If total originality isn’t a driving factor behind your classic selection and you favor a slice of Mopar muscle, this 1969 Dodge Dart GTS could be your weapon of choice. It features what the seller describes as driver-quality paint, although lifting its appearance would be relatively straightforward. The 340ci V8 under the hood isn’t original, but it is period-correct for this car. I want to extend a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Dart listed here on Craigslist in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada. The seller set their price at $40,000, although it is unclear whether that figure is in Canadian or US currency. If it is the former, that equates to approximately US$28,500.

Dodge produced its Fourth Generation Dart range between 1967 and 1976. This 1969 model is the high-performance GTS variant. Although its first owner ordered it in Light Green, it now wears Bright Blue Metallic with a White vinyl top. It is refreshing that the seller doesn’t portray the car as something that it isn’t. They admit that the Dart underwent an older restoration, and that potential buyers should consider it a driver-grade classic. That suggests that a close inspection will reveal minor flaws, with the seller stating that lifting the appearance to show quality would require the replating or replacement of items such as the rear bumper and taillight bezels. However, if you don’t aspire to perfection, the sparkling paint, crisp stripes, and spotless vinyl make this vehicle worth a closer look. Rounding out the exterior are Rallye wheels that appear to be free from any damage.

Dodge offered the 340ci V8 as the entry-level engine for 1969 Dart GTS buyers, although buyers willing to splurge could opt for the larger and more potent 383. The company quoted power and torque figures of 275hp and 340 ft/lbs for the 340, confirming that even the most conservative GTS provided respectable performance. The seller confirms that although the 340 hiding under this car’s hood isn’t original, it is period-correct. It sends its power to an 8¾” rear end via a heavy-duty three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. Power steering is a welcome feature, but the front disc brakes are unassisted. The motor features an upgraded Edelbrock carburetor with an electric choke, although those preferring authenticity will be pleased that the factory Carter unit is also included. The seller provides this YouTube video of the car in action. It appears to run and drive well, and the V8 sounds as sweet as a nut.

It appears that the first owner wished to combine performance and comfort when ordering this GTS. The interior features bucket seats, a console, and an AM radio. Air conditioning was also part of the package, but some components are missing, making the system incomplete. The seller identifies a slight seam separation on the passenger seat as the most serious imperfection. I also noticed that some of the faux-chrome trim on the dash exhibits deterioration. Otherwise, the overall condition is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic.

There is something undeniably attractive about owning a driver-grade classic. They offer a more relaxed experience than slipping behind the wheel of a pristine vehicle, which can easily fall victim to errant stones and other items that may potentially cause damage. This 1969 Dodge Dart GTS is a driver that the buyer could easily lift to a higher level. The company produced approximately 6,700 examples of the ’69 GTS, with the 340/TorqueFlite combination proving the most popular. It was chosen by 2,623 buyers, and while, at face value, that doesn’t seem to make it particularly rare, that figure equates to only around 3% of total Dart production in 1969. The big unknown in this case is the price. If the seller’s figure is in US dollars, it is optimistic. However, if they are quoting their local currency, it appears far more competitive. If that is the case, this Dart deserves a closer look.