- Seller: Evan A (Contact)
- Location: Glendale, California
- Mileage: 8,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 7535161825
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 3.7-Liter 225 Slant-6
- Transmission: A904 Push Button TorqueFlite Automatic
UPDATE – The seller has requested that we cancel the auction, as the car was involved in a minor collision. They are working with their insurance to get the damage fixed. Given the situation, we have ended the auction. We hope to see it again once it has been repaired.
The owner has been the custodian of this 1963 Dodge Dart 170 Suburban Wagon for an impressive twenty-eight years. It has received a considerable amount of TLC during that period. The results justified the effort because this classic is in excellent mechanical health, and it is a rock-solid project candidate. Returning this classic Wagon to its former glory would be a straightforward process, although some may find preservation a tempting idea. All good things must come to an end, as the owner decides that the time has come for this Dart to head to greener pastures. Therefore, he has listed this wonderful Wagon exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Dodge introduced the Third Generation Dart range for the 1963 model year, with its latest offering effectively forsaking the last vestiges of the fins which had been a defining feature since the badge’s introduction in 1960. The appearance was crisper than its predecessors, winning immediate favor with potential buyers. This first-year example is the entry-level 170 Suburban Wagon that was ordered by its first owner in Code D Medium Blue Metallic. It has undergone a color change at some point, although this hasn’t extended into areas like the engine bay or door frames. Therefore, reversal would be easy if the winning bidder planned a faithful restoration. It is unclear why the change occurred, but it may have been prompted by the fact that this wagon has spent most of its life in California. That state’s climate is excellent for steel preservation, but it can exact a high toll on paint. It is possible that it was this type of deterioration that prompted the cosmetic refresh. The owner confirms that the Dart did spend some years in the Midwest, but it was garage-kept during that time. That makes its lack of significant penetrating rust unsurprising. The owner replaced the driver’s side floorpan in 2014, as he felt that the hole it had developed was too large to patch effectively. The comprehensive image gallery confirms that this is the only issue below the surface that required attention, with the rest of the floors retaining most of the factory undercoat. The exterior exhibits surface corrosion on the hood and roof, but the only steel penetration is limited to small areas in each lower rear quarter panel. These are prime candidates for patches, but since they haven’t deteriorated in almost three decades, that work could occur when (or if) the buyer deems it necessary.
Dodge offered its 170ci slant-six as the entry-level Dart engine in 1963, but many buyers splashed the additional $50 that brought the 225ci version to the party. It was a worthwhile investment, with the larger engine delivering an almost 45% boost in power and 28% more torque. This Wagon’s first owner teamed the 225 with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and with a curb weight of just over 2,900lbs, this would have been considered a very sprightly performer in 1963. However, it may have more to offer because the current owner has invested a considerable amount into its drivetrain. The motor spun a bearing in 2013, and this was addressed by performing a rebuild that included decking the block and installing a Doug Dutra-milled head. Custom pushrods activate the rockers, with any that were deemed substandard replaced during the build. The cam was reground, the ignition was upgraded to a GM HEI system, the water pump was replaced, the Carter fuel pump and carburetor were rebuilt, and a custom aluminum radiator keeps things cool. Add new mounts for the engine and transmission and a new oil pump into the equation, and this slant-six should happily deliver more than the factory-quoted 145hp. The current owner has clocked 8,000 miles behind the wheel since the engine rebuild, and it has run like a Swiss watch with no issues or problems. A previous owner replaced the transmission with one from a 1964 Dart, which is good news. The later TorqueFlite features an internal filter that is still readily available to help ensure longevity. The rear end is of 1965 vintage, while the owner has also hot-tanked the fuel tank and replaced the water in the cooling system with premium Evan’s Waterless Coolant. However, that isn’t the end of the story, because the front end has been fully rebuilt, the brakes have received new lines, new wheel cylinders, and a dual-circuit master cylinder, while the hard metal fuel lines were replaced with flexible items that were rerouted to avoid heat soak. Potential buyers can consider the Dart to be a turnkey proposition that can be enjoyed immediately.
The 170 variant was the Dart’s entry-level offering, and it was built to a price. Buyers didn’t receive carpet, with the floors sporting rubber mats. Vinyl upholstery was the norm, but this Wagon’s first owner splashed the cash on a factory AM radio. The winning bidder might elect to leave the exterior untouched, but the interior is where they could really make their mark. The shopping list will include a dashpad, a headliner, and either new carpet or mats for the floors. The seats look excellent, and the door trims look very acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle of this vintage. The owner installed racing-style front seatbelts in 2014, but there is one further change that the winning bidder can make that will add a sense of luxury and comfort. This Wagon featured aftermarket air conditioning, which the current owner removed. He managed to source a complete dealer-installed Mopar “Cool Aire” setup that is ready to be bolted in. With the new A/C system in place, life inside this Dart will be comfortable, even on the hottest days. There are a couple of small functional tasks for the buyer to tackle, including recalibrating the fuel gauge and addressing the inaccurate temperature gauge. The seller also notes that the outer jacket of the transmission park-lock cable has developed a slow leak and will need addressing.
The winning bidder won’t merely be driving away behind the wheel of a promising project candidate, but they will receive a collection of parts that could form a welcome starting point for its restoration. In addition to the air conditioning system already mentioned, the collection includes a set of rear brake shoes, a selection of other mechanical components, a set of new cargo-window rubber seals to replace those that are old and brittle, a rust-free tailgate, a rare still-in-the-box Mopar factory reverse light installation kit, and the components required to convert the rear tailgate glass to automatic operation. That isn’t the complete list, and it is worth scrolling through the image gallery below to gain a clearer understanding of what the buyer will receive for their money.
I typically look at classics like the 1963 Dodge Dart 170 Suburban Wagon and immediately have a clear vision of what path I would follow should it find its way into my garage. However, this one is different because I am torn between restoration and preservation. It would certainly look striking if someone returned the Wagon to its former glory. However, its lack of significant penetrating rust makes it a prime candidate for preservation. If your vision is clearer than mine, submitting a bid could transform your dream into a reality without costing you a fortune.
Bid On This Auction
Steve bid $500.00 2025-09-24 22:51:18
Well, here’s one you may never see again! I’d have to repaint it. A great opportunity to drive something really rare.
Plenty of “patina” for sure. I wouldn’t “have” to paint it, but certainly do something to slow the rust. What is that mixture that Derek on the Vice Grip videos uses after cleaning with steel wool soap and water. I think he sells it, but you can make your own with boiled linseed oil and maybe acetone? Flammable! There is also clear coat, but I don’t like gloss, maybe semi-gloss.
A beauty. At first i wondered why the remote mounted coil but when i zoomed in and saw the HEI module i understood. It should find a new home soon
I have the Valiant equivalent to this. Same except the grill and taillights. Its the best running and driving vehicle i have including two modern rides and 3 1960’s dodge and plymouths. If it wasn’t on the west coast, id be all over it. Rare beauty for sure.
Can always fly out and drive it home
I’ve wanted one of these (or a 270, or the ’64 version of either) forever to have as my daily driver. Even has AC? Gritting my teeth……….
This is a great one! It gets lots of looks and smiles. I keep my eyes open and haven’t seen many better (paint would make all the difference: I’ve always regretted never painting it or re-installing the correct A/C).
Wow. How good would it be to run errands with this. Someone should be in for a nice ride.
I remember when I was stationed in the Philippines, the taxi drivers ran nothing but Valiant and Dart sedans with slant 6’s and automatics of the early to late 60s.
What a great car – I grew up in high school with the base model 170 two door, 1965, white with red interior. My parents let me and a friend drive it cross country and back when I was 17. Little did they know – we survived, but had a few close calls due to adolescent boy stupidity. Let’s see, doing a lap of Watkins Glen (hey, we drove up, this was in 1975, there was no one there, we moved a sawhorse and did a lap), getting busted for lighting fireworks at mount rushmore, me racing on my 10 speed, my friend in the car, down some mountain out west (we had our bikes on the roof), and when we ran out of money and had to drive straight back from the west coast (only money for gas, no food to speak of), waking up at about hour 20 in Oklahoma to find the car driving down the grass median on the interstate and my buddy asleep at the wheel. A quick scream and shoulder shake and we were back on the road. Fortunately the bridge abutment was about a mile further down. There are more stories but that’s enough.
These cars are so simple, so sturdy, and this one appears to have mostly avoided the tin worm, which is what did in the one I grew up with.
Wish it was on the east coast. I’d buy yet another car I don’t really need!
So cool and so tempting! What’s not to like?
This is so ugly, it’s cool
Memories; Surf buddies had moms old wagon, stuck a Log in the back.
Off to the beach, no one was going to steal it.
Mechanical all done. Enjoy.
I’de buy it, if the wife didn’t say no more.
Planning on a move to a more Conservative state.
Interesting how the wagon roof looks grafted on to a sedan body. Agree this looks funky but chic. Dave I have to assume you’re in CA contemplating a move to a more conservative state. I have an uncle who lived in Cali and moved to Arkansas of all places. Last I heard he was in some bible thumping cult and now he’s disappeared. Shades of Jonestown. Just sayin’
Hey Fox. I escaped Cali in 09. Moved to New Mexico, it was a more conservative state back then. The boss, (wife) is looking at Tennessee.
She wants the boys near her, both families are looking at retiring soon; escaping New Jersey and Washington; both are Liberal Hell Holes, NM is not much better.
Been looking for a place to put all 24 under roof along with a life time of parts collected. We are Protestant; we are not thumpers. Letting her fingers do the walking; she’ll find the right place someday….It took me 5 years of research and planning to get here; I am expecting at least 8 for the final move. In the meantime; I am looking for a mid 70’s 3/4 ton Chevy Suburban 4×4. I have a lead on one, but, I don’t know if the Heir wants to sell it.
My Father passed 6 months ago and nobody told me. I had to search it out on my own after a storage facility called me and wanted to sell me the contents. Pretty flubbed up!
At first glance of the first picture, the angle and the very thin C pillar almost make the rear wagon part “disappear”, so you feel like you are looking at a 4 door sedan.
Beware of the “suicide” door handles. I named them that because we had one of these wagons when we were little, and my brother was apparently holding onto one of these handles while Dad was going around an exit. The door opened and dumped him out of the car! He was bumped and bruised, but otherwise okay, luckily.
The 4dr sedan appearance was my first thought. Actually, it took a closer look to notice it is a wagon. Old eyes, I guess.
Tough way to exit a vehicle! Glad your brother was fine.
Same thing happened to my wife when she was a young girl. It was in a Rambler though and she managed to hold onto the door without actually making contact with the pavement.
No such thing as “ child locks” back then.
One of the things I like about this wagon is NO ROOF RACK! I’m so tired of all the roof racks. This car is very tempting, AND not too far away. But too many in the fleet now. Good luck Evan!
Neat old car.
It’s interesting to note the C.D marks are still on the “ All Transistor “ radio.
‘ 63 was the last year they were required .
I remember as a kid, we had “CD” drills in grade school!
Nice little classic wagon!
Waiting for a 62 Valiant Station Wagon to come up so’s I can share my own little personal story as we do here on BarnFinds.
I am still looking for the hay wagon, 2.5 tow hitch and a few more items like this by-gone treasure. But alas 91 is not a great year to start buying used cars. I was a Chrysler fan, like my dad and was so proud of my 57 C-300. Got 800 dollars for it and made wife very happy with my Dodge 400 and 383 engine. Funny that dad’s Imperial had the same gas heater as my “C”. Those were the good old days..
no rack might mean a ‘delete request’. Both my ’64 and ’66 ( 170ci) had them, most I saw/see do.
When the ’64’s body rotted off I put the motor in the newer (as a connecting rod/piston took out the starter & all went skittering dwn the interstate behind me). That was not a million mi motor (like MB OM617, ford 300/3.9) but most are. In fact in the new car it did 300K including a 2 yr tour around the perimeter states of our nation, that roof rack full to the max, the seats flipped down & over loaded inside as well. All ways wondered what the 225/3.7 would have been like.
I would have liked to have had the aluminum version of the 225.
We East Coast denizens are bonded together by our West Coast “ well preserved cars” envy. Neat car and I haven’t seen one of these in the wild in ages. GLWTS.
curious that this is up for auction again? High bidder back out on the last sale? I love this car – patina and all. Would make a great replacement for my much missed ‘65 Valiant wagon.Will be watching closely.
Cheers,
TB
It didn’t meet reserve so the seller wanted to relist with a lower reserve.
I’m still gritting my teeth, but it needs $10k in body prep and paint, which I simply cannot do (too old, no skill). I’m also wondering if the glass is just dirty, or if its pitted that badly? I could install the new dash pad, new front bumper (not small change either), install the AC, carpet, and do all the needed mechanical and electrical tweaks in my sleep, but wow… This is a tough decision….. My arm is twisted so far up behind my back already! But I can’t see having it done for less that 20k with a 7 buy price… Is it worth it? Tough decision.
Sometimes, at cruises or even shows, the ones that are not restored receive more attention, both positive or questioning why it remains in that “pitiful condition”. We are all different or similar in some ways. I am in the group that believes in having the car safe to drive for the least money spent. Protect the finishes without a repaint?
I appreciate and enjoy a great paint job, as I know what’s entailed to get to the finished product. BUT, I’m also all about the total cost of ownership. Which usually doesn’t include a beautiful paint job. I’m usually torn between what to do with the completed car. (Mechanically speaking) I have had between 25 & and 30 Foxbody Mustangs and Capris. But I finally snagged one that was the body style and lack of options that I was looking for. It was stripped down to the shell, all the factory spot welded areas were scraped of sealer, all the seams were welded and then resealed, and on and on with upgrades to body and suspension and mechanicals. The paint was not terrible, but worn thin, so I prepared it for paint the best I know how and took the car to a local paint shop. Well, the job wasn’t up to my standard of my expectation. And then I took it for a new windshield. 25 miles later I caught a rock right in my vision area. That’s when I decided not to ever get overly concerned with the paint on a car. I drive them and use them. They have to perform the way that I deem acceptable. But the paint, just accept the way it is.
Yeah, I get that. But I’m kind of a purist who likes cars that look to be in the 1-5 year old range. I would not go for a concourse paint job and would be okay with a little orange peel here and there. Point is, from my first comment weeks ago, I would probably drive this thing on a regular basis if not daily, not make it a showpiece. I’d return it to its factory color, maybe add a pinstripe on the body line, and I have a correct roof rack to throw on it just to dress it up a little. I drive old cars because I hate modern ones, truly hate them. I’d rather drive old junk than brand new junk. There are five cars in my household, and none were built in the 21st century. Gonna keep it that way, too! Here in the south, they last forever if you take care of them.
7k. is wishful thinking. somebody really needs to have it to pay that
It’s a good running wagon with a well-known engine. If I needed it, I think it would be fine, given the video and some conversation with owner, then inspection. Forget the restoration, unless you don’t mind spending the money. Just drive as is with minimal cash output.
Forget the restoration, the cosmetics. To me this car has “daily driver” written all over it. I’d just throw a carpet over the front floor.