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 everyone's dream car 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" full-size 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/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 full-size 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 full-size 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 "full-size" Dart.

In 1963, Dodge Dart switched to a 111 inch wheelbase replacing the Lancer GT as Dodge's new compact. The Dart GT represented the top performing trim level, but it didn't offer a V8 , it was offered as either a hardtop or convertible, the Dart was available as a 2 or 4 door sedan also. This longer wheelbase for all Darts run from 1963 to 1976 with the exception of the 1963-1966 Dart "station wagon" which used a shorter 106 inch wheelbase.

Finally in 1964, the Dodge Dart GT got some performance with the addition of Chrysler's 273 cid /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 GTS 383/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 convertible.

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

Now as if a Big Block Dart wasn't enough,there was approximately 80 Darts fitted with the426 Hemi. It had a fiberglass hood and front fenders, a front bumper and doors stamped out of a lighter gauge steel, special one-layer Corning Glass for the side windows "the glass didn't meet DOT standards" no door window mechanisms, and no exterior side mirrors, all in an attempt to save weight. There was no rear seat to save on weight,no radio, and the front seats with special lightweight van seats mounted on custom-fabricated aluminum mounting bracket.There was no insulation, no undercoating or sealers were used, and even the right side seatbelt was removed. Under the hood, the brake master cylinder was moved to clear the cylinder head, and rubber brake lines were used instead of metal so that they could be removed for access to the valve cover without disturbing the brake hydraulic system. The actual Hemi engine featured a pair of Holley carbs on a magnesium cross-ram intake. Iron heads were used to keep the cost down. A heavy duty cooling package was standard, as well as headers, the cars were delivered just primered and naked black fiberglass from the cowl forward on cheap black wheels with skinny tires. Final cost per car was around $4,500, and to make sure that the cars were raced and NOT driven on public streets, every Hemi Dart came with a sticker that stated that "This vehicle was not manufactured for use on Public Streets, Roads or Highways, and does not conform to Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. But they definitely performed on the track, and would hit 10's in the quarter miles with minimal modification. The Hemi Dart was the fastest factory built car in muscle car history and there for," most collectors dream car. "

In 1969 Dart GTS had a few changes and a more powerful optional engine. It offered a new black grille with bright horizontal center bar, and a blacked-out rear body panel. The optional 383 V8/330 hp was taken from the roadrunner and super bee. Dodge strengthened the suspension when the 383 was ordered, increasing the diameter of the front torsion bars and front sway bars. Heavy-duty six-leaf rear springs and E70x14 tires were retained which made good launches tricky. They still offered the heavy-duty four speed or high-shift Torque-Flite, both with 3.23:1 gears standard and 3.55:1 or 3.91:1 available with the optional Sure Grip differential. Also new was a rear "bumble bee" stripe with a separate lower section and the GT Sport name written on it.

Another Dart being offered now was the Dart Swinger 340. Standard equipment was the 340 cid/ 275 hp, four speed manual with Hurst shifter, three-spoke steering wheel with padded hub, Rallye suspension, "Swinger" bumble bee stripes and fat 14 inch wheels and tires. Seven exterior colors and four vinyl colors were available. All-vinyl upholstery (with full carpeting on four speed cars only) was included. The Swinger 340 was only available as a two-door hardtop with two axle ratios (3.55:1 and 3.91:1) were available.

In 1970 Dodge returned with the dart Swinger 340, all Darts had new front and rear styling. The Swinger 340 was available but now included a three-speed manual as standard. Instead of smaller power vents, the hood now had two long, narrow hood scoops. Front disc brakes were included. Despite the introduction of the Dodge Challenger, the Swinger 340 still remained popular, one reason the Swinger 340 was still fast and could often keep up with 340 equipped GTS's.

In 1971 the Dodge Demon was added to the Dart lineup, it was a pillared two-door fastback with a 108" wheelbase "3 inches shorter than other Darts" and was available in two trims. The base Demon had the 198 cid /I6 standard and minimal equipment, performance minded buyers could go for the Demon 340, successor to the Dodge Dart GTS. The Demon 340 featured the strong 340 cid/ 275 hp , three speed fully synchronized floor shift was standard, along with the Rallye instrument cluster, heavy-duty suspension, E70x14 rubber, stripes, and dual exhausts."

"Options included a dual-scoop matte-black hood complete with hood pins, rear spoiler, "Tuff" steering wheel, four-speed manual transmission, TorqueFlite automatic, or upgraded interior". At mid-year, the Demon Sizzler became available, based on the base Demon, the Sizzler added some of the 340's appearance and trim pieces. Both Demon models feature little cartoon "devil" decals which didn't sit well with some religious groups, but definitely added to the Demon's flair.

In 1972, Dodge Demon continued with the major change being that the 340 cid was now only rated at 240 hp, down from 275 hp of the previous year...THE MUSCLE CAR ERA WAS COMING TO AN END !!

In 1973 the Demon fastback was renamed Dart Sport, in response to Christian groups' complaints about the "Demon" name and devil-with-pitchfork logo. The high-performance models thus became Dart Sport 340 in 1973, and Dart Sport 360 for 1974 when the 360 cid (5.9 L) replaced the 340 cid (5.6 L) V8. The Dart Sport received the same new front end as the other Darts, and its taillights were changed to two lights per side, each with a chrome trim ring. These would remain unchanged through the 1976 model year.

Model Predecessor

Dodge Lancer

Model Successor

Dodge Aspen

Related Models

• Duster
• Valiant
• Demon
• Dart Sport

Competition

• Chevy Nova
• Ford Maveric
• Buick Skylark
• Olds Cutlass
• Ford Falcon
• Mercury Comet
• AMC Gremlin
• Rambler American

Technical:

Platform

• 1960 to 1962 Darts are (B-body )
• 1963 to 1976 Darts are ( A-body)

Engines

1960 to 1962

• 318 V8 (2bbl) 230 hp
• 318 V8 (4bbl) 255 hp
• 361 V8 310 hp
• 318 V8 (4bbl) 260 hp- (1961)
• 361 V8 305 hp -(1961)
• 383 (Police) V8 325 hp -(1961)
• 383 (Ram) V8 330 hp- ( 1961 )
• 413 Max Wedge V8 410 hp -( 1962 )
• 413 Max Wedge V8 420 hp- ( 1962 )

1963 to 1976

• 170 -I6/ 101 hp
• 225- I6/ 145 hp
• 273 cid / 180 hp -1964
• 273 cid /235 hp - 1965
• 340 cid / 275 hp
• 340 cid / 240 hp -1972 ( Demon ) & 1973 ( dodge Dart Sport )
• 360cid / 245 hp - 1974 dodge Dart Sport
• 360 cid / 230 hp- 1975 dodge Dart Sport
• 360 cid / 220 hp - 1976 dodge Dart Sport
• 383 cid / 300 hp
• 440 cid/375 hp
• 426 cid/425 hp .... "1968 only and only in 80 Hemi Darts "

Transmissions

• 3-speed manual
• 4-speed manual
• 3-speed Torqueflite automatic