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 can’t agree with a general statement like these were for lower class folks. My parents owned one and my Dad was an MIT educated chemical engineer who happened to like Chryslers and needed a family hauler. You know, some people are just economically minded, and Dad / Mom were happy without ever having owned a Caddy, and us kids didn’t mind not owning mini bikes.
In later years, this was replaced by a number of full size Chrysler vans, and then by the famous mini van.
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.
With all the technology that even the simplest of todays cars have, this brings back memories of do it yourself days.
10K to high
I’m not so sure about that. Wagons are pretty desirable lately. GLWTS
I am not sure is this is a good value, but it is certainly a great ride! My Mom and sister used to drive from California to Kentucky every year for a two week vacation. Mom grew up there and we always had a wonderful time. We did this in a 1956 Buick Special, and it never let us down. I would imagine this Dart Wagon wouldn’t either. and what a time capsule to travel in. Good luck!
This is a cool little car! The second gen Darts were great whenn they downsized them -my friend had a ’62 Dart sedan with the slant 6 in it (probably the smallest one) and taking it over the Blue Mountains in Oregon was a task! Mind you, there were five of us in it (all teenagers), but the poor engine was struggling, and we got passed by semis on the grades! A smaller car with a larger engine would have a lot more pep than to lug around what was basically a full-size sedan. The look of this car shows that the original owner and subsequent owners took good care of it, good enough for the seller to drive it from Cali to Montana without a hiccup. This would be a fun wagon to own – I think whitewalls would look better on it, but I’d take it without question! I was fascinated by the seat belts in the front – I think those were optional and/or dealer installed, but those in the back seat were going to be projectiles in a crash. 10K is not too much to ask, given its condition.
Hey airplane guys,whats that old jet in the Craigslist photos ?
Looks like a F-86 Sabre.
really cool wagon you never see. looks like she needs some suspension work though. i think the price is a bit aggressive. wagons are hot in the market, but this is just a base model. 8k-10k would be a fair # from what’s shown in the pics.
My distinct memory of our Dart wagon was that those door handles were like levers that were convenient to hold onto while the car was driving.
One time, my brother and I were riding in the back seat when Dad took an exit ramp and my brother was dumped out of the car. He had been holding onto the door handle and the cornering force caused him to push back on the handle. He had a few scratches, but was fine. We chuckle about it now.
My first car was a clapped out hand me down ’64 Plymouth Valiant Wagon, the sister ship to this car. Except for a column shifted automatic, the interior looks virtually identical. That car also had the 225 “leaning tower of power” slant six. The lack of power steering wasn’t a problem. But the non assisted drum brakes were not the best for mountain driving.
The 14″ wheels are a logical upgrade here, as the tire selection for 13’s are getting smaller every year. Now I wish I hadn’t sold mine for $150 to buy my ’69 340 Dart Swinger. Who knew this would be a $15k collectors item?
If this was a lifelong California car, it would have a black plate, not blue. Regardless, very nice Dart!
You are correct sir. If I’m remembering this right, we switched from black to blue plates in ’70 or ’71, then from blue to white in ’86. That’s still a long time in California. But in an any case it IS a nice one!
I had one just like this one in High School. (1973). Great car. I wish cars today were built like this. Just simple transportation
I had Corvettes, Muscle cars, but the most fun I had in a car was my 63 Valiant WAGOON!!! did you know the rear seat folded down into abed…
My father had one of these 64′ Dart wagons! Green. 225 CI slant six and push button AT. No power anything except I think the rear tailgate window was powered via the key in the gate lock – can’t recall for sure. He towed a ham can-shaped Shasta trailer with it to So Cal and back. A slow trip. The wagon was dead nuts reliable. Over the ~10 yrs he had it, I can’t recall a single major issue other than how dated it felt driving it in the late 70’s. Took my driver’s test in it. Easy to drive and very versatile. Interior was immaculate and durable. Decent fuel mileage especially for the era but always wished it had a V8. The seller’s car looks like a very nice survivor!
Really great looking little Dart wagon. Not quite sure if he’ll get his ask, but it looks really clean and rust free. Wagon’s have been becoming pretty popular lately.
lub em.
Hadda ’64’n ’66. The 170/2.8 from the earlier went in the latter after an attempt to drive it home post purchase (2 hr drive) resulted in catastrophic loss (engine failure) 1/2 way home. 9 mo later I left VT and drove it around all the perimeter stated of this big ol beautiful country (loaded dwn to the max in back AND on an over stuffed roof rack). It took 2 yrs but I managed it back for more college. 300K mi on it $ still chugging (losta rear wheel bearing 4 ten d/in the Nevada desert) but… 🎼 country boys 🎵 will survive 🎶
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZBTqgOycK0