The Dodge Dart began in 1960 as a full-size car, but the nameplate was repositioned as a compact in 1963 to replace the unpopular Lancer. From then through 1976, the Dart would share its A-body platform with the Plymouth Valiant. This 1966 edition looks like a nice survivor-quality automobile with the venerable “Slant Six” engine and just 52,000 miles. So, kudos go to Pat L. for this great find. Located in Hollister, California, this mini-Mopar is available here on craigslist for $13,500.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Chrysler’s Dart and Valiant would serve as admirable competitors to Ford’s Falcon and Chevy’s Nova, the market sales leaders. The cars differed slightly mechanically (but not radically) from the other two brands by the use of a “Slant Six” engine as its standard powerplant. It was called that because it tilted 30 degrees to one side. The 170 cubic inch edition came first at 101 hp, while the 225 at 145 horses would come shortly thereafter. We’re not sure which of the two is in the seller’s car, nor can we determine if this Dart carries the base 170 or upper scale 270 trim level. Both sold in similar numbers, but I;m leaning toward the 270.
We get the impression this ’66 Dart is being sold by a dealer or third party by the way the listing is worded. As the story goes, it was purchased new in Santa Cruz, California and has retained its documentation over the years. No mention is made of a restoration, so it’s possible that the body, paint, and interior are as it left the factory some 57 years ago.
The original buyer didn’t load the Dodge up with a lot of options and “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission comes with this 4-door sedan. We’re told the mileage is accurate, that the car runs and drives quite well, and would be ready for a road trip anywhere you’d like. Perhaps it was purchased new by the proverbial “little old lady from Pasadena” who only drove it to church on Sundays. Whatever the case, this car likely qualifies as one of the nicest examples left from its era.
While the 63-66 Darts didn’t suffer the ravages of salty winters very well, they were one of the best cars made in Detroit in the 1960s. They had it all…great engines, roomy interior, good handling, good build quality and reliability. I had 4 of them over the years. This one looks great, but I’d prefer a 727.
It would be a 904.
Well allrighty then, 904!
A 63 Dart was my high school driver ed.car. Loved it.
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Thanks Russ.
Even with the whitewalls and wheel covers, the beige paint gives it that “stripper” look. Any car with a three-on-the-tree is fine by me. Based on the pristine engine compartment I’d guess it has had some restoration work, maybe even a complete restoration… on a 1966 Dart?? ??
Good to see a basic everyman car of its day. Minimalist Craigslist ad, little info and few pics; sure wish it had more info.
That falls on the individual listing it, craigslist allows 24 pictures, and no limit on your write up, but sure is nice, I myself like to be very thorough when listing something, but alas even then, you get scam artists, and people who just don’t read, or comprehend the narrative, it is what it is.
These made great field cars. Had a ’66 ragtop in ’74. Cost me $25.
A buddy in high school inherited same car (color 3speed 225 slant) except in wagon when his mother got a new car. Holes in the floorboard and rust through everywhere The rear bumper brackets rusted and the back bumper fell off another guy made a wooden rear bumper for him in shop class with “Wonder Wagon” engraved on it – good times
Wow this is as original as you can get. 3 on the tree with manual steering and non power drum brakes. Very simple Dart. If my memory is correct.. Red 6 is 170 and Chrysler blue 6 is 225. That what the old timers told me. Because they never had the numbers on the engine back then. If you want a piece of Chrysler history this Dart has it. It’s worth the price. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
In 1966 all Slant 6s would have been red, 1970 and later engines were all blue.
It’s hard for me to think of this car as a “mini” anything, even if it was the smallest car Dodge Division made at the time (aside from the final-year Dart wagon which shared the Plymouth Valiant 106″ wb).
Still, it’s a time warp in great shape with the correct number of pedals.
The Charger 225 slant six engine. Is it a 3 speed on the column ? Do you have Dart 270 on the glove compartment and on the door panels of the front doors ?
Beautiful looking car. IMHO, it’s the best looking Dodge Dart before the 1967 restyle. I’m not sure I’d be willing to pay $13k for the car, however nice it may be. For a car like this, I’d pay between $5k and $10k for the car. Craigslist needs to post more pics than this. Six pictures is nowhere enough to show the entire car.
wasnt the 170 cubic inch blue
That is a very clean car.
This is a “Dart” verses the upmarket Dart 270 with chrome finished window surrounds, front fender “vents,” and wider side trim with statement “Dart 270” at rear fender.
The 170 CI [LH] has a shorter radiator hose than the 225 [RH], tough to fully tell by the single photo. Given the tidiness of the engine compartment and decals, this is a 170; besides, Chrysler advertised the bigger S/6 like they did for their V8s with displacement decals on valve covers or air filter cover.
This vehicle has received a sympathetic restoration. The lack of a picture showing both front and back seat upholstery together causes my eyes to go crazy picking out a slight difference in pattern and color. The 170 floors covering would have been color coordinated rubber, very tough and expensive to find on the aftermarket; hence, the easier to acquire color coordinated carpet. The radio, remote outside mirror, day/night interior rear view mirror, and deluxe full wheel covers were accessory group #151. This interior also sports a deluxe steering wheel, making the fender tag all the more important. Price is very fair given the very nice condition, the California mandated clean air package, and current CA registration. 1966 Dodge all models brochure for additional reading: https://xr793.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/1966-Dodge.pdf
I’d pay $8.000
now here’s 1 I like, esp the chrispness of the yr. Bigger int/exterior thana falcon? I hada waggy (’64, 66) or, ah,er – 2. Never a 240 tho. Both were 170 or 2.8L. Fantastic. When the body on the 1st was gone & motor blew (thanks to the 1st owner) I put the ’64 in the 2nd car. Had 3 hundred K on it when I left it behind.
I like the Dart but really prefer the Lancer! To bad it had such a short life span, we had our during my junior year of high school and it was a great little car to run around in…
The picture of the rear door lever brings back a scary / funny memory.
My parents had a Dart wagon of this generation. One time, my brother was holding onto that cool door handle as we were going around an exit ramp. The door opened and he fell out! Luckily there were no injuries other than a shooken up younger brother and dad. I can remember seeing him siting there one second and then gone the next.
same experience w/my older sis goin from Baldiemur over the Choptank River bridge ’57 on our way to grandp.’s house in Cambridge, MD.
“Gone the next min.”
No blood I remember, no freque by parents (good thing, lowered the tramua) but we kinda thought her lack of smell (life long) may have been wiped out by a head hit that day…
Me? more trouble w/younger aged hit (severe) 2, 3 learning disabilities.
Pretty tough. No car safety. Cant blame parents.