Originality is often the key to any classic commanding a top-end value. Purists place great store in a vehicle featuring its original drivetrain that is essentially as its makers intended. This 1968 Dodge Dart GTS ticks one of those boxes because it remains a numbers-matching car that is rust-free. The seller has made changes, but these are reversible if the new owner wishes to maximize the future return on their investment. The Dart is listed here on Craigslist in Santa Clarita, California. Owning this gem could be as easy as handing the seller $70,000 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this classic.

Dodge released its Fourth Generation Dart in 1967, and it was more than just a pretty face. The styling was new, and the company made changes under the skin to broaden the selection of engines available to potential buyers. The first owner ordered this GTS in Bright Blue Metallic, with the seller acknowledging it received a repaint in the original shade in the 1990s. The paint has stood the test of time well, with no significant defects or noticeable deterioration. The panels are straight, and the stripes look crisp and free from lifting and checking. The seller provides a couple of underside shots, and while the quality isn’t great, they seem to confirm that this Dart is rust-free. The chrome and wheels are as impressive as the rest of the exterior, and the glass looks flawless.

The Dart’s interior is neat, with no signs of wear or distress on the upholstered surfaces. The same is true of the console and carpet, but the state of the pad is unclear due to the cover fitted by the seller. This is where we find some of the changes a purist may wish to reverse in their quest for originality. The column-mounted tach would be easily removed, but the other modifications would present a more significant challenge. The dash has been cut to accommodate a CD player, and holes have been cut for additional gauges and switches. Restoration would involve welding the holes or replacing the dash structure, which are significant undertakings. The new owner will need to consider whether the potential value of this classic justifies the effort and expense. My instinct tells me it isn’t.

Dodge made engineering changes below the skin of the Fourth Generation Dart to accommodate larger engines. This is the GTS variant, with its engine bay housing the legendary 383ci V8. It would have sent 300hp and 400 ft/lbs of torque to the tarmac via a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission and a 3.73 Sure Grip rear end. Respectable performance was the company’s goal, and this car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15 seconds demonstrated it hit the mark. The original owner ordered this GTS with the factory Drag Pack, improving the prospect of this car successfully applying its power to Planet Earth. The quoted power and torque figures could prove irrelevant because there are some visible upgrades that will unleash extra ponies. According to the GTS Registry, Dodge produced 8,745 examples of the GTS in 1968. This car is 1-of-1,113 featuring the 383/A-727 drivetrain combination. The engine bay is where potential buyers will find the most significant modifications, involving the exhaust, front inner fender wells, and ignition. Once again, they are reversible. However, it will take time and money to reinstate everything to factory specifications. The seller confirms that the engine and transmission were refreshed around thirty years ago and are in excellent condition. It runs and drives well and should be considered a turnkey proposition.

This 1968 Dodge Dart GTS is a stunning and rust-free classic, but it poses the eternal question surrounding any modified vehicle of this type. Determining the potential value of an unmodified car is pretty straightforward, with plenty of resources available as guidance. The water becomes muddy once an owner performs modifications, leaving the vehicle worth whatever someone is willing to pay. The asking price is far above recent sales results and what the ever-optimistic Hagerty quotes for an unmolested example of this caliber. Will the seller achieve their price? Only time will tell. What do you think?