Some classics fare better than others over the years. This 1964 Dodge Dart Station Wagon has spent most of its life in California, but the seller revived it in 2020 after it had hibernated for a decade. It presents extremely well for an unrestored survivor and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J for spotting the Dart listed here on Craigslist in Philipsburg, Montana. You could slip behind the wheel and drive it home after handing the seller $15,000.
Dodge launched its Third Generation Dart range for the 1963 model year, with the final cars rolling off the line in 1966. The company offered buyers a choice of five body styles, with the Station Wagon proving popular with those seeking affordable, practical family transport. This Wagon rolled off the line in 1964, and as its blue plates indicate, it has spent most of its life in sunny California. This is good news, because it has kept the dreaded rust at bay. The vehicle isn’t a trailer queen, but can be viewed as an honest survivor. Its White paint retains a warm glow, and there are no major panel imperfections. The trim is in good condition for a car of this vintage, and the glass is clear. When the seller awoke the Wagon from its ten-year slumber in 2020, they swapped out the original 13″ wheels for 14″ steelies with full wheel covers. Otherwise, this Dart is as original as the day it left the line.
Dodge offered 1964 Dart buyers a choice of three engines, and this Wagon’s first owner walked the middle ground by selecting the venerable 225ci slant-six. They teamed the six with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, but decided not to splash their cash on power assistance for the steering or brakes. The slant-six was a class-leading motor in its prime, with the 225 delivering an impressive 145hp and 215 ft/lbs of torque. When the seller purchased the Wagon after its decade-long slumber in 2020, they handed it to a Mopar specialist for its revival. They replaced the wheel and axle bearings, rebuilt the differential, and replaced the perishable items: the brakes and shocks. Displaying total confidence, the seller then slipped behind the wheel and drove the vehicle from California to its current location in Montana. The vehicle didn’t miss a beat, and potential buyers can consider the Dart a turnkey proposition.
It is quite common for survivors of this vintage that have spent their lives in dry locations to feature baked interiors. This Dart is an exception, suggesting its three owners have protected it from the ravages of harsh UV rays. The upholstered surfaces look excellent, with no evidence of wear or abuse. The paint looks crisp, and the gauges are excellent. This image reveals a hole in the dash, but other shots in the seller’s listing indicate that it now contains a factory pushbutton radio. Otherwise, the first owner didn’t load the interior with extra-cost options.
If your Wish List for a classic purchase includes the word “practicality,” this 1964 Dodge Dart Station Wagon ticks that box. It has survived remarkably well for a car with over six decades under its belt and is ready to transport its next owner on plenty of family adventures. It may not be the most desirable classic on the planet in the eyes of some people, but that could also be its greatest attribute. Because the Dart Wagon was viewed as affordable family transport, many of these vehicles made their final trip to the scrapyard years ago without anyone shedding a tear. Therefore, although they weren’t rare when new, you won’t find many survivors that present this nicely plying our roads today. That’s why it deserves a closer look.
Once again, author spot on. As mentioned, these cars were for lower class folks ironically with big families, and this car fit the bill. There was no need for frivolous options, they generally didn’t go very far. I read, a median income for a family then was about $6200/year. That’s about $120/week. Okay, bread was .20/loaf, btw, when bread hit $1.00/loaf, my mom thought the world was ending,,,and I suppose it was. This car cost about $2400 new, so a major expense for the family. Moms stayed at home so it was dads foundry money they lived on. With a Chrysler wagon upwards of $4grand+, this was the cheriot for the masses. As mentioned, not many survived. An unbelievable find, personally I’d go with some nice mags like on the Duster,, however, I’m more troubled by the mining equipment apparently for sale in the background. They don’t look too old and at several million each, it’s not like they just got new ones. Somebody threw in the towel.
I love this wagon. I never had a wagon but I did have a ’64 turquoise ‘vert and a 4 door in the same color. 1964 was the last year for the push button trans. It was also Dodge’s 50th anniversary and they had a special steering wheel center cap.