $3419 for convertible GT Luxury level 2-door or convertible; no 4-door 170 or 225 slant-6; 273 or 318 V-8; 340 not available 3-speed manual or 3-speed automatic available Standard 3.23 rear end could be replaced with 3.55 or 3.91 if SureGrip was ordered Swinger 340 Less expensive than GTSport Biggest bang for performance buck 2-door only Distinguishing marks: bumblebee stripes on tail; hood scoops/trim with engine callouts; Swinger logo on tail but not on fenders; 340 V-8 standard 4-speed manual Hurst shifter or 3-speed automatic Rallye suspension; dual exhaust, 70-series tires Chrysler sales literature implies that only the Swinger 340 is available with the Hurst 4-speed Standard 3.23 rear end could be replaced with 3.55 or 3.91 if SureGrip was ordered List price just under $2900 Swinger Sporty level 2-door only Distinguishing marks: Swinger logo on fenders; plain tail 170 or 225 slant-6; 273 or 318 V-8; 340 not available 3-speed manual or 3-speed automatic available Dart Custom Mid level 2-door or 4-door 170 or 225 slant-6; 273 or 318 V-8; 340 not available 3-speed manual or 3-speed automatic available Dart Sedan Economy level 4-door only 170 or 225 slant-6; 273 or 318 V-8; 340 not available 3-speed manual or 3-speed automatic available Dartography: How To Spot Em The front grille has a subtle point to it; fins run vertically now, and there's a horizontal chrome strip that ties the parking lights together. The headlights are pointed in slightly. The 69 taillights are 2-pod units with backup lights integrated into the inside of the assembly. The 69 side marker lights become oblong (they were round on the 68) and move lower on the fenders and quarter panels. Safety Equipment Lap and shoulder belts; headrests; collapsible steering column. Oddly, padding from bottom of dash is removed. What Changed Since Previous Year GTS becomes GTSport. Swinger line added to Dart family. Dart Custom replaces Dart 270. 2-door Dart post car is dropped from lineup. A small run of performance Darts is available with the monster 427 or 440 engines.

Here's the 69's side. The round marker lights have been replaced with more modern oblong lights, and they sit much lower on the fenders and the quarters. Although the basic shape of the body remains unchanged, the trim pieces and accent stripes make the 69s look simpler and more aerodynamic. On all cars, safety equipment finally grew up in 1969. Thanks to federal mandates, all cars were required to have seat and shoulder belts, collapsible steering columns, headrests, padded dash boards and side marker lights. Chrysler seats featured several different types of headrests, depending on options. Convertibles were limited to the GT or GTSport models. Engine choices were almost the same as in 68. This was the last year that the 170 slant-6 or the 273 V-8 were available; the 273 had been overshadowed by the much more popular 318, and the 170 was replaced by a 198 in 1970. The 170 and 225 sixes were still available in 1969. The 383 was available in Dart GTSports. A limited number (over 600) of Darts, built strictly for drag racing, were slotted with either the 440 or 426 engines (sometimes called Hurst editions). Since these big engines took up so much room in the engine bay, power steering was not available; these cars were difficult to steer and often impractical daily drivers. Remember the Scat Pack? Advertisements for Chrysler's Scat Pack began appearing in late 68. The Dart GTS was featured along with other muscle cars such as the Charger and RoadRunner. Linking the Darts to their performance-oriented bigger brothers (the Chargers, Challengers & RoadRunners) worked well for Chrysler. (Plymouth, Dodge's in-house competitor, also had its Rapid Transit System.) The Scat Pack ads continued until 1971. Althought they lived a short life, they had a significant impact on Dodge sales.

The Coolest Car Detroit Ever Built: The Dodge Dart 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Home