I was always a Chevy guy growing up but paid grudgingly admiration to Mopar because of their power and the select styling on some of their models. And one of my all-time favorite models is the ’67 to ’69 Dodge Dart and here’s just such an example, a ’67, located in Nuremberg, Pennsylvania and available here on eBay for a BIN price of $8,000
The Dart name bounced around Dodge for a bit on different sized models before being attached to a compact platform in 1963 and continuing as such through ’76. The first-gen, ’63 to ’66 look a bit gangly in my estimation but they hit their stride in ’67. The ’70 to ’72 versions are nice but they don’t seem to have the breezy, forward styling that the ’67 to ’69 possesses. By ’73, Federal bumpers got in the way, as they did with every domestic car, and it was a similar but less attractive game at that point for the Dart. As always, styling, of course, is a subjective matter.
This Dart example shows reasonably well but is not without its issues. The seller states that there is typical rot and rust in the lower body and under the hood. The body corrosion may be worse than appears as rust has a tendency to hide. The quarter pictured, in particular, probably has a more extensive tale to tell behind its paint. The spring shackles are a nice touch……
The under the hood rot was a new one on me but the accompanying images bear out the seller’s claim. I applaud his directness for the number and detail of the images displaying this corrosive problem. Speaking of the hood, I guess it is a hot-rod induced touch designed to flow air to the air cleaner/carburetor – it’s an acquired taste I suppose.
The seller adds, “THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS FAIRLY SOLID W/ SIGNS OF RUST REPAIRS ON THE FRONT FLOORS. THE TRUNK FLOOR AND SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT ARE SOLID.” Maybe so but this image reveals an underside that looks a bit shaky. I don’t know if I am seeing cracking undercoat or cracking something else. If interested in this Dart, I’d want to do a deep dive and a very thorough inspection.
The seller states that the interior, which originally housed a bench seat, is complete. Maybe so but it looks like Jack the Ripper has paid it a visit. The rest of it, dash, carpet, door cards, etc. looks reasonable, however. No reference is made to dash panel instruments, switches, etc. and their functioning. I guess this Dart was envisioned as a race car based on the column-mounted tachometer.
Under the hood is a Mopar LA series engine that doesn’t make an appearance often anymore, a 273 CI V8. Originally there was both a 180 and a 235 gross HP version of the 273 offered in the ’67 Dart. In its current state, this non-original engine has been modified with an Edelbrock intake manifold and carburetor along with electronic ignition and headers. No word is given as to how or if it runs. Transmission duties are handled by an A904 Torqueflite three-speed automatic transmission.
My understanding from Dodge’s 1967 Dart sales brochure is that Dart GT’s, non-convertible models anyway, came standard with bucket seats. This one didn’t, according to the seller, so I question its provenance. That said, it seems to have all of the other Dart GT emblems and badges so I’m not certain. If I have it wrong, please advise. So maybe we have a Dart GT and maybe not, nevertheless, this example obviously has body issues and will need attention – the seller states that “the car has a lot of potential.” While that is probably true, at what cost? I really want to like this Dart, after all, it is one of my favorite Mopars but…..there are a lot of unknowns and the knowns aren’t that reassuring. The seller says $8,000 FIRM. I say good luck.
It’s reasonable at $3,000. There is a lot of rust, and the performance parts installed on the car aren’t anything special. If I was in the market for a 67-69 Dart, I’d wait until I found a nicer car to start with. Maybe an engine less roller or one with a slant six. There is no reason to jump on this one, especially anywhere near the sellers asking price.
Steve R
Just looked at 2 different 6cyl. Darts from craigslist at that price level. Both turned out to be rust buckets. One is still on there the other sold (guy was realistic with price after many lookers). The one still on sale was a “California” car. Yep, beachfront San Diego. Looks great in ad but, rusted THROUGH every body part from front/back and top to bottom. It’s getting harder to find clean 6cyl. cars too.
I just want to swap totaled 69′ 340 Swinger to a good body. 67-69′ Darts without much/any rust seem to disappear as fast as I make the call. At least ones under $3k it seems.
Agree with Steve…..
Damn rust! I had clean 67 235/273 wish I still had it now. Sold and moved on to 68′ gts 4spd. Love it but…… rust! After 25yrs. I finally bought all the Now Available panels. Mmmmm, try finding a shop that isn’t TOO BUSY with easy insurance jobs on today’s cars to work on it. Almost 9months and despite being able to pay in CASH. Cannot seem to get in que at any nearby shops. Can’t do the work myself or I would. Lack time,space,tools and skill. All the parts sitting in trunk and garage with No ETA for installation.
Sadly, it finally has me thinking it’s time sell it and buy a clean one without any rust.
To who ever buys this or the plethora of Rusty Hulk but rare or desirable cars here and elsewhere…… Good luck.
Mopar or No car!
I like 67 – 69 darts but this car has a lot rust. I’m not sure a 340 car would bring 8k in this condition.
No potential.
Rust bucket
Take 15 grand in body work
Wait a minute….wasn’t this car featured just last week? Well now I see it’s the same seller, and the cars were the same color, both photographed in the same exact spot.
Yep, he is selling 2 rust buckets. Finding a fairly rust free Dart is like a needle in the haystack. 30 yrs ago I was looking at ’67-’72 Darts in NJ and had no luck finding one.
I used to frequent the car auctions with a dealer pal. We always carried the latest NADA price guide. We walked the lines, checking values on cars we planned to bid. A line was printed across the bottom of every page of that book: “Rusty cars have little value.” Twenty years and a couple dozen vehicles later, I realize they were right. Life is short. Whatever I buy next, it will be as rust-free as possible.
Smart thoughts… Until last year I always owned vintage vehicles of Midwest or Southern descent with ‘various'(!) level of corrotion. Now that I’ve finally gotten to lay my hands on an all life Cali car I can hardly fully comprehend and appreciate just how much better cars fare in that region. Yes, interior soft goods may get roasted out West, however it’s still a lot cheaper and easier than having to replace panels!
Pip squeak 273 under that massive hood scoop, bummer. Radius the wheel wells for big slicks, Dana 60, lethal race hemi with the offset dual quads, built 727, and one good pass later trash the remains of that rusty Dart! Just kidding, of course.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t a solid lifters 273 rated at 270 horsepower optional before the 340 came along in 1968? Now that would be a nice find!
That would be the D-Dart. It was either 65 or 66. One year only drag pack small block.