That's how his channel started and simply was for years up to post Covid... Then MSNBC came destroying this channel and Jay switched to promo vids as well. The business promo stuff is most annoying which I just don't watch. Hopefully he returns to the original format, i.e., this.
That's what the mY tEsLa Is FaStEr!!! crowd doesn't get. There's more to performance and fun than 0-60. This car excites all the senses and delivers constant engagement. A Tesla is an appliance, this is a car.
Dude, don't forget especially the header sound or the dual factory exhaust system when you hear that rumble with a cam and if you have a good transmission pressure plate and clutch which you can make chirp in every gear ⚙.
I 'm old enough to own some of those cars & serve a tool & die apprenticeship at the Ford Rouge Dearborn assembly after mustering out of the army in '68 building all kinds of '69 Mustangs & Cougars. Great times & memories living in the southwest side of Detroit back then. Living the dream & we knew it.
What a delicious break from the boring trucks, suv's, and $300k+ vehicles that normally get into Jay's videos. I really respect his love of all cars that fill a niche well. If a car does what it's designed to do, Jay recognizes that. If it falls short, he'll point that out as well, regardless of the "price point".
You had me at the Cragar S/S wheels. This episode took me right back to my high school, parking lot. Jay is a true gearhead: he could take his pick from dozens of super cars, but when he gives this one the right foot, he cackles like a teenager.
I would rather the Mopar muscle, you can have all of the new crap because that thought was fast enough. I mean what do you want to do go to the Bonneville salt flats? Come on man go have some fun on the street with the early muscle cars especially Chrysler when they took the stage and monkey stomped everything haha. Again you can have all the new crap
Those rims are timeless. Buddy of mine has them on his 72 Satellite Sebring Plus. With the rear offset, they fill out the rear quarters perfectly. I'd consider them for my Charger or Coronet but I have done well with 15 inch Mopar police rims, chrome lugs and stainless trim rings. Definitely a unique look.
I was always in love with the squared styling back then, be it domestic or foreign. It’s all right here… the style, the sound, and the color! You are a “standup” guy Jay. You buy and keep them to enjoy and appreciate. You keep your word to these previous owners. What a great show you have!
First car I ever "owned" was a 318 ci version of this in Red paint and a black interior. As 15 year old working at my Dad's shop, I rebuilt the heads, timing chain, new head gaskets and it was ready to sell. I'd ride home on a school bus and drive it in our driveway in the country.
Darts and Dusters were the unsung heroes of the light to light race. Very lite cars with decent power, and handled decently with those torsion bar suspensions. Heck even my first 318 Duster hurt a lot of feelings of unsuspecting Mustang GT and Camaro owners back in the day, or anyone with big heavy V8 cars. That Dart is really sweet
Torsion bars were and are the king. Super awesome..lowered & more centered cg and no bounciness that needs huge damping controls, like coil springs. Even the Mopar C bodies had spritely handling for full size cars, many of which still weighed under 4,000..at least prior to '73. Asymmetrical leaf springs of proper metallurgy & spring rates did the same for the rear..planting pwr and keeping the car fairly flat.
My '71 440 iron headed Duster that was all steel with factory glass and a back-half weighed 2850. It was a 10.90 car on motor. It's tough to get a steel car that light!
@@gzuzsavz "Heck even my first 318 Duster hurt a lot of feelings of unsuspecting Mustang GT and Camaro owners back in the day, or anyone with big heavy V8 cars." Things that never happened for $1,000.
The genuine enthusiasm and passion Jay has when talking about cars is really something special. What I wouldn't give to spend 5 minutes in his garage talking to him.
I'm British and totally in Love with American muscle cars, would have this over any super car, lamborghini, ferrari, what ever. This particular car is an amazing example, totally blown away. Would love to be able to afford one of these, I would have garages full of them.
If it was just a car would it even matter? Whether a ‘night show’ or a comedy routine Jay understands as well or probably better than any that the story interspersed with facts is what makes entertainment interesting enough to make it interest you long enough to watch. Ken Squire, Ellen, Patrick Bet-David, Lucille Ball, Letterman, Robin Williams … they built and kept their audience for this very reason.
In October 1966, my folks bought a new ‘67 Dart. OK, it was a 4-door with the 273 V8 & TorqueFlite transmission, but it was optioned pretty well with the meat locker rated Airtemp A/C and deluxe appearance packages inside and out. We took numerous family road trip vacations in it, and it was the car I took the girl who became my wife on our first date in, so this video brought back a lot of great memories. I still think it’s a great looking car.
I saved a ‘70 Dart Swinger 340 with a 4 speed pistol grip from the local junkyard back in the 80’s when nobody wanted old muscle cars. Cleaned her up, installed new carpet, overhauled the engine, steering and suspension added headers and side exit pipes like on a T/A Challenger or AAR Cuda’ and she was good as new. Still one of the quickest cars I’ve ever owned.
Just eating my heart out watching that Dart cruise the streets. Currently restoring a '72 Dart and can't wait to get it out on the road like this one! Jay, you are the man for making great videos like this one!
I was in Highschool in the early 70’s, and my first car was a 1970 Dodge Dart 340, Hemi Orange with Black Interior. It had the black hood scoops and the Scat Pack stripes on the rear. It had no power steering, no power brakes, no carpet, not even a radio. But man, it was a Quarter mile street fighter. It was quick, mid 13’s. One car I wish I’d kept.
Thanks. Interestingly, in Spring 1970, the Lafayette, INDIANA, FORD DEALERS cOULD NOT let me take a ** BOSS 302 , home overnight TEST DRIVE: so I looked at Dodge: insisting I take DART 340/ loaded , Disc Brakes (memory 54 years ago)home !! Real Interestingly, this was “**Dealer tuned”: **engine, Tires , Suspension Pursuit ( to that effect ), almost bought the Dart : as impressive handling, & build …THE all Green ,& Four Door, & my 1966 GALAXIE 500/ XL/4 Speed/352 was running good
I know how you feel about people flipping cars. I had a 67 Chevelle SS for over 36 years. Sold it to someone I thought was buying it for himself. He didn’t wait two or three weeks to flip it. The day he picked it up it was on Craig’s List the same day. I was a little pissed about that. He called me a few times and I would not answer the phone.
I ordered my 69 GTS 383 4 speed in B7 Blue while in Vietnam at Christmas of 68. Life happened and sadly I sold it. Fast forward to a couple of years ago and I found it at a local Cruise In and what a fun afternoon that was. Only downside he wouldn’t sell it back to me but granted life time visitation. Lol Ps - build sheet was still under the back seat! 🇺🇸👍🇺🇸🚗
Beautiful restoration. Nice to see it all original. Sounds great. I remember Mike Connors drove a '68 Dart GTS convertible on Mannix for a couple seasons.
Hi Jay, Beautiful Dart! When you popped the hood it was so clean I thought this has to be trophy car and when you opened the trunk we knew it. Thanks for sharing Buddy!😎🙏☮️🖤🕊🦋🕊✌️
I loved watching Mannix because I loved the car! At age 17 in 1972 I was lucky enough to purchase a 69 Dart Swinger 340-4 speed. Red with black interior, I loved that car and truly wish I had never sold it!
I'm glad you guys finally introduced a Dart. This car has a huge influence on me as I literally grew up with one, a 69 340 Swinger and it was my first car in High School, 73 Dart Swinger. Definitely made my day Jay!!
@Alexander-nb1rz that's cool!! I could imagine what you bought that Dart for was what I paid for my 225 slant six dart back in the early 2000s. Those 4.30 gears must have made it a beast
Jay always has an expression of awe, and of appreciation, for the vehicle he's driving. It's great to see him actully break out into a laugh and a smile because of the car.
I must say, it IS a lot more enjoyable to see Jay alone talking about one of his own cars. Thanks to this video, I have acquired a new appreciation for the Dart GTS.
You are right, Jay. In hindsight, that was the perfect muscle car. Lighter than a Road Runner, hence faster, and the design was understated and has aged very well. Nice ride! Great video!
I had one of these that I bought in 1981 for $50 running poorly. I rebuilt the massive Carter 4bbl and discovered a bad valve, turned it over for $200 & 2G of inspirational product. Decent profit at the time for a 20 yr old. Lol
About 10 years ago there was an elderly gentleman that collected darts, dusters, valiants ect. The Mopar's that weren't as popular back in the day. He had at least 20 full cars with even more parts cars all over his property. Any stranger could knock on his door and he would talk for hours about each and every one. But we moved away and didn't go back for years. Just recently we drove through and I noticed all the cars were gone. I stopped and tried to talk to him but it was a new owner. The guy had passed away and his family sold and or scrapped every single one of them. I was speechless. His kids said they were old junk and they didn't understand why anyone would want one. I tried over and over to buy one but he would always say no they're going to my kids when I die. Just wow.
My first car was a 68GT convertible I bought in 78, now I have a 67. I have a long emotional bond to the Darts. Jay's car is gorgeous. I always wondered if he had a Dart tucked into his collection.
@@rogercamp6071I have a 273 in my dad's 66 Coronet. Big car for a little engine. Rebuilt it to stock; should have done it with high compression commando pistons. Next time...
I bought a 67 Dart new with the 273 Hipo 235 horsepower engine. I ordered the 4 speed with sure grip diff 3:23 gears. All in with taxes in Toronto it cost me $3059.00. Had lots of fun. That GTS is a beautiful looking car and sounds good too. For my money I would bet the 340 Dart with same gearing would have run away from the 383 powered GTS. I may be wrong but I seem to remember that the 383 was a really tight fit and they had to modify the exhaust manifold on one side to fit and it affected the horsepower output. I might be mistaken.
I don't doubt that one bit.The 340 was a great motor.Known in U.S. as "The big block killer".It moved the Demon quite well so I'm sure it would have performed even better in the Dart.
JAY HAS NO IDEA JUST HOW IMPORTANT HE REALLY IS IN THE THE FUTURE OF THE AUTOMOTIVE HOBBYIST....WE MUST KEEP JAY LENO ALIVE AT ALL COST !!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU MR JAY LENO!!!!
Seeing this '68 Dart, brought back memories of my '68 Valiant - albeit with a 225 Slant Six, rather than the 383 V8! The car was fun to drive, practical, and people often asked me about it. Manual drum brakes require some strong legs, but you get used to it! Jay, thank you for including that old Mopar gear-reduction starter sound, before you took off! 😃👍
Episodes like this, where Jay talks to us alone and tells us all those wonderful stories from back in the day, God it's wonderful. Thank you very much and keep them coming!!
I actually had one of these when I was a college student. It was the GTS with the 340 cu. in. engine and TorqueFlite transmission. Red with a black vinyl roof and the same side stripes. What a cool car! I loved it and wish I still had it today....
I've always been a Mopar fan. I've never had this car appear on the streets where I grew up. My first car was a 66 Plymouth Fury and me being a teenager, drove the piss out of it. That car took all the abuse I threw at it. Next came a station wagon that had the 383 4 barrel and I saw the power was there but too much weight. My favorite car was the 71 Cuda. Only had the 340 and after a few mods it got 8 miles to the gallon. That car brought me many tickets and the realization that there's always a faster car out there. My attention went to motorcycles and they are my passion now. I haven't heard anyone mention the Plymouth Valiant that had the Commando 273 4 barrel. I've only seen one of those on the streets. My dad's car back in the day. Thanks Jay !!!
Thanks for bringing back some great memories. I worked with a young lady back in 1969 whose husband had a ‘68 Dart 383 GTS, 4 speed, 3.91 rear end (that I think was a special order from the factory). No other modifications except for a tach. It was green, black vinyl top. It was their family car. He got me and my 65 GTO to tag along to National Speedway in Center Moriches, LI, NY. My first time drag racing at a pro strip and promptly blew my clutch. Staying in a pure stock class meant no headers or other mods to the engine. Slicks were okay. In addition to throwing on a set of Mickey Thompson’s, his trick was to lighten the car as much as possible by yanking the passenger bucket seat, the rear seat, and pulled both mufflers off to run straight pipes. The car ran B Stock as I recall and was the undefeated class record holder every time he ran. Loved that car. I later bought a ‘70 Dart Swinger 340, but that 383 GTS was the car I was in love with.
Yes Jay, back in the day I had the 340 seafoam green. All I did is had a 3:91 posi with Mickie Thompson in the back with air shocks. I beat 396 chevells and corvettes, no problem. Thanks 😊 Jay
I had a 1969 Dodge Dart GTS Convertible with the 340 and 4-speed. I had power brakes, no power steering. It was extremely quick, I loved it. Never should have sold it.
I was waiting for this video to go live. Loved every second. No one would turn down a Charger but Darts and Coronets are so overlooked. Jay, I love how despite your success and wealth you come across so down to earth as just an old school guy who loves cars. I'm entertained and laughing out load. Thank you! Good health
Man, the sound of this thing totally stock, and the fact that a couple could just head down to the dealer and order up two brand new cars. A shame about the draft though, I hope he made it back, no real mention of him after that 😐 Jay is just a good guy though, salt of the earth. I'm surprised he gets along with Tim Allen, the stories about him aren't great, but maybe he treats other celebrities with respect 🤔
@@mysterywrecked Let's add Seinfeld to that list of "horse's patoots" who Jay allows to be his friends. They are lucky Jay can overlook their many faults. I probably would not be so generous.
@@mysterywrecked They have something in common. Both comedians, and Tim Allen is a car guy, and has a sizable collection of cars including muscle cars and restomods. That’s why cars are always somewhere in the background on his sitcoms.
@@herrunsinn774 Jerry Seinfeld is in the same boat with Jay as with Tim Allen. Both are successful comedians and car guys. Seinfeld is well known in the Porsche world as a serious collector with over 100 cars. Not hard to see any of these guys being buddies. Comedians Adam Corolla and Kevin Hart are also known as car guys with collections.
I had both overlooked cars. 69 Swinger 340 dual quad tunnel ram .510 solid lift cam, 4 speed, 4.56 half tubbed. 69 Coronet convertible, 440 big cam, auto, 4.10 gears, centreline rims with N50’s on the back. OMG. Lots of good memories thinking about those days in the early 80’s. Always wrenching and cruising. ❤
Finally a GTS, that was my car in 1973 baby blue with white bucket seats and a 4 speed hurst. My mom told that the country was running out of gas and we got rid of it. That brought back such good memories. Thanks Jay
Back in the day, I ran a '70 Boss 302 as a high school kid...these Mopars were a pesky bunch--very tough to beat from light to light--and they all sounded great.
In 1971 I had a 1969 Ford Mustang Sportsroof Shaker Hood 351-C, 4 speed, 3:73 axel. I was owner #3 at the time but it also was ordered special with no power brakes, no power steering, no power windows, no power anything except for it did have factory air conditioning ! Drum brakes all around, it wouldn't stop worth a hoot but as noted in the video, on the highway the manual steering was a dream while parallel parking was almost impossible. Loved that Cleavland too, it would lug down very smoothly yet scream on the top end.
Jay I had a 69 GTS and my own feelings for and about the car were perfectly discribed by you However there were a few differences. The hood vents were nicely cromed with a 383 insignia in the center : The side fender lights were rectangular, no side stripe. The seats were up graded and very nicely done with barred headrest. The center console was long and woodgrained and it came with a 4 speed muncie trans missioin with an offset Hurst shifter . The color was the same only the top was black vinyl . The biggest suprise was when I did the first tune up. it had a dual point distibuter and after a little researsh I found out, that engine from the factory came with dualpoint distributer , 440 heads and a 440 cam. I owned and loved that car for 6 months then I recieved my draft notice and joined the navy and served in the purgeon gulf.Every once in a while I'm lucky enough to have that car come into one of my dreams. Thanks for the video I always enjoyed your show and glad to see you recoved from the accident
So glad to see another Mopar that's part of your collection Jay! While I am more of a late 60's Barracuda person, these Dodge Darts have always been very appealing to me since it practically looks like a smaller Plymouth Road Runner (my family owns a 1969 Road Runner, had it in the family since I was 6 years old so I have a lot of sentimental attachment). Thank you for sharing this absolute gem from your collection Jay, as well as the interesting backstory of this particular example, this really made my day!
I grew up hearing my dad's stories of him racing his 68 barracuda 340 formula s 3 speed auto....then he seemed upset and puzzled why I was getting speeding tickets in my little 80hp carb'd 83 Mazda 626 5 speed as a teen in the 90s 😂
That's one thing I love about Jay,sure he 'owns' a lot vehicles,but he's also a great caretaker of them. People have owned them in the past,and people will own them in future,someone who preserves and maintains them,(and loves them really,and DRIVES them!!)is essential,that's Jay Leno.
“I know a lot of Mopar guys who would give a left ball”….is the standard line for this car. Most of them rotted away before the engines gave out or got wrapped around telephone poles. Who would ever think a Dodge Dart could be so collectable! Beautiful!
In the 80's I had the 71' Dodge Demon 340 Functional hood scoops,727 auto , Console Bucket seats with the 8 3/4 Sure grip , Power disc/drum power steering, so much Torque I had Solid motor mounts...Very fast and fun car and yes I could actually see the gas Gauge move as I stepped on the gas pedal, I am glad I owned one back when Gas was......Cheaper.
@@MrFarmer2345 I had a 68' Charger 383 ,4 bbl Magnum Auto Console in 75', it had Power but that 340 high Winder was much better and yes, I would blow away 351's Easily.
Jay is such a good joe, heckuva gearhead. Providing an invaluable service with his car restorations & preservation. Us fellow car junkies get to share these amazing cars & we so appreciate it. I had a 72 Barracuda as my first car, dad got it for me when I was 13 in 1982. Rebuilt it together & drove it for a bit. Then got a 72 Duster which was plum crazy/black. Wish i still had them but my military career just didn't mesh with moving so much. Saving up to get another classic hopefully next year. God bless Jay, & thank you for what you do.
Love this car. My uncle had one when I was a kid. Metallic gold with dark green interior. Sounds ugly but was really great . Used to sit in it and learn how to shift. Funky curved shifter and a totally cheap looking plastic shift ball. Still love that car.
Jay Leno is who I aspire to, as a podunk (6 cars) collector. He makes me feel like I’m not alone. I’m tired of the haters that think I’m foolish having multiple cars. Thank you Jay for your love of cars, and sharing them with all us car guys & gals!!! ❤
..Jay Lenos Garage...no matter the car...Always a class act..! Reminds me of a very good daily driver I once had...73 Valiant, 4 door 225 slant 6...no power brakes (you didn't need them)...power steering , auto trans...no AC, no radio...I drove it from 1991 until someone stole it right out from my driveway in 2005....
Right out of High School I bought a 1970 Dart Swinger 340. That was such a fun car... It had the Torque Flite and Suregrip, dual functional hood scoops. I had stock Dodge hubcaps on black steel wheels and the rear tail stripe removed so no one thought I had anything until I left them at the light.
Thank you, Jay, for not only sharing your car collection with the rest of the world but also giving the back history on the model you are featuring and most importantly, preserving our car history.
I had a '67 Dart GT, with automatic, PS, PB, and man did I love that car! Loved the slight body difference between the '67 and the '68. I owned several Darts thru the years, but none were enjoyed more than my '67. Thanks for reminding me of those memories!
We should start a club for former owners of’67 Dart GTs! I bought mine in 1983 for $350. Drove it a couple of years. Maybe put $200 into it. Gave it away when the transmission went out. The one I let get away 😢. Ah… youth. Replaced it with a ‘71 Volvo wagon. 😮 Got to know the addict/mechanic very well…. Oh well… 18 cars later I’m still missing the 67.
@riverbendtube I had to sell my running, paid for '67 Dart GT (225 slant 6), to get my fiancé 's POS Ford Pinto which wasn't paid for, out of the shop! It blew 2 head gaskets and a radiator, within 6 months. I was working my arse off, but still didn't have any extra cash. Sold it for $150 to a neighbors girlfriend, and the last time I saw it, it was up on a lift getting new tires, shocks, U-joints, and a full tune up. That both depressed me, but it really made me happy to see it getting the love that it deserved. When I traded a busted down '70 Camero for my '67, I named it "Mountain Goat", b/c it never left me stranded, and it really should have! I still gauge all of my trucks and cars, by the years and the miles of great service that Mountain Goat gave me! Neither my fiancé nor her POS Pinto lasted very long after I sold my Dart. I don't miss either her, nor her Pinto.
Had forgotten how good those neatly creased clean lined cars looked. I bought a ’69 Dart with a 273 cu in V8 and an automagic transmission in 1973 because my left leg was in a cast and I needed something that would get me to school. The car stayed with me until until it was totaled by my then three year old son in 1980.
Thank you Jay Leno for honoring veterans by sharing the history of this vehicle. My father gave me his 1968 Dodge Dart GT SE convertible for my 16th birthday. According to Bard, "only 395 1968 Dodge Dart GT SE Convertibles were made. This makes it a very rare and collectible car today." I am a veteran and wish it will find its way back to me before I pass away. It was fun to drive and was treated as such. I had many great memories with her.
I HAVE a 1968 Dart GTS Convertible. A guy back in high school in 1977 had one with a 383 4-speed and it ran circles around everything else. I still need the wide trunk trim panel for mine those things are almost impossible to find. My messed up original one got lost during the restoration.
..what a beauty!.......it's always a treat to see something that old, that clean, and as it was when it left the factory...truly deserving of your museum, Jay....
These types of JLG are my favourite; just Jay drivin' around and talking about one of his cars! Great car, too; there can't be many survivors like this puppy out there! Thanks for the time-trip, Jay and crew! ✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦
I learned to drive in a 68 Dart GT with the 170 Slant Six and automatic. Plenty of power! Was yellow with black vinyl top. Was a car from the driving school. A great car to drive. Manual brakes and steering. It was the top rated compact by Consumer Reports in the day. So glad Jay has preserved all the great cars in his collection. Too bad they don't make cars like this today !
I'm Portuguese and a huge diecast collector... I have a fairly good collection of muscle cars and don't know why the Dart has always been one of my favourite, probably my favourite of all the Dodge... It's just like Jay says, just the right size, the right power, the perfect design... If I somehow could ever import and own a real American Muscle... I'm pretty sure it would be a Dart that I would go for
Heck man even a dart with the 318 sounds great and will burn out and get up over a hundred. Had a 71 dart swinger. Had the Dana rear end. Course mine wasn't remotely nice. Bought it in 86 with 130k. Died in 88, and ya I killed it, driving like a 17 yo. But was loads of fun. I had disks in the front tho. Hope you get your muscle car man!😊
You don't even need to import one. I am sure that there will be at least a few solid Darts for sale if you keep searching. Europe is a "rich" continent and there are a lot of old US cars here. Sure, you won’t see a Dart for sale every day, but it's not impossible. The thing is that when you decide to buy one, you'll maybe need to travel to Sweden, Germany or Netherlands etc., but that’s a small price to finally own a real american piece of automotive history. I own a '72 Dodge Demon 340 with a 3 on the floor and it's just amazing to drive. Also no power steering or other comfort features, but this makes it even more fun. To the last detail the Demon is just like I would have ordered it back in the day, which was insane luck to find, so I'll keep the car till the day I die...and beyond in hell 😈, hahaha. Most people go for a 4 speed manual, for bucket seats, for the rear spoiler, but I love to have a bench seat, I love to have just a 3 speed stick shift and I like it more without the "Go Fast" wing in the back. The color is bright red and I got all the period correct black stripes on the sides, the tail stripe and the cool hood stripes together with a twinscoop hood snorkel. Racing mirrors in body color and argent silver Mopar Rally wheels with the trim rings. Man...before I even open the garage doors, I get weak in the knees, I get goosebumps and my pulse goes faster... There’s no school like oldschool 😎 Good luck finding a Dart 🍀 If you do, have tons of respect for it, because US cars were never designed for our narrow european roads and the Dart is a very powerful car with a "primitive" handling capabilities which is what makes it fun, but also a very dangerous car in the hands of a driver that doesn’t respect it's age and limits. At this point in modern times use it just for cruising and keep the peelouts, burnouts and donuts for an abandonen airfield or something with a lot of space like that. And one last thing...don't forget to play some ZZ Top on the radio 🔑🎶🎵
I saw a 68 Dart in a Braga scrap yard. There was also a 74ish Firebird. This was years ago... my dad had a 68 Dart with the slant 6. Basic reliable 100000 mile transportation before it rusted away.
I loved hearing Jay complaining about the price of gas! In 1968 gas was 10-12 cents a gallon. If you were a crazy rich guy with a new Corvette you went and bought Sunoco 260 at 50 cents a gallon! The good old days!
Beautiful car. Love that color. Always seems to be the case that something simple and well executed can be the most beautiful and endearing thing to behold. This car is all about the "feels".
My favourite type of Leno video: HIS car, no corporate interviewee, clear enjoyment.
I miss the pandemic episodes; those were great!
The sales promo videos need to stop. He sounds like he's selling crispy creams
favorite**
I was thinking the same thing.
So much more exhilarating to drive these old original cars hard and fast.
That's how his channel started and simply was for years up to post Covid... Then MSNBC came destroying this channel and Jay switched to promo vids as well. The business promo stuff is most annoying which I just don't watch. Hopefully he returns to the original format, i.e., this.
Imagine the honour of having your family car in Jay's Garage. That to me would be the greatest seal of approval you have looked after your car.
Imagine how the divorced husband feels
@@Turshin maybe not a old classic car guy and has a Tesla 😂
Jay's home for the vintage. Family always welcom to visit the cherished love ones
3:44 AGBADOLATO knows these color name
Now imagine this car loaded on a ship sailing off to Dubai.
Jay is an absolutely top bloke.
New cars are fast, but old cars are fun
That's what the mY tEsLa Is FaStEr!!! crowd doesn't get. There's more to performance and fun than 0-60. This car excites all the senses and delivers constant engagement. A Tesla is an appliance, this is a car.
Nobody will ever get excited about hearing of a "barn find" Toyota Prius.
Great woman. Divorced her husband after he went to Vietnam at some point an kept his car. Awesome. Sounds about right now.
Old cars are fun!
Dude, don't forget especially the header sound or the dual factory exhaust system when you hear that rumble with a cam and if you have a good transmission pressure plate and clutch which you can make chirp in every gear ⚙.
Simple, clean lines and a V-8, stick. These will not be made again, but for those of us who lived it, an enormous blast to be driving ! Thanks Jay !
That paint is gorgeous. It reminds me of a friend in high school. He had a '69 Firebird that was basically the same shade. He ran Cragar S/S's too.
I 'm old enough to own some of those cars & serve a tool & die apprenticeship at the Ford Rouge Dearborn assembly after mustering out of the army in '68 building all kinds of '69 Mustangs & Cougars. Great times & memories living in the southwest side of Detroit back then. Living the dream & we knew it.
MR LENO, I AM GO GLAD THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO COLLECT ALL OF THESE CARS. HISTORY IS PRESSURVED AND PUT IN YOUR MUSEUM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PASSION
The best JLG episodes are Jay, a low mile, one owner, all original car that he owns. One of the best episodes ever.
It was like a trip in The Wayback Machine,really enjoyed that one!!!
Don’t forget the head to toe denim always brings it all together
I hope Jay lives to 100 and stays as sharp as a knife.. he's a Cultural icon.
I hope he gets confused and leaves his collection to me.
I hope one day, Dave lets Jay drive his red Volvo. Maybe Seinfeld could arrange that?
I agree, long live Jay!!! 🍻💯
He's 73 and has a net worth of600 Million . That's what hard work is
I hope he lives to 125
that 383 sounds awesome, and a car that YOU drive, not a car that DRIVES you, thanks for the ride in the Mopar Jay, cheers.
A beautiful Mopar. Great to see it preserved and in the hands of Jay.
That 3rd gear chirp absolutely made my day. Thank you Jay!
What a delicious break from the boring trucks, suv's, and $300k+ vehicles that normally get into Jay's videos. I really respect his love of all cars that fill a niche well. If a car does what it's designed to do, Jay recognizes that. If it falls short, he'll point that out as well, regardless of the "price point".
J is the best when it comes to talking about automobiles in having you learn something.
You had me at the Cragar S/S wheels. This episode took me right back to my high school, parking lot. Jay is a true gearhead: he could take his pick from dozens of super cars, but when he gives this one the right foot, he cackles like a teenager.
I would rather the Mopar muscle, you can have all of the new crap because that thought was fast enough. I mean what do you want to do go to the Bonneville salt flats? Come on man go have some fun on the street with the early muscle cars especially Chrysler when they took the stage and monkey stomped everything haha. Again you can have all the new crap
Those rims are timeless. Buddy of mine has them on his 72 Satellite Sebring Plus. With the rear offset, they fill out the rear quarters perfectly. I'd consider them for my Charger or Coronet but I have done well with 15 inch Mopar police rims, chrome lugs and stainless trim rings. Definitely a unique look.
@@Gremllion Agree 100%!
Keystone Klassics look the best on Mopars, Cragars are for Chevies
@@michaelwallbrown3726Keystones, Rockets, Cragars...they ALL fit the look of anything 50s 60s and 70s.
I was always in love with the squared styling back then, be it domestic or foreign. It’s all right here… the style, the sound, and the color! You are a “standup” guy Jay. You buy and keep them to enjoy and appreciate. You keep your word to these previous owners. What a great show you have!
Elwood Engel. Chrysler head of design. 1962 through 1973.
Jay is the truest car guy out there, without a doubt. Always so proud and respectful of these cars and their previous owners.
First car I ever "owned" was a 318 ci version of this in Red paint and a black interior.
As 15 year old working at my Dad's shop, I rebuilt the heads, timing chain, new head gaskets and it was ready to sell.
I'd ride home on a school bus and drive it in our driveway in the country.
the 318 = is it the AK 47 or the SKS of motors?😂❤
Darts and Dusters were the unsung heroes of the light to light race. Very lite cars with decent power, and handled decently with those torsion bar suspensions. Heck even my first 318 Duster hurt a lot of feelings of unsuspecting Mustang GT and Camaro owners back in the day, or anyone with big heavy V8 cars. That Dart is really sweet
Torsion bars were and are the king. Super awesome..lowered & more centered cg and no bounciness that
needs huge damping controls, like coil springs. Even the Mopar C bodies had spritely handling for full size cars, many of which still weighed under 4,000..at least prior to '73. Asymmetrical leaf springs of proper metallurgy
& spring rates did the same for the rear..planting pwr and keeping the car fairly flat.
My '71 440 iron headed Duster that was all steel with factory glass and a back-half weighed 2850. It was a 10.90 car on motor. It's tough to get a steel car that light!
@@gzuzsavz "Heck even my first 318 Duster hurt a lot of feelings of unsuspecting Mustang GT and Camaro owners back in the day, or anyone with big heavy V8 cars." Things that never happened for $1,000.
@alteredaustin1 sounds like a Mustang owner who got his feelings hurt from a comment
@@picax8398 Sounds like an ignorant fuquewad doesn't know lies when he reads them.
The genuine enthusiasm and passion Jay has when talking about cars is really something special. What I wouldn't give to spend 5 minutes in his garage talking to him.
Beautiful car, those were day's when a car was a car. I always preferred seeing them all original
I'm British and totally in Love with American muscle cars, would have this over any super car, lamborghini, ferrari, what ever. This particular car is an amazing example, totally blown away. Would love to be able to afford one of these, I would have garages full of them.
Not only do you have some unbelievable cars, you give a history lesson about them. Always enjoyable!!
If it was just a car would it even matter?
Whether a ‘night show’ or a comedy routine Jay understands as well or probably better than any that the story interspersed with facts is what makes entertainment interesting enough to make it interest you long enough to watch.
Ken Squire, Ellen, Patrick Bet-David, Lucille Ball, Letterman, Robin Williams … they built and kept their audience for this very reason.
In October 1966, my folks bought a new ‘67 Dart. OK, it was a 4-door with the 273 V8 & TorqueFlite transmission, but it was optioned pretty well with the meat locker rated Airtemp A/C and deluxe appearance packages inside and out. We took numerous family road trip vacations in it, and it was the car I took the girl who became my wife on our first date in, so this video brought back a lot of great memories. I still think it’s a great looking car.
Awesome..
I daily a 68 Dart Grandma special.. Slant6 to 318 swap... True daily . I love these cars . Cheers from Huntington Beach CA
The Dart, Challenger and Cuda were the fastest stock cars out there. Jay was wise to buy this one!
When did our love of cars turn into the love of money in cars? Great that there are guys like Jay out there.
I saved a ‘70 Dart Swinger 340 with a 4 speed pistol grip from the local junkyard back in the 80’s when nobody wanted old muscle cars.
Cleaned her up, installed new carpet, overhauled the engine, steering and suspension added headers and side exit pipes like on a T/A Challenger or AAR Cuda’ and she was good as new. Still one of the quickest cars I’ve ever owned.
The Dodge Dart was made in Brazil with more or less the 68s layout until the early 80s. Absolutely love this car❤ Nice to see Jay nice and well
Not in the US. LOL! Great cars nevertheless.
Just eating my heart out watching that Dart cruise the streets. Currently restoring a '72 Dart and can't wait to get it out on the road like this one! Jay, you are the man for making great videos like this one!
I was in Highschool in the early 70’s, and my first car was a 1970 Dodge Dart 340, Hemi Orange with Black Interior. It had the black hood scoops and the Scat Pack stripes on the rear. It had no power steering, no power brakes, no carpet, not even a radio. But man, it was a Quarter mile street fighter. It was quick, mid 13’s. One car I wish I’d kept.
@UnemployDejoy FYI 99% of the people here talking about their old cars are FOS, but "mid 13's" mean mid 13 seconds, not mph.
Thanks. Interestingly, in Spring 1970, the Lafayette, INDIANA, FORD DEALERS cOULD NOT let me take a ** BOSS 302 , home overnight TEST DRIVE: so I looked at Dodge: insisting I take DART 340/ loaded , Disc Brakes (memory 54 years ago)home !! Real Interestingly, this was “**Dealer tuned”: **engine, Tires , Suspension Pursuit ( to that effect ), almost bought the Dart : as impressive handling, & build …THE all Green ,& Four Door, & my 1966 GALAXIE 500/ XL/4 Speed/352 was running good
God, why would you get rid of such a car?
Dodge Dart gave you great value. Gm.and Ford hammered you for high performance options.
I know how you feel about people flipping cars. I had a 67 Chevelle SS for over 36 years. Sold it to someone I thought was buying it for himself. He didn’t wait two or three weeks to flip it. The day he picked it up it was on Craig’s List the same day. I was a little pissed about that. He called me a few times and I would not answer the phone.
I ordered my 69 GTS 383 4 speed in B7 Blue while in Vietnam at Christmas of 68. Life happened and sadly I sold it. Fast forward to a couple of years ago and I found it at a local Cruise In and what a fun afternoon that was. Only downside he wouldn’t sell it back to me but granted life time visitation. Lol Ps - build sheet was still under the back seat! 🇺🇸👍🇺🇸🚗
Beautiful restoration. Nice to see it all original. Sounds great. I remember Mike Connors drove a '68 Dart GTS convertible on Mannix for a couple seasons.
a custom made GTS & I still watch Mannix every evening on MeTV ✌💖☮
I just watched a video of Mike meeting his tv car again.
They found THE car behind some house and restored it.
Hi Jay, Beautiful Dart! When you popped the hood it was so clean I thought this has to be trophy car and when you opened the trunk we knew it. Thanks for sharing Buddy!😎🙏☮️🖤🕊🦋🕊✌️
I loved watching Mannix because I loved the car! At age 17 in 1972 I was lucky enough to purchase a 69 Dart Swinger 340-4 speed. Red with black interior, I loved that car and truly wish I had never sold it!
I'm glad you guys finally introduced a Dart. This car has a huge influence on me as I literally grew up with one, a 69 340 Swinger and it was my first car in High School, 73 Dart Swinger. Definitely made my day Jay!!
We always chucked at the Swinger in high school, the name was funny because swinging was a thing back then.
A 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger 340 4 speed is responsible for my car enthusiasm. I bought a rust free one from California to put my dad's back together
@dartdodge69 that's pretty amazing!! I agree a Swinger340 is good choice and I hope you and your dad are enjoying it!
@anthonyfrench3169 I also had a 69 Dart 340 4 speed w/4:30 gears my first car out of HS that thing was FAST took out some BB
@Alexander-nb1rz that's cool!! I could imagine what you bought that Dart for was what I paid for my 225 slant six dart back in the early 2000s. Those 4.30 gears must have made it a beast
Jay always has an expression of awe, and of appreciation, for the vehicle he's driving. It's great to see him actully break out into a laugh and a smile because of the car.
My senior year in high school, 1978, I had a '68 GTS, 383 four barrel, 4 speed, Racing Green. It was hard to beat. I loved that car!!
I must say, it IS a lot more enjoyable to see Jay alone talking about one of his own cars. Thanks to this video, I have acquired a new appreciation for the Dart GTS.
You are right, Jay. In hindsight, that was the perfect muscle car. Lighter than a Road Runner, hence faster, and the design was understated and has aged very well. Nice ride! Great video!
Not a "muscle car".
I had one of these that I bought in 1981 for $50 running poorly. I rebuilt the massive Carter 4bbl and discovered a bad valve, turned it over for $200 & 2G of inspirational product. Decent profit at the time for a 20 yr old. Lol
About 10 years ago there was an elderly gentleman that collected darts, dusters, valiants ect. The Mopar's that weren't as popular back in the day. He had at least 20 full cars with even more parts cars all over his property. Any stranger could knock on his door and he would talk for hours about each and every one. But we moved away and didn't go back for years. Just recently we drove through and I noticed all the cars were gone. I stopped and tried to talk to him but it was a new owner. The guy had passed away and his family sold and or scrapped every single one of them. I was speechless. His kids said they were old junk and they didn't understand why anyone would want one. I tried over and over to buy one but he would always say no they're going to my kids when I die. Just wow.
My first car was a 68GT convertible I bought in 78, now I have a 67. I have a long emotional bond to the Darts. Jay's car is gorgeous. I always wondered if he had a Dart tucked into his collection.
Jay just bought this car from a woman who wanted it to be kept and cared for
by Jay.
My second car was a one owner '68 GT with the 273 engine, also bought in '78- like a damned fool I sold it four years later 😭
@@rogercamp6071I have a 273 in my dad's 66 Coronet. Big car for a little engine. Rebuilt it to stock; should have done it with high compression commando pistons. Next time...
I bought a 67 Dart new with the 273 Hipo 235 horsepower engine. I ordered the 4 speed with sure grip diff 3:23 gears. All in with taxes in Toronto it cost me $3059.00. Had lots of fun. That GTS is a beautiful looking car and sounds good too. For my money I would bet the 340 Dart with same gearing would have run away from the 383 powered GTS. I may be wrong but I seem to remember that the 383 was a really tight fit and they had to modify the exhaust manifold on one side to fit and it affected the horsepower output. I might be mistaken.
I don't doubt that one bit.The 340 was a great motor.Known in U.S. as "The big block killer".It moved the Demon quite well so I'm sure it would have performed even better in the Dart.
JAY HAS NO IDEA JUST HOW IMPORTANT HE REALLY IS IN THE THE FUTURE OF THE AUTOMOTIVE HOBBYIST....WE MUST KEEP JAY LENO ALIVE AT ALL COST !!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU MR JAY LENO!!!!
The 383 powered Dart GTS is the muscle car no one ever talks about and many people dont even know it exists
It's not a muscle car.
Seeing this '68 Dart, brought back memories of my '68 Valiant - albeit with a 225 Slant Six, rather than the 383 V8! The car was fun to drive, practical, and people often asked me about it. Manual drum brakes require some strong legs, but you get used to it!
Jay, thank you for including that old Mopar gear-reduction starter sound, before you took off! 😃👍
Watch out for a 68 340 GTS.. from stop light to stop light it will always get a 383! But at the end of the 1320… the big block usually would win.
Episodes like this, where Jay talks to us alone and tells us all those wonderful stories from back in the day, God it's wonderful. Thank you very much and keep them coming!!
I actually had one of these when I was a college student. It was the GTS with the 340 cu. in. engine and TorqueFlite transmission. Red with a black vinyl roof and the same side stripes. What a cool car! I loved it and wish I still had it today....
340>383
As usual Jay nailed it - classic car ownership is all about nostalgia and the way driving felt in times long past.
The click when he opened the trunk. A sound that resonates down to the dna. What a beautiful car.
I've always been a Mopar fan. I've never had this car appear on the streets where I grew up. My first car was a 66 Plymouth Fury and me being a teenager, drove the piss out of it. That car took all the abuse I threw at it. Next came a station wagon that had the 383 4 barrel and I saw the power was there but too much weight. My favorite car was the 71 Cuda. Only had the 340 and after a few mods it got 8 miles to the gallon. That car brought me many tickets and the realization that there's always a faster car out there. My attention went to motorcycles and they are my passion now. I haven't heard anyone mention the Plymouth Valiant that had the Commando 273 4 barrel. I've only seen one of those on the streets. My dad's car back in the day. Thanks Jay !!!
"I'm glad that she chose me as the buyer." ~ Jay Leno. A man that loves cars would absolutely say this. God bless ya, Jay!
Thanks for bringing back some great memories. I worked with a young lady back in 1969 whose husband had a ‘68 Dart 383 GTS, 4 speed, 3.91 rear end (that I think was a special order from the factory). No other modifications except for a tach. It was green, black vinyl top. It was their family car. He got me and my 65 GTO to tag along to National Speedway in Center Moriches, LI, NY. My first time drag racing at a pro strip and promptly blew my clutch. Staying in a pure stock class meant no headers or other mods to the engine. Slicks were okay. In addition to throwing on a set of Mickey Thompson’s, his trick was to lighten the car as much as possible by yanking the passenger bucket seat, the rear seat, and pulled both mufflers off to run straight pipes. The car ran B Stock as I recall and was the undefeated class record holder every time he ran. Loved that car. I later bought a ‘70 Dart Swinger 340, but that 383 GTS was the car I was in love with.
I appreciate the Ferraris and the technology available now but this is one I'll watch all the way through.
Because it's within one's realistic dreams. I'd buy this car.
The technology is completely USELESS since you can drive Ferrari at the same speed of a scooter, there ìs nothing more useless than cars like that.
Yes Jay, back in the day I had the 340 seafoam green. All I did is had a 3:91 posi with Mickie Thompson in the back with air shocks. I beat 396 chevells and corvettes, no problem. Thanks 😊 Jay
None of that happened.
I always loved the A-Bodies. They had such clean, simple lines.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and my eyes hurt.
I like the gts logo on the front of the hood though
I had a 1969 Dodge Dart GTS Convertible with the 340 and 4-speed. I had power brakes, no power steering. It was extremely quick, I loved it. Never should have sold it.
I was waiting for this video to go live. Loved every second. No one would turn down a Charger but Darts and Coronets are so overlooked.
Jay, I love how despite your success and wealth you come across so down to earth as just an old school guy who loves cars. I'm entertained and laughing out load. Thank you! Good health
Man, the sound of this thing totally stock, and the fact that a couple could just head down to the dealer and order up two brand new cars. A shame about the draft though, I hope he made it back, no real mention of him after that 😐 Jay is just a good guy though, salt of the earth. I'm surprised he gets along with Tim Allen, the stories about him aren't great, but maybe he treats other celebrities with respect 🤔
@@mysterywrecked Let's add Seinfeld to that list of "horse's patoots" who Jay allows to be his friends. They are lucky Jay can overlook their many faults. I probably would not be so generous.
@@mysterywrecked They have something in common. Both comedians, and Tim Allen is a car guy, and has a sizable collection of cars including muscle cars and restomods. That’s why cars are always somewhere in the background on his sitcoms.
@@herrunsinn774 Jerry Seinfeld is in the same boat with Jay as with Tim Allen. Both are successful comedians and car guys. Seinfeld is well known in the Porsche world as a serious collector with over 100 cars. Not hard to see any of these guys being buddies. Comedians Adam Corolla and Kevin Hart are also known as car guys with collections.
I had both overlooked cars. 69 Swinger 340 dual quad tunnel ram .510 solid lift cam, 4 speed, 4.56 half tubbed. 69 Coronet convertible, 440 big cam, auto, 4.10 gears, centreline rims with N50’s on the back. OMG. Lots of good memories thinking about those days in the early 80’s. Always wrenching and cruising. ❤
Finally a GTS, that was my car in 1973 baby blue with white bucket seats and a 4 speed hurst. My mom told that the country was running out of gas and we got rid of it. That brought back such good memories. Thanks Jay
Back in the day, I ran a '70 Boss 302 as a high school kid...these Mopars were a pesky bunch--very tough to beat from light to light--and they all sounded great.
In 1971 I had a 1969 Ford Mustang Sportsroof Shaker Hood 351-C, 4 speed, 3:73 axel. I was owner #3 at the time but it also was ordered special with no power brakes, no power steering, no power windows, no power anything except for it did have factory air conditioning ! Drum brakes all around, it wouldn't stop worth a hoot but as noted in the video, on the highway the manual steering was a dream while parallel parking was almost impossible. Loved that Cleavland too, it would lug down very smoothly yet scream on the top end.
I have probably said this before: Jay Leno is a national treasure. just the best.
Jay I had a 69 GTS and my own feelings for and about the car were perfectly discribed by you However there were a few differences. The hood vents were nicely cromed with a 383 insignia in the center : The side fender lights were rectangular, no side stripe. The seats were up graded and very nicely done with barred headrest. The center console was long and woodgrained and it came with a 4 speed muncie trans missioin with an offset Hurst shifter . The color was the same only the top was black vinyl . The biggest suprise was when I did the first tune up. it had a dual point distibuter and after a little researsh I found out, that engine from the factory came with dualpoint distributer , 440 heads and a 440 cam. I owned and loved that car for 6 months then I recieved my draft notice and joined the navy and served in the purgeon gulf.Every once in a while I'm lucky enough to have that car come into one of my dreams. Thanks for the video I always enjoyed your show and glad to see you recoved from the accident
I forgot to comment opn it , it also had a 411 rear
I doubt it was a Muncie transmission And the cylinder heads were the same on 383 is they were on 440s by the way
So glad to see another Mopar that's part of your collection Jay! While I am more of a late 60's Barracuda person, these Dodge Darts have always been very appealing to me since it practically looks like a smaller Plymouth Road Runner (my family owns a 1969 Road Runner, had it in the family since I was 6 years old so I have a lot of sentimental attachment). Thank you for sharing this absolute gem from your collection Jay, as well as the interesting backstory of this particular example, this really made my day!
I grew up hearing my dad's stories of him racing his 68 barracuda 340 formula s 3 speed auto....then he seemed upset and puzzled why I was getting speeding tickets in my little 80hp carb'd 83 Mazda 626 5 speed as a teen in the 90s 😂
Probably because your old 626 was as light or lighter than his 'Cuda and thus, the power to weight ratio is better than his old car!
That's one thing I love about Jay,sure he 'owns' a lot vehicles,but he's also a great caretaker of them. People have owned them in the past,and people will own them in future,someone who preserves and maintains them,(and loves them really,and DRIVES them!!)is essential,that's Jay Leno.
Finally ! Been waiting for this car to be featured!
I had a 70 Dart GT 340 , loved that car.
“I know a lot of Mopar guys who would give a left ball”….is the standard line for this car. Most of them rotted away before the engines gave out or got wrapped around telephone poles. Who would ever think a Dodge Dart could be so collectable! Beautiful!
My first car was a 1971 Demon with the 340. Quite a bit in common with this one. Great presentation, Mr. Leno.
In the 80's I had the 71' Dodge Demon 340 Functional hood scoops,727 auto , Console Bucket seats with the 8 3/4 Sure grip , Power disc/drum power steering, so much Torque I had Solid motor mounts...Very fast and fun car and yes I could actually see the gas Gauge move as I stepped on the gas pedal, I am glad I owned one back when Gas was......Cheaper.
340 was a awesome engine, would run over most 383s , I had a 351 Cleveland in a mustang, the demon just destroyed it😔😔😔😔
@@MrFarmer2345 I had a 68' Charger 383 ,4 bbl Magnum Auto Console in 75', it had Power but that 340 high Winder was much better and yes, I would blow away 351's Easily.
Jay is such a good joe, heckuva gearhead. Providing an invaluable service with his car restorations & preservation. Us fellow car junkies get to share these amazing cars & we so appreciate it. I had a 72 Barracuda as my first car, dad got it for me when I was 13 in 1982. Rebuilt it together & drove it for a bit. Then got a 72 Duster which was plum crazy/black. Wish i still had them but my military career just didn't mesh with moving so much. Saving up to get another classic hopefully next year. God bless Jay, & thank you for what you do.
Love this car. My uncle had one when I was a kid. Metallic gold with dark green interior. Sounds ugly but was really great . Used to sit in it and learn how to shift. Funky curved shifter and a totally cheap looking plastic shift ball. Still love that car.
Jay Leno is who I aspire to, as a podunk (6 cars) collector. He makes me feel like I’m not alone. I’m tired of the haters that think I’m foolish having multiple cars.
Thank you Jay for your love of cars, and sharing them with all us car guys & gals!!! ❤
I had a '68 Dart with the base-level engine. The trunk was IMMENSE--held everything for a camping trip for the five passengers.
..Jay Lenos Garage...no matter the car...Always a class act..!
Reminds me of a very good daily driver I once had...73 Valiant, 4 door 225 slant 6...no power brakes (you didn't need them)...power steering , auto trans...no AC, no radio...I drove it from 1991 until someone stole it right out from my driveway in 2005....
❤ beautiful car. Jay Leno is such a class act, and a pleasure to listen to.
Right out of High School I bought a 1970 Dart Swinger 340. That was such a fun car... It had the Torque Flite and Suregrip, dual functional hood scoops. I had stock Dodge hubcaps on black steel wheels and the rear tail stripe removed so no one thought I had anything until I left them at the light.
Such simplicity. And those Cragars. Best aftermarket wheel EVER. Beautiful.
The 340 with the torqueflite and 3:55 rear ended was really quick for stock
Thank you, Jay, for not only sharing your car collection with the rest of the world but also giving the back history on the model you are featuring and most importantly, preserving our car history.
I had a '67 Dart GT, with automatic, PS, PB, and man did I love that car!
Loved the slight body difference between the '67 and the '68.
I owned several Darts thru the years, but none were enjoyed more than my '67.
Thanks for reminding me of those memories!
I had a 67 Dart GT convertible with a slant six. It had 8 3/4 rear and the GTS hood. The hood was not original.
We should start a club for former owners of’67 Dart GTs! I bought mine in 1983 for $350. Drove it a couple of years. Maybe put $200 into it. Gave it away when the transmission went out. The one I let get away 😢. Ah… youth. Replaced it with a ‘71 Volvo wagon. 😮 Got to know the addict/mechanic very well…. Oh well… 18 cars later I’m still missing the 67.
@riverbendtube I had to sell my running, paid for '67 Dart GT (225 slant 6), to get my fiancé 's POS Ford Pinto which wasn't paid for, out of the shop! It blew 2 head gaskets and a radiator, within 6 months. I was working my arse off, but still didn't have any extra cash. Sold it for $150 to a neighbors girlfriend, and the last time I saw it, it was up on a lift getting new tires, shocks, U-joints, and a full tune up. That both depressed me, but it really made me happy to see it getting the love that it deserved.
When I traded a busted down '70 Camero for my '67, I named it "Mountain Goat", b/c it never left me stranded, and it really should have! I still gauge all of my trucks and cars, by the years and the miles of great service that Mountain Goat gave me! Neither my fiancé nor her POS Pinto lasted very long after I sold my Dart. I don't miss either her, nor her Pinto.
That was an awesome, yet under appreciated car back in the day...as was the Nova. Such a beautiful car! Thanks for sharing Jay!
"as was the Nova" LOL No.
Had forgotten how good those neatly creased clean lined cars looked. I bought a ’69 Dart with a 273 cu in V8 and an automagic transmission in 1973 because my left leg was in a cast and I needed something that would get me to school. The car stayed with me until until it was totaled by my then three year old son in 1980.
Thank you Jay Leno for honoring veterans by sharing the history of this vehicle. My father gave me his 1968 Dodge Dart GT SE convertible for my 16th birthday. According to Bard, "only 395 1968 Dodge Dart GT SE Convertibles were made. This makes it a very rare and collectible car today." I am a veteran and wish it will find its way back to me before I pass away. It was fun to drive and was treated as such. I had many great memories with her.
I grew up in the 60s and I always fascinated to see all the cars I remember! Beautiful car Jay! Thank you for sharing!❤
Gorgeous car...props to both Pauline and Jay for taking such wonderful care of it
This one was worth the wait, Eagerly anticipated, and no disappointment. Thank you sir, for sharing this rare treat with us all!
One of my favorites when I was a teenager! Still has it's place in my hart and one day will have it's place in my garage.
The A body, especially an example like this, a real treat. Great pickup Jay.
I HAVE a 1968 Dart GTS Convertible. A guy back in high school in 1977 had one with a 383 4-speed and it ran circles around everything else. I still need the wide trunk trim panel for mine those things are almost impossible to find. My messed up original one got lost during the restoration.
Always loved the Dart, and that one's a beauty. Thanks for sharing Jay... and Pauline.
..what a beauty!.......it's always a treat to see something that old, that clean, and as it was when it left the factory...truly deserving of your museum, Jay....
I remember this car in high school. It was fast then beat everyone
These types of JLG are my favourite; just Jay drivin' around and talking about one of his cars! Great car, too; there can't be many survivors like this puppy out there! Thanks for the time-trip, Jay and crew! ✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦
I learned to drive in a 68 Dart GT with the 170 Slant Six and automatic. Plenty of power! Was yellow with black vinyl top. Was a car from the driving school. A great car to drive. Manual brakes and steering. It was the top rated compact by Consumer Reports in the day. So glad Jay has preserved all the great cars in his collection. Too bad they don't make cars like this today !
I'm Portuguese and a huge diecast collector... I have a fairly good collection of muscle cars and don't know why the Dart has always been one of my favourite, probably my favourite of all the Dodge... It's just like Jay says, just the right size, the right power, the perfect design... If I somehow could ever import and own a real American Muscle... I'm pretty sure it would be a Dart that I would go for
Heck man even a dart with the 318 sounds great and will burn out and get up over a hundred. Had a 71 dart swinger. Had the Dana rear end. Course mine wasn't remotely nice. Bought it in 86 with 130k. Died in 88, and ya I killed it, driving like a 17 yo. But was loads of fun. I had disks in the front tho. Hope you get your muscle car man!😊
You don't even need to import one. I am sure that there will be at least a few solid Darts for sale if you keep searching. Europe is a "rich" continent and there are a lot of old US cars here. Sure, you won’t see a Dart for sale every day, but it's not impossible. The thing is that when you decide to buy one, you'll maybe need to travel to Sweden, Germany or Netherlands etc., but that’s a small price to finally own a real american piece of automotive history.
I own a '72 Dodge Demon 340 with a 3 on the floor and it's just amazing to drive. Also no power steering or other comfort features, but this makes it even more fun. To the last detail the Demon is just like I would have ordered it back in the day, which was insane luck to find, so I'll keep the car till the day I die...and beyond in hell 😈, hahaha. Most people go for a 4 speed manual, for bucket seats, for the rear spoiler, but I love to have a bench seat, I love to have just a 3 speed stick shift and I like it more without the "Go Fast" wing in the back.
The color is bright red and I got all the period correct black stripes on the sides, the tail stripe and the cool hood stripes together with a twinscoop hood snorkel. Racing mirrors in body color and argent silver Mopar Rally wheels with the trim rings. Man...before I even open the garage doors, I get weak in the knees, I get goosebumps and my pulse goes faster...
There’s no school like oldschool 😎
Good luck finding a Dart 🍀
If you do, have tons of respect for it, because US cars were never designed for our narrow european roads and the Dart is a very powerful car with a "primitive" handling capabilities which is what makes it fun, but also a very dangerous car in the hands of a driver that doesn’t respect it's age and limits. At this point in modern times use it just for cruising and keep the peelouts, burnouts and donuts for an abandonen airfield or something with a lot of space like that.
And one last thing...don't forget to play some ZZ Top on the radio 🔑🎶🎵
@@theboyisnotright6312 Why would a 318 need a dana rear?
I saw a 68 Dart in a Braga scrap yard. There was also a 74ish Firebird. This was years ago... my dad had a 68 Dart with the slant 6. Basic reliable 100000 mile transportation before it rusted away.
I loved hearing Jay complaining about the price of gas! In 1968 gas was 10-12 cents a gallon. If you were a crazy rich guy with a new Corvette you went and bought Sunoco 260 at 50 cents a gallon! The good old days!
That was really beautiful. One of your best episodes. Jay is a man doing what he loves.
My first car in 1978 was a 68 340 Dart… my current car is a 68 Dart with a 408 stroker
Good looking intermediate size. Gets more handome with age, the clean lines and understated garnish make this Dart very appealing.
Jay, a great human being, we need more folks like him ! Super car!
The BEST car guy without a doubt!!!!
Beautiful car. Love that color. Always seems to be the case that something simple and well executed can be the most beautiful and endearing thing to behold. This car is all about the "feels".
Jay and this Dart are a perfect match. Old, Slow, and great stories. A true humble car collector