In 1961-62, Dodge’s entry into the new compact car space was the Lancer, a badge-engineered version of the Plymouth Valiant. For whatever reason, the car wasn’t popular and sold in far fewer numbers than its Mopar cousin. So, when the Valiant was redesigned in 1963, Dodge shifted the Dart nameplate to that platform and had a hit for the next 14 years. This ’64 Dart is a 2-door hardtop that appears to be a GT, but the seller doesn’t say. Located in a carport in Shreveport, Louisiana, this dirty project is available here on eBay, where the opening bid of $2,000 has yet to be cast.
We assume this 1964 Dart is a GT because it has bucket seats, one of the goodies you got when you opted for the GT. And you had your choice of a Slant-Six engine or a 273 cubic inch V8. Of the 50,000 GTs sold in 1964, about three-quarters of them had the more fuel-efficient six-cylinder, which provided decent power to a car this size. We’re told this Dodge has an issue with the automatic transmission and a new part is needed (which one?). That may have sidelined the car for what appears to have been a long time.
The seller concedes this vehicle is being sold out of an estate, so knowledge of the vehicle is sparse. No apparent rust resides on the body, but given Louisiana’s fame for high humidity, I wouldn’t count it out. A good pressure washing should reveal any flaws with the sheet metal and paint. The interior looks to be blue, and the bucket seats are wearing those see-through vinyl seat covers that were popular with your grandparents back in the day.
No mention is made of the car’s running condition, so we assume it does not. If it has been sitting for as long as it looks, the fuel supply is likely compromised, and the gas tank could need to be cleaned out as well as the carburetor. If you’re in the market for a second generation Dodge Dart, the GT would be the one to have. Later in the decade, the GTS model would emerge, adding a big-block V8 to the mix.
With the plastic seat covers, is the upholstery intact? Hard to see from the photo. The dash is kind of a mess though. Looks like someone went at it with a hacksaw. More/better pictures would certainly help the seller… as would a bucket of water and a hose.
Cheap, but likely not cheap enough. This is the 3rd time it’s been run through eBay, the two previous times the opening bid was $2,500.
Steve R
I drove a new one in ’64 as a company car, slant 6, manual. As a Ford/Chevy man the sound of it starting was as if it were flying apart! It was reliable however. A neighbor in ’75 had a late model and never had issues with it.
Does this Dart have power steering?
Thx
Can’t see if it has power steering but it does have A/C. To bad someone cut up the radio area with a hack saw.
First car was a ‘64 Valiant and with the possible exception of Toyota, it was the most rugged vehicle I’ve owned. Slant 6 and those torque-flight push button automatics were virtually indestructible.
I’m looking for a Early Valiant or dart but I don’t see a car here, just shots of what could be a car. the seller should just draw a picture of the car with a pencil to get more interest
Pick this up and that 64 wagon, one could have a nice pair!
transmission issue, the most common issue with the 904 transmission was the torque converter hubs would break. making a knock and or fluid running profusely out of the front seal. I replaced a lot of torque converters in cars like this from the 60’s to the 80’s
My buddy had a 70 Plymouth, 318 with a 904. Went through two of them. Why didn’t they make the 727 standard fare? He told me he wished it was a 3sp manual. Too late buddy. Sad, really. Otherwise a pristine car in the late 70s. 2 door HT, no rust, pristine paint and interior. Even the air blew so cold it gave you chills. Only problem was that awful loose power steering, he said he got used to it, but whay should you have to? I have always preferred manual racks for the best road feel. This car here is a mess, though the engine is a great design. Even as a Blue Oval lover, I have to pay respect for the gallant slant six.
Shame about the dash hack, and the admonitions about more and better photographs are appropriate, as is the need for a bucket of soapy water and a hose. Even a 5 minute rinse would be better than nothing. Could less effort have been expended to sell this? Also, what are the chances that this car was up to the doors in water a time or two?
Forgive me, but that there chromium plated oil cap and sireen make it a must have for me…