I know what you’re thinking: it’s a four door! But sedans don’t get enough love, even in today’s day and age where they are darn near the only affordable classics. Not only is this a mostly original, clean, original paint survivor but everything that has been upgraded has made this car more desirable to even the most discerning classic car enthusiast. With a host of mild upgrades to be revealed, this 1968 Dart has been turned into a cruiser that is faster than the average four door Dart. Take the whole family and go make some noise on Saturday nights, or enjoy your commute to work comforted by the distinct rumble of a Chrysler V8. Regardless of intent, find it here on eBay in Idaho with a $4,600 price tag and the option to make an offer. Thanks to reader Matt W. for sending this one in!
Originally a six cylinder car, this Dart has had a 360 Chrysler small block swapped in under the hood. This is a 1971 360 that was “overhauled” before installation but to stock spec. While you won’t be easily winning races in this car, the 360 should give you enough extra power to surprise a few people from a red light, even with the whole family on board! Evidently, the current owner and seller had this car built with the intention of doing just this but has now decided to sell the car. You’ll notice the new aluminum radiator and the headers which are hooked up to a new dual exhaust system.
Not only is the paint original, but so is the interior. Someone took good care of this car and used it sparingly for a long time, and now it has been converted from a driver into a weekend toy although this car could easily be driven regularly. Though not the most flattering of colors, this interior will get the job done and add to the surprise of having a 360 under the hood! A quick vacuum would have gone a long way, but the condition of the interior speaks for itself. The fuel and temperature gauge are the only inoperable features.
Alongside the 360 and exhaust this Dart has been upgraded to front disc brakes as well as “big bolt pattern” (5×4.5) 15″ wheels. The front suspension is all new, and this sedan is ready to go out for a cruise. Though long undesirable, a moderately powered family car like this is ideal for taking a cruise with your friends comfortably and in style. There are some very small rust spots forming behind the rear wheels, but it looks and sounds like this car is in great condition and almost turn-key for the next owner.
I’d like to thank everyone who dislikes 4 doors, makes buying the cars I like that much less expensive.
Now that’s a legitimate sleeper! Good looking engine, rest of the car is a about as plain as Jane can get.
I owned a twin of this car (six cylinder) black vinyl top and an air conditioner that to this day blew the coldest of any air-conditioned car I have ever owned. It gives me chills just thinking about it.
The Chrysler ‘Two-Stage Air Compressor’. Had it in the Belvedere 4dr. Ideal for driving in the South.
You betcha! The Dart I owned was a Florida car.
Something about a four door set up to handle with seats with good side bolsters that makes me smile. Beating a BMW with a plain Jane looking mid-sixties sedan is very appealing. Having an interior with all the modern comforts would be fun too.
Crapola, this in today’s car culture is a steal at under 7k.
A 71 360 with 9,2 compression 4 brl good intake and exhaust , stall and 355-370 gears you got 13 sec quarter.
Not like years ago new gen do not mind 4 drs, he’ll all they see are we 4drs even performance.
Just as long as straight as arrw and paint too their suit under 2k, auto would be fine no matter cruise or car shows.
Darn that 360 will hau l that light weight.
And of course bling on wheels or just rally wheels of cop cars- same bolt often as Ford.
Cannot see if small bolt pattern or large for wheels but most 6 cyl were small.
Did quick check but one can still get brand new sway bars, adjustable shocks and high performance steering tie rodsand no squish bushings.
Remember some states and municipal or county used the police models and disc( stock or ex) conversions
Sent this out to old pals.
Locally all new rugs headliner and door panels with seat rebuild and covers installed $1200.
It is good the wheel size and bolt pattern has been upgraded. The disk brake upgrade is good also although I never had a problem with the drum brakes on the cars I owned. These came originally with small bolt pattern 13″ wheels and tires. They pushed the limit even with nobody in the car. I have had 1 Dart and 2 Valiants over the years with small bolt pattern 13″ wheels and tires and converted them over to small bolt pattern 14″ wheels and tires which made a big difference in the cars handling. It appears to not have power steering which in my opinion it does not need.
Chicks will scope you out in this hoopty….NOT!!
While I am older than dirt I stI’ll appreciate fine wine, vintage guns and autos and female beauty with class.
This auto with righteous paint and interior plush leather, plus mechanical abilities may not draw eyes of bubble gum and less than bright street and bar one night stand slush boxes, but It could be the
auto afficianados who want to walk own lines and build to suit own taste can appreciate.
Ever take note of older MERCEDES and Jag, lincoln 4 doors? Not saying this would ever reach that high but.
Quality of both man and their wheels is an acquired badge of office by lifes experiences.
If ya gotta bling in order to get some; Then just rent both auto and the female.
Awesome. You are hereby installed as the “Yoda” of Barn Finds.
easier to get in the back seat! Once she ( they) see how it will haul, will change their minds!
I think FCA should consider reviving the Dart name. New ones could have a little decal of Barry Sanders in his Oklahoma State (or Lion’s) uniform on the front quarter panels. Nobody could dodge and dart like Barry. I’ll bet they would sell like hotcakes at his Dodge dealership in Stillwater.
The new Dart was sold a couple of years ago. It was an Alfa Romeo under the skin and priced way out of range.
Did they not sell that car in the US?
The Turkish made new Dodge Neon took over for this car.
Am I confused? I thought FCA had already revived the Dart name in the US. I’m sure I remember a series of TV and radio ads…
Mea culpa. I did a little research and Found out what Miguel was talking about.
Yup. And it’s a POS FIAT…nobody I know who has bought a Dart, 200, or the Jeeps based off a FIAT chassis likes them. Every one turns to sh@t within 2.5-3 years.
I warned them-
A new Dart, great idea. Maybe they could make it a fwd Compact to compete with the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze or Toyota Corolla. I bet they could even se a Fiat platform and share engines with other FCA products.
Just a GREAT looking Dart. 1968 was the first year for mandatory side marker lights. If either in a protest, or not enough time to make the lights more aesthetically pleasing, Dodge (and Plymouth) just drilled a couple of holes in the fenders and quarters, and said “well, here you go !”
I believe those round lights were named “Nader Eyes”.
Like this. I’d repaint to some modern colour of brilliance, or maybe a flat black wrap to preserve the original paint? Trim rings add a degree of sparkle to an otherwise dull colour. As far as the new Dart goes…it was just discontinued (2015) in Canada. It wasn’t overpriced at all…just too much competition in the segment. It didn’t sell big volume as Dodge hoped I guess.
My first car was the Plymouth version of this.
My Valiant was the top level “Signet” version. 318 (2bbl), front disc brakes, 14″ wheels, and the previously mentioned air conditioning. Coldest A/C ever. Frost would form on the chrome vents.
Pale yellow, black painted roof. The 318 surprised more than a few ’70s era smog-weakened Camaros and Firebirds. Good car and survived a lot of stupid teenage abuse. The rear axle, however, wasn’t quite strong enough so at one point I had to pick up a parts car. Swapped it out in my back yard.
Nostalgia is strong, but I don’t think I’d replace my current rides with this.
– John
In ’94 I bought a white ‘ 68 Dart 270 four door like this one, but with a blue interior for the princely sum of $250. It was a bit ratty, (more banged up than rusty) but had less than 80,000 miles showing, and was factory equipped with the 14 inch wheels, big brakes and a 318 – that car was a screamer!
I drove it three years, then it sat in my driveway for another five years before I realized I wasn’t going to fix it up. I sold it to a father and son who wanted to use it for parts to get a Swinger drag car back on the road – for $250!
Best $250 I ever spent on a car!
A few years ack one could get from Chrysler detais on building Duster Drag ars, and even sold strpped down in tbe wbits bodies. Should be able to find on web.
Nice ’68 Dart. Best car I ever had was a ’63 slant-six Valiant. Engine went at 110K and my dad found a ’62 Dart motor cheap, so the car lasted a good bit longer. Got the car for Christmas in ’65, and drove it until 1973, when I sold it to one of my scouts when I was an ass’t scoutmaster. Big mistake!! Damn kid wrecked it within a week!
Give me the old Dart or Valiant from the 1960’s and 1970’s over the new one.
Anybody could fix these Darts. The new ones you need a degree in Nuclear engineering to fix them.
I mean if you’re gonna take a stripper 4 door Dart and yank out the six banger and drop in a V8 you might as well drop a shifter onto the floor and weld up the back doors. Jess sayin
The best driving car… i have also one. Original paint, interior… Car built in Europe. I’m from Belgium!
Nice to see your car.