“Honey, I shrunk the Dart” could have been the slogan from 1960 to 1963, as Dodge first introduced the Dart on a full size platform, nearly immediately downsized it to a mid sized, and then for ’63, situated it on the compact 111″ wheelbase that used to belong to the Lancer. The Lancer had been offered up to Dodge dealers as the compact they didn’t get when the Valiant went to Plymouth. But with the Dart nameplate selling so well, the strategy made sense at the time – and it worked, as sales in ’63 surged well past the Lancer’s. Here on craigslist is a 1963 Dodge Dart GT convertible, with an asking price of $6950, located in Santa Cruz, California. Thanks to Zappenduster for this promising tip!
As was the trend in the ’60s, buyers were presented with several engine/gearbox options. This example came with the 145 hp 225 cu. in. slant-six paired with a three-speed push-button automatic. The engine runs and several parts have been replaced, including the water pump, hoses, and thermostat; the tires, master cylinder, and brake hoses are new. The seller indicates that the funky transmission works well too, and he has driven local highways with no problems. The slant six/automatic would have been top spec for a Dart, and then, we have the GT package as well, showing up mostly in the interior….
Which needs a bit of help, though everything is present except the cigarette lighter. The GT spec got you “bucket” seats, a padded dash, and specialty badging. While Dodge likes to sing the praises of every other aspect of this car, it was really aimed at the economy segment, and the no-frills approach in here reveals that intent. The seller notes that the floors need to be replaced, and it’ll need a new top as well. The trunk is rusty, but includes an original jack. The underside is pretty dry and straight other than those floors.
The square, unembellished styling was a reaction against the excesses of the ’50s, promoted by Virgil Exner and others. Dodge sold the Dart as “straight-line design for big car looks”. The GT package included special wheel covers, which remain with the car, as does its black license plate. This little guy’s panel gaps are good, and the chrome and other trim look decent. The ’63 has a few one-year-only features, including a firewall that makes the installation of a V8 difficult; the very next year, Dodge fixed that by providing its new 273 cu. in. V8 as an option; thereafter the Dart grew a reputation on the track and in the muscle car arena with its GTS. What would you pay for this well-preserved ’63 convertible?
Those push button autos are operated by wires in the dash board. Is there anyone still alive that knows how to adjust those?
Where’s Miss Jane Hathaway when you need her? Mopar was king on the Beverly Hillbillies. That slant six is a well engineered piece of history.
not well preserved for my mind but somewhat sought out (motor’n vert). I had ’64 & ’66 wagons w/the 170. Plenty ‘power’ (2.8L) for my needs (loaded dwn inside w/seats flipped dwn) AND an oversized roof rack for 2 yr trip around the perimeter states of usa. (the ’64 motor in ’66 when it blew B4 start of trip). Not sure if I’d want this over my http://www.amcrc.com/sale/lwatson.html Might trust this 225/3.7 over the AMC 195 as its known as nother million mi motor.
Be a good wk end car w/the other morpar (wagon) on today’s page as the daily (more utilitarian for working).
Love these cars. Sadly, this is another Central coast car and the rust is most likely worse than we see. The salt air penetrates everywhere and when exposed to rain, that salt dribbles into every crevice and in a unibody car, it can be a disaster. I hope someone has the funds to bring her back in style .