When you look at vehicles like this 1967 Dodge Dart GT Convertible, they seem to confirm that there is still a ready supply of desirable classics languishing in barns and sheds awaiting the right person to liberate them. It isn’t clear how long this Dart had been in hibernation, but the owner has returned it to a roadworthy state in preparation for it to find a new home. It is an unmolested survivor that appears to need nothing. Located in Riverside, California, the owner has listed the Dart for sale here on eBay. The bidding has been pretty spirited and has pushed the price to $15,100 in a No Reserve auction.
The owner believes that this Dart’s Code W White paint is original, and if this is accurate, its condition is pretty impressive. He emphasizes that it isn’t perfect, which is expected from a car with more than five decades under its belt. However, if considered purely as a survivor-grade vehicle, its overall condition is more than acceptable. It is complemented by a Black power top that is equally clean. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with no significant bruises or evidence of prior damage. The owner doesn’t mention any rust problems, and the lack of visible surface corrosion across various aspects of the Dart gives us cause to be quietly confident. This is further cemented when we consider the life this Convertible has led. It seems that the owner located the GT languishing in an Arizona barn, and if it has split its time between there and California, those states possess the perfect climate for preserving classic steel. The trim and glass look good, while the steel wheels and factory hubcaps suit this survivor perfectly.
The original owner ordered this GT equipped with a 273ci V8, a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and power steering. Dodge offered potential buyers two versions of the 273 for the 1967 model year, but it isn’t clear which we are looking at with this car. It could be producing 180hp, or the original owner may have spent the extra cash on the motor pumping out 235hp. If we consider this as the less powerful version, it could send the Dart through the ¼ mile in 17.9 seconds. If the new owner finds they’ve hit the jackpot with the more powerful unit, that figure drops to 16.3 seconds. That also has some bearing on the potential value of this Dodge because Dart GTs with the 235hp motor usually command a premium in the market of around 15% above their less powerful siblings. The engine bay of this beauty presents well for its age, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The car runs and drives well and is ready for some top-down touring. As an aside, the owner states that the odometer shows 60,000 miles. He cannot confirm whether that reading is genuine, but if the car is as original as he seems to think, it could be plausible.
The owner believes that the White vinyl trim that we find inside this Dart is original. If that is true, it is one aspect of this car that commands respect. Trim of this type and color can develop a yellow appearance as it ages, but this car has avoided that problem. The vinyl is vivid, with no wear, stains, or other issues. The dash and pad appear excellent, while the same is true of the console and faux walnut trim. The owner fitted an aftermarket wheel that does nothing for me, but the pristine original comes with the car. The factory AM radio is intact, and while the Convertible also features air conditioning, this doesn’t blow cold. The compressor belt is off, which may indicate further issues with the system requiring attention.
The owner claims that this 1967 Dart GT Convertible is 1-of-1,626 examples produced by Dodge in that model year, and that figure gels with the information I have at hand. He further states that only around 10% of those cars survive today, and given the life that many lived and their reputation for developing rust if not cared for, that could be plausible. I have worked back through the Barn Finds archives to Day One in a bid to gain a better perspective, and while we’ve seen a few ’67 GTs over the past decade, only one has been a Convertible. This car could be a relatively rare classic if that is an accurate indication. Considering its overall condition and originality, I expect the bidding to easily top $20,000. However, if the right two (or more) people show enough determination, that figure could top $30,000. If you have your heart set on owning a rarer Mopar classic, it might be worth closely watching this auction.
My guess is they would probably make a point of saying if it were the Commando version of the 273. The air cleaner is wrong for the hp version also, although it could have been changed I guess.
If you’re into Darts (and I am, sort of), the GT is the one to have, especially with a small V8 that’s just powerful enough to let you have some fun. All I’d like more is a 4-speed manual with the 273, but this is certainly a sweet example.
It will be interested to see how bidders define its value.
A 440 fits perfectly in that capacious engine compartment, and with enough persuading, so does the Hemi. Both engines were offered by the factory as options, and originals are bringing deep into six figures. Parts for the conversion are OEM, so readily available. With fact A/C, and one of the two engine upgrades, it may well be candidate for perfect all-around tourer, the factory should have offered. A bargain at anywhere near this price.
Fact a/c is always preferable to fiction a/c in my opinion
Add more muscular looking tires on Cragars and you’ll have a nice ride. I learned to drive in mom’s 72 Dart Swinger – great little car. I have a 64 Studebaker Daytona Convertible, also a low build, but with a much higher survivor rate (174/703).
Know those drop tops are rare at 703 – I have the a factory 4sp Daytona hardtop – which is also a little rare going by the automatics I’ve found.
My Daytona is a real plain Jane – column shift automatic with a split bench, 259 V8 and an AM radio. Restored by a previous owner in the early 1990s, and garage kept thereafter with infrequent runs. Can’t wait to get out on the road this spring.
Though this looks too nice to mod, I’d paint it olive green (engine bay red), black out the grill, add flamethrowers, a trunklid spoiler, fresh air intake hood…and play cool with the man.
Sorry – it’s already been molested.
Yes! A friend of mine owns the Mannix ‘68, it’s magnificent. Google Mannix Dart GTS for pics.
This is a nice looking dart here and is on its way up in value. Paul is correct that the GT is the one to have, and the 273 adds to the the drivers fun. Unfortunately this driver has a slant six mind, and budget.
The Commando engine would have an un-silenced chrome air cleaner and it would say Charger on it instead of Commando as that was the Plymouth version of the 235hp rated engine. Oh, and as with the sister A body Barracuda, a 383 big block was available.
California dart GT convertible, V8, white interior. I dig it! Looks like it has HP exhaust manifolds too. Previous post is correct, at anywhere near the current bid it’s a deal. Why would anyone attempt a restoration on a rusty skeleton when there are cars like this available?
The base model 273 did not get the V-8 fender call outs as this one has. This should indicate the 4 bbl version of the 273.
Are you sure about that? I was positive that ALL Dart V-8s got the fender emblem like Valiants did (tho’ theirs was different).
The 1967 Plymouths’ A-Bodies got the “V- eight” emblem for a 2 barrel or the Commando “V-eight” emblem…for the 273 4 barrel.
And correct on the air cleaners – Charger for a Dodge and Commando for a Plymouth – that’s the same for a 1965/66 Mopar A body as well.
This car is no virgin or “time capsule” ……nice but…….
Only the 4 bbl Darts got the V-8 emblem. I had a ‘67 Dart GT with the base 273, was in our family since new, and it didn’t have V-8 emblems.
Wasn’t disc brake rear end optional, on 273 4bbl dart gt?
Darts of 1967 did get the 273 4 barrel emblem on the fenders.
FICTION A/C:
Also known as 260 a/c 🙂
Beautiful little Dart GT inside and out! The engine looks fresh enough and the interior really sets it off. $20,200 with a day to go, sounds like a decent deal so far.
Original paint, but the rubber snubbers on the fender are painted over white ? I’m pretty sure that console is a 1970s item unless they added the wood grain inserts ; they should be chrome