Before the Dart became a long-running Dodge compact, it was both a mid-size (1962) and a full-size car (1960-61). It was based on a Plymouth platform, so the 1960 Dart rode on a shorter wheelbase than other big Dodges. The seller has a low-mileage ’60 Dart Phoenix, which was the premium model in the Dart roster. It’s been inactive for several years, though the seller has recently gotten it running, with more work needed. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this two-tone Mopar is waiting for the first bid of $15,000 here on eBay. And there is a reserve to be met after that.
Three trim levels of the Dart were offered in 1960. From bottom to top, they were the Seneca, Pioneer, and Phoenix (like this white over red 2-door hardtop). This car has been in the same family since the 1970s, and documentation exists that can substantiate the low mileage of 9,022. However, why the car was seldom used over the past 50+ years isn’t mentioned. We’re told it’s been in a garage for many moons, and the brakes are shot at this point (only the emergency brake will bring it to a stop).
The popular 318 cubic inch V8 was installed in this Dodge at the factory, along with the typical Chrysler push-button automatic transmission. The fuel system will need a flush, and the sending unit will probably be replaced. The seller suggests that the timing chain might be out of whack, as the distributor may need to be moved to get things going. The listing says the seating is leather, but was that even an option for the Dart in 1960? The interior looks okay except for one of the sun visors and the driver’s armrest.
There are a few little dings here and there, but no rust beyond the surface variety. The seller said the car was repainted when it was one year old (but why?), so the paint is only period-correct rather than factory. Besides doing anything but pushing the Dodge, a new set of tires will be needed, as the donuts on this Dart are also from the 1970s. If you’re looking for a post-“Forward Look” era Dodge to lightly restore, this might be a suitable candidate.
A jumped timing chain at 9K miles? Seems kinda odd that the distributor was moved a tooth.
Otherwise, a nice looking ’60 Dart, I’d love to own it.
Having been repainted when it was a year old, I wonder if the original color was the fleshy beige MoPars used that year—the interior is two-tone brown, which leads me to believe there was a color change. 9K miles on it; I’d look for the build sheet under the rear seat cushion springs. Overall, not a bad car; the brakes can be fixed NP. Is the gas tank cleaned?
Wrong car but the pictures look like the scene from Christine where Arnie is buying the car.
Leather was not optional on any `60 Dart models.
All-nylon was the standard Phoenix interior.
This car has the optional all-vinyl interior, that was also optional on Dart Pioneer 2 door & 4 door hardtops and wagons.
Automatic swivel seats were also optional on Phoenix.
That 318 was only standard on Phoenix models.
The 225 /6 was standard on Dart Pioneer & Dart Seneca.
This is 1 of 20,525 Phoenix 2 door hardtops in the US, 511 in Canada.
That brake pedal wear is not only 9K miles of use however.
When cars with this styling were more common, I remember thinking “by the year 2020 we’ll have flying cars.
Since I didn’t my “Jetson’s flying car”, this will do.
Sergeant Carter’s car on Gomer Pyle!