Dodge Dart

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Background:

The Dodge Dart was introduced in 1960, first generations Dodge Dart were actually just a smaller full size car. It became a true compact car in 1963. The Dart would continue for years including Swinger models which were replaced with the Demon and the Dodge Sport. The mighty Dart GTS being the best known of them all but of course we have to mention the mighty beast and every one's dream THE HEMI DART.

History:

The Dodge Dart name first appeared as a radically aerodynamic showcar in 1956 but four years later it showed up as new downsized regular production vehicle. It had a utilized body construction, riding on an 118 inch wheelbase, four inches shorter than Dodge's Polara and was Dodge's "compact" fullsize model. The Dart was available as three models: Seneca, Pioneer, and Phoenix. Engines included 225 cid slant 6, 318 cid V8 with either a two or four barrel carb, or a 361 cid V8 with 310 hp. You could also get them with Dodge's D500 performance option which included the 361 cid V8 with a new ram-induction setup which featured twin four-barrels on long, individual-runner intake manifolds which had a supercharger effect. This ram setup was also used on the larger 383 cid V8s used in Polara models, and a few Ram 383s found their way into the smaller Dart. The D500 performance package was only offered one more year 1961, but it was toned down . It now included a standard four barrel carb, or optional ram induction dual carbs.

In 1962 the Dart was introduced a mid-size car but Dart performance hit it's peak when Dodge offered its 413 Max Wedge in all fullsize models, most racers preferred the lighter and cheaper Darts. The 413 Max Wedge was offered in two forms: one with 11:1 compression rated at 410 hp and the other with 13.5:1 compression rated at 420 hp. For styling, the Dodge Dart was all new for 1962, and sat on a 116 inch wheelbase, three inches shorter than a normal fullsize vehicle Some thought these Darts were the ugliest styling ever to be seen on an American vehicle. This would be the last year for a "fullsize" Dart.

In 1963 Dodge Dart switched to a 111 inch wheelbase replacing the Lancer GT as Dodge's new compact. The GT represented the top performing trim level, but it didn't offer a V8 , it was offered as either a hardtop or convertible.

Finally in 1964 the Dodge Dart GT got some performance with the addition of Chrysler's fine 273 cid V8 offering 180 hp. Styling changed very little but they did add a new convex grille.

In 1965 however was a little bit better performance as a 235 hp version of the 273 engine was offered.

In 1966 there was a whole new look for the Dart,more squared off lines, a new rectangular grille, and rectangular headlight bezels. There are some that feel this was the best looking dart ever.

In 1967 a new look again and a little surprise too added to the GT line was a "Dart GTS383/automatic model" and only 229 were produced that year. The car designated Dodge Dart GT for 1967 came with some great standard features like full vinyl interior and carpeting. The new body panels used the same clean lines that had made their appearance first in the B-Body group in 1966. Up to this point, the small-engine Dart had been a fairly humble machine but now a full-fledged member of the "Dodge Rebellion," it looked ready to take on the world. Especially with the GTS option packages, which consisted of either the 273 A-motor (as standard fare) or the 383 as a brutal alternative. It could be ordered the 383, which included tuned dual exhausts, Red Line tires, front disc brakes, heavy-duty suspension and a Carter AVS four-barrel topped by a low-restriction air cleaner. The 727 Torqueflite and a 3.23's differential rounded out the driveline. In addition to the standard GTS stuff, you could get, tinted glass, console-mounted tachometer.

In 1968 Dodge went all out with the Dart GTS to compete against Chevy's Nova SS. The GTS was offered with a standard 340 cid/ 275 hp or an optional 383 cid/ 300 hp. Being light weight, only 3,000 pounds, the Dart GTS did very well on the street and the track. Unfortunately, the extra weight of the 383 tended to negate the power advantage of the 383 over the 340. The 340 was rumored to actually produce over 300 hp which helps explains the lack of improvement with the 383 engine. It did come with chrome exhaust tips, Rallye suspension, 14x5.5 inch wheel rims and E70-14 Red Streak tires. A three-on-the-tree manual transmission was standard, though most GTS models were sold with either a four-speed Hurst floor shift manual or a competition-type Torque-Flite automatic transmission. Identifying the GTS were hood power bulges with air vents, body side racing stripes, special GTS emblems, and simulated mag wheel covers. A rear end "bumble bee" stripe was a no cost option. Vinyl bucket seats were standard in the hardtop and optional in the convtertible.

Another option for those wanting even more performance was a Dart shipped with 383-spec "no powertrain" along with factory prepped 440 engine to Hurst-Campbell, Inc., a Michigan after-market company. Hurst-Campbell did the conversion, Dodge reps inspected it, and the finished car was sent to Grand Spaulding Auto Sales in Chicago, a performance-oriented dealer. The car got a vehicle identification number, but was not covered by the factory warranty. Even more weight over the front wheels and no power steering (it wouldn't fit), the 440 Darts were only good for all out drag racing. Most modified 440 Darts also received additional performance parts such as aftermarket headers, ignition kit, hoses, wiring, and air cleaner

Model Successor

Demon

Dodge Sport

Aspen

Technical:

Platform

1960 to 1962 Darts are (B-body )

1963 to 1976 Darts are ( A-body)