Petty Blue 1973 Dodge Dart 340 Is No Superbird, But It's Just as Spectacular

The Dart quickly became one of Dodge's best-selling nameplates, and as the muscle car wars took over Detroit, it gained a series of high-performance engines. By 1969, the compact was available with big-block mills and had already spawned limited-edition versions with the 426-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) HEMI and 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB.

These units never became regulars on the options list, but the Dart was offered with other, albeit smaller, high-performance engines. The 340-cubic-inch (5.6-liter) four-barrel V8 was arguably the most important. Introduced in 1967 on the Dart GTS, the 340 found its way in the Swinger model in 1969. And starting in 1970, when the 383-cubic-inch (6.3-liter) was retired, it became the Dart's range-topping mill.

While Dodge abandoned the Swinger nameplate in 1971, the high-output 340 soldiered on in the Demon. This uniquely-trimmed Mopar remained in production through 1972 and moved about 20,000 units. Output decreased from 275 to 240 horsepower, but this rating still made the Demon 340 one of the most potent pony cars in 1972.

Dodge dropped the Demon name the following year, mainly due to complaints from religious groups. However, the package didn't disappear altogether. Dodge chose to rebrand its range-topping Dart as the Sport 340, and the high-output V8 remained an option, still rated at 240 horsepower.

1973 turned out to be the 340's final year in the Dart. For 1974, Dodge replaced the lump with a slightly bigger 360-cubic-inch (5.9-liter) V8 good for 245 horsepower. The 340 entered the history books as one of the last surviving high-performance engines of the golden muscle car era. And that's precisely why I get excited whenever I see a beautifully restored 1973 Dart Sport 340, like this Petty Blue example here.

Now I know what you're thinking. The 1973 Dart Sport 340 is anything but rare, with more than 11,000 units built. It's not very desirable either when compared to the Demon or some other Darts from the golden muscle car era. But that's precisely what makes this specific example special. Very few enthusiasts are willing to pour a lot of cash into a 1973 pony, so this Dart is a true labor of love.

And while it may not be rare by production numbers, this Sport 340 is rare thanks to its outstanding condition. Freshly out of a restoration that took six years to complete, this Dart looks spotless inside and out. And it's still highly original and relies on a numbers-matching powerplant.

I know the comparison to the Superbird in the title is a bit of a stretch, but hey, this Dart rocks a Petty Blue suit. It's a fantastic color made famous by "The King," and it's a hue I naturally associate with the winged warrior. And look superb on any Mopar, regardless of the era.