Whether it comes in the conventional no-frills, four-door sedan, as originally introduced, the luxury-appointed Special Edition that rivals much more expensive European sedans, or even the semi-fastback, two-door coupe Dart Sport version, Dart retains an appeal that shows no sign of fading in 1975.
Counting the familiar Swinger two-door hardtop series and Custom sedans, and Sport version equipped with the Rallye, Convertriple or Hang Ten and Caravan Tan decorator packages, the Dart compacts continue to be Dodge's biggest selling nameplate.
"Dart's wide range of eight models, its compact economy, resale value and history of dependability provides incentive for many car shoppers to break away from traditional buying habits," said Richard D. McLaughlin, General Sales Manager.
Dart expanded its model offering from six to eight in mid-1974, a time when the compact segment of the market began to take a firm second-place footing on the domestic scene, McLaughlin said.
Forecasts for the 1974 model year show the compact category closing at 1.7 million units compared to the 2-million-plus units anticipated for intermediates, the top volume segment.
Compacts made gains while even the sub-compact segment lost some ground in mid-model year.
Our marketing experts point to three main reasons for Dart's past successes: 1) Dart has represented more value for the money spent, 2) buyers have had satisfactory experience with prior ownership, 3) Dart has enjoyed operating economy benefits over other compacts.
The Special Edition models are luxury versions of the two and four-door Darts and are designed for the particular tastes of the compact car buyer who does not wish to sacrifice luxury appointments and convenience found in larger and more expensive cars, and they're fully equipped.
Interior appointments range from plush velour seats and rich cut pile carpeting to posh door trim features and convenient assist straps. Exterior features incorporate striking chrome grillwork, hood ornament and bright mouldings and vinyl roof -- all as standard equipment. Disc brakes, radio, automatic transmission, power steering and white sidewall tires are among the standard features of the Special Edition.
The highly successful Convertriple package includes factory-installed, manually-operated metal sun roof, fold-down rear seat and easy access to interior areas through a fold-down panel in the trunk. Thus, the Sport serves as basic two-door coupe, can offer the "open air" feels of a convertible, or up to 6-1/2 feet of storage length similar to economy wagons.
The "Hang Ten" features sporty, lively interior trim and fabrics in red, orange, blue and white combined with an exterior stripe and decal surfer motif. "Hang Ten" is a surfing term describing a surfer position with the ten toes hanging over the front of the board.
The Rallye package features more performance-oriented features with emphasis on "fun" driving rather than pure power. A 318 V8 is matched with sporty touches, such as road wheels, "TUFF" steering wheel, bucket seats, side stripes and "Dodge" logo.
Exterior changes across the board include: new grilles with integral park-and-turn signal lamps, some exterior appointment changes for Dart Sport, and a chrome-plated grille for Dart Special Edition Models and five new exterior colors.
The Sport has new, unique side tape stripes, a new lower deck applique with integral taillamp bezels.
All models benefit from proven engines with refinements in emissions and design features, cooling system improvements, new axle ratios designed for more economical motoring, greater sound reduction materials and the latest in required safety features.
There's also a wider choice of key options.
Added Dart options include bucket seats on hardtop models, dual horns and automatic speed control.
A fuel economy option is the Chrysler Fuel Pacel System introduced in late 1974.
The latter engine is equipped with a four barrel carburetor and a dual exhaust system, a combination available only in the Dart 360 Sport model.
Because of concern over fuel availability and its increased cost, production capability of six-cylinder engines has been increased.
Manual disc brakes are standard on those models equipped with the 318 cubic inch V-8 engine. Disc brakes are available at extra cost on six-cylinder engine equipped Dart models. However, power disc brakes are standard on the Dart 360 Sport two-door coupe.
Axle ratios, so vital to economical fuel usage or performance, whichever is preferred, are available in a wider selection. A new 2.45 to 1 ratio has been made standard for 318-V8 engines with automatic transmissions, and optional for six-cylinder engines, and is designed to give good economy for those who want to emphasize fuel mileage.
A 2.76 continues as standard for manual transmission, six-cylinder models. A 2.94 ratio is standard with the 360 Sport automatic model. Other ratios offered are 2.76, 2.94 and 3.23.
Dart heaters for 1975 have 14 percent more capacity than last year. The added capacity is the result of adding a third speed to the blower system, which provides 20 percent greater air flow at maximum setting than in last year's Dart models.
The electrically heated rear window defroster timer cycle has been doubled to 10 minutes.
The air conditioning system in the Dart has increased capacity, quicker cooldown and lower minimum temperatures. An evaporator pressure regulator valve allows the compressor to run continuously while the system is in operation avoiding the noise of the on-off recycling, thereby resulting in smoother operation.
To meet this stringent requirement, additional reinforcements were added to all Dart two-door hardtops. Heavy gauge steel in the windshield pillar area has been incorporated into the windshield, pillar and roof design.
All 1975 Dart models will be equipped with an improved energy absorbing steering column which uses multiple slots in the column jacket to replace prior used convoluted mesh design.
At impact, force applied to the steering wheel curls the column jacket back over a mandrel mounted at the floor. The steering column is mounted to the instrument panel at two points instead of three.
The retractor keeps the belt positioned in contact with the wearer's shoulder while permitting him to move his upper torso within the limits of belt travel without being restrained. The retractor will lock in the case of a sudden stop or collision. However, if the wearer moves forward on his own, the restraint system permits upper torso travel without confinement.
To guarantee usage of the belt system during initial entry and starting of the engine, Federal Motor Safety Standards require that the belt system include a starter interlock system that prevents the engine from starting unless the front seat outboard occupant and the driver fasten their belts in the approved fashion after being seated in the vehicle.
In the case of a third person occupying the center position in the front seat, a seat buzzer alarm system is activated until the center passenger accommodates the seat belt system available to him.