Celebrity ownership is a tricky subject that I have covered in previous articles. One thing I have discovered is that it invariably divides reader opinions. Some will argue that it typically adds nothing to a vehicle’s potential value, while others believe it has a positive impact. That brings us to this 1967 Dodge Dart GT Convertible. It requires a cosmetic refresh to return to its former glory, but the process appears fairly straightforward. It once belonged to actor Peter Helm, and his recent passing may prompt some enthusiasts to view the Dart quite favorably. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Convertible listed here on eBay in Costa Mesa, California. The seller set their BIN at $13,975 with the option to make an offer.
Born in Canada in 1941, Peter Helm forged a career in movies and on television. He enjoyed guest-star roles on Bonanza, Ironside, My Three Sons, Dr. Kildare, Perry Mason, and The Fugitive. Hollywood cast him in The Longest Day and The Andromeda Strain, and once you review that list, you begin to realize that he had a hand in an enormous list of iconic shows. He purchased this Fourth Generation Dart GT Convertible in 1970, and the fact that he retained the car until his recent passing suggests he was quite attached to this classic. It is begging for love, but most of its issues are cosmetic. Mr. Helm performed a color change at some point. It left the line wearing Bright Blue Metallic, and that shade is visible in the engine bay. However, the current Dark Blue Metallic extends into the door frames and the trunk, indicating a relatively thorough approach. Unfortunately, the quality is lacking, with orange peel and other shortcomings. It is begging for a repeat performance, and it will be a matter of personal taste whether the buyer follows the faithful approach by reinstating the original color. The good news is that the panels are relatively straight, and the only visible rust is dry surface corrosion on the Dart’s underside. The top is beyond salvation, but the power mechanism works perfectly. The trim should present acceptably once polished, and the glass is clear.
Its interior graphically demonstrates this Dart’s cosmetic needs. It would have looked stunning in its combination of White vinyl with contrasting Blue trim and carpet. It left the factory with air conditioning, bucket seats, a console, and a pushbutton radio. These items are intact, although the A/C is inoperative. Picking a starting spot with this interior is challenging because time and the Californian sun haven’t treated it kindly. Keeping it short and sweet, it requires a complete retrim, new seat foam, a dashpad, and a new wheel. However, if the buyer adopts a faithful approach, the finished restoration should win them nothing but praise.
Some readers will be disappointed to discover that there isn’t a V8 under this Dart’s hood. The first owner teamed the venerable 225ci slant-six with a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission and power steering for a relaxed driving experience. The slant-six is a great motor, with this one delivering a factory-claimed 145hp and 215 ftlbs of torque. The seller indicates that while this GT runs and drives, potential buyers shouldn’t consider it roadworthy. The slant-six runs strongly and doesn’t produce odd noises or smoke. The TorqueFlite shifts smoothly, and the seller recently fitted a new master cylinder. However, its lack of recent activity means it requires further brake work and tires as a starting point, and a thorough inspection would also be wise.
The listing for this 1967 Dodge Dart GT Convertible is interesting. The seller doesn’t emphasize the car’s celebrity status in the heading; that information is buried in the listing text. Timing is everything, which might be the case here. Sadly, Peter Helm passed away less than a month ago, and this car was purchased from his estate. Maybe the seller is flipping the car to maximize their return on investment, or perhaps it was an impulse buy they now regret. I question whether the car’s history greatly increases its potential current or future value, unless you are a die-hard Peter Helm fan. I do believe the BIN figure is slightly optimistic. Of course, with values now climbing, it could also represent an excellent long-term investment if the buyer returns this classic to its factory form. Does the prospect of owning a classic that would be a conversation starter at a Cars & Coffee tempt you to pursue this Dart further?
Begging to be a Mannix clone. Either go back to blue (or olive), drop a 340 into this, do the interior and top, add a couple of Barris tweaks, and PRESTO this would be fun…
Hagerty suggests about 12.5K for a #4 car, which this would be. Now, that valuation seems about 5K too high in my opinion. Helm’s Wikipedia page says he was active from 1959 to 1971, so his acting career appears to have been short. Before today I never heard of him.
I’m surprised eBay allows the seller’s phone number.
That was a big no no in the past.
That /6 will run forever.
After the apocalypse, all that will be left is cockroaches, Cher, Keith Richards and /6’s.
good looking dart. would be nice with a fresh interior. with that done you could drive it as is.
Peter Helm – that would be the first time in my 68 years that I have ever heard of him, but I might recognize him, since I watched all those shows.
I don’t need his car, and I don’t think I am alone.
Apparently, even his own descendants don’t want it, either, so there’s that, too.