1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 Home

There were big changes in styling for the 1970 model year. The Dart got both a new grille and a new taillight assembly. Although its an easy detail to notice, the front of the hood is also slightly different too. On the 67, 68 and 69 models, the hood dipped in slightly. The 70 hood, instead, sticks out just a bit. In 1970, and for the 71 through 73, the Dart's taillights moved from the rear quarters to the bumper. In the process, the angular left and right sides of the quarters were smoothed out. The 70 was the only model year to use this 1-piece talllight assembly. In 71, the taillight assembly became a 2-pod bumper-mounted unit, and the design carried through the 73 model year. Notice, too that the Dodge insignia on the deck lid is now in script.

Sadly, by 1970, the muscle-car era was ending. Dodge eliminated its GTSport model, and also simplified its model lineup. For 1970, there were really only 4 Darts to choose from.

1970 Dodge Dart At A Glance Swinger 340 High-performance model 2-door only 340 V-8 4-speed manual Hurst shifter (optional) or 3-speed manual (standard) Note that 3-speed manual is on floor now 3-speed automatic optional Front discs standard Rallye suspension with sway bar; SureGrip differential Optional tach 70-series tires Distinguishing marks: bumblebee stripes on tail; hood scoops/trim with engine callouts; Swinger logos under rear windows Swinger Best bang for buck 2-door only 198 or 225 slant-6; 318 V-8; 340 not available 273 V-8 is discontinued 3-speed manual on floor or 3-speed automatic; 4-speed not available Front discs optional Dart Custom Economy Level 2-door or 4-door 198 or 225 slant-6; 318 V-8; 340 not available 273 V-8 is discontinued 3-speed manual on floor or 3-speed automatic; 4-speed not available Front discs optional Dart Sedan Most basic trim level 4-door only 198 or 225 slant-6; 318 V-8; 340 not available 273 V-8 is discontinued 3-speed manual on floor or 3-speed automatic; 4-speed not available Front discs optional Limited options Dartography: How To Spot Em What a difference a model year makes! At top is the 69; below is the 70. A new grille and new front end applied to the Dart body gives the car a whole different look. At top is the 69, which had the classic taillights in the triangular rear panels, which were almost reminiscent of the tailfins of the 50s. Below, the 70's quarters are smoothed out, and the rear end has what Chrysler called a forward-looking taillight/bumper combo. Safety Equipment Safety equipment remains more or less unchanged: lap and shoulder belts; headrests; collapsible steering column. What Changed Since Previous Year The performance GTSport is gone; the GT is also gone. The Swinger 340 is the lone performance member of the Dart family. Convertibles are gone. The 170 Slant-6 is replaced by the 198 Slant-6. The 273 V-8 is gone forever. Darts are no longer available with the 383. 3-speed manuals are now floor-mounted transmissions.

On the 70 Dart Swinger 340, the 69's tamer callouts on the hood yielded to these more aggressive hood scoops, which announced the presence of the potent 340. In 1970, the Swinger logo evolved to the chrome sunburst pattern; this pattern would continue for the life of the Dart. Cool, huh? This was the Hurst 4-speed manual available only on the Swinger 340. Lesser cars made do with a floor-mounted 3-speed.

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