In the pantheon of Mopar muscle, I have to confess, the ’67-’69 Dodge Dart is my favorite. I know, that sounds strange when you consider Chrysler Corp.’s performance portfolio in the late ’60s/early ’70s with cars like the Charger, Road Runner, ‘Cuda, etc. The Dart GTS seemed like the perfect small, lightweight, unobtrusive package, powered by the excellent 340 CI engine (’68-’69). But wait! There’s was more, let’s check out this ’68 GTS as it’s a bit different than the standard fare. It is located in Chesapeake, Virginia and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $9,000 with two bids tendered as of this writing.
The fourth-gen Dodge Dart was quite a departure from its ’66 predecessor, square was in! Specifically, squared-off, angular lines replaced a more dated design. A performance variant known as the “GT” was offered along with a 235 gross HP 273 CI V8 engine. The more muscular 275 gross HP, 340 CI V8, “GTS” was introduced for ’68 though some circles claim that there was a late ’67 GTS available – any clarification on that matter, that can be provided, would be appreciated. Hemmings offers up some statistics, specifically, 8,295 GTS copies for ’68 and 6,285 for ’69 – not a common muscle car and probably one reason that my searches have been mostly fruitless.
Unfortunately, this ’68 GTS is possessed with the curse of so many ’60s cars, rust! It’s in all the wrong, but usual places including the quarters (bottoms and tops), rockers, floors, dutchman panel, and under the hood. The trunk pan, however, appears to have survived. It’s all unfortunate as this GTS is so original, it’s wearing its original, non-muscular, shade of copper metallic and is still sporting a couple of its full wheel covers – no day-two makeover happened here. It’s safe to say that this Dart has been an outside car.
The big surprise is under the hood where a 300 gross HP, 383 CI V8 has taken up residence as opposed to the usually found 340 “LA” powerhouse. The seller claims this is one of only 1,113 produced in ’68 though Hemmings counters that claim with a number of 2,112. Whatever the case, it was not a commonly selected option. The story goes that this Dart destined 383 engine was down-rated power-wise because of exhaust manifold design differences that were necessary to accommodate the “B” block motor in the Dart’s diminutive engine compartment. And another casualty of the fitment was the disallowance of power steering. Again, I always welcome input on matters of such. The seller states, “The numbers matching engine turns freely with the key but only pops due to bad ignition system“. A TorqueFlite, three-speed automatic gets the go to the rear wheels when there is “go” to be had.
The interior has clearly seen better days. The biggest problem is the previously mentioned floor deterioration but there is more mayhem in the form of torn seat upholstery and a damaged dash pad. The images provided indicate a moldy environment but not much else.
The seller suggests, “This will make someone a terrific thoroughbred project“. I’m not sure about the “thoroughbred” descriptor but this is an excellent example of late ’60s Detroit muscle, it’s a shame that it is in such deleterious condition. Restorable? Sure, but at what price? Of course, Mopar Muscle has a strong financial upside so I imagine that this Dart will be swept up – it’s a no reserve auction. So, what do you think, a project worth pursuing?
I did in fact have a 67 GTS with 383 in the early 70s.
It’s a cool car here Jim. Too bad the rust has eaten so much of the body up.
The lack of underside photos make me wonder how structurally sound the body is though.
After 2 years my Dad’s Dart with the 383 Police package started to literally come apart in the welded areas of the underside. The torque of the engine was literally overwhelming the body.
Are there replacement panels available for the body on these?
The sellers claim of 1113 is total for 383 automatic transmission models. Remaining number is total 383 production. All sheet metal is available for this car and on many forums a lot worse are being restored. Being unmolested and if it has original engine and drive train. It’s a very good candidate for a complete restoration. There are some very desirable original parts on this car.
Could you imagine trying to change plugs on this thing? Also, talk about a poorly balanced car. Okay if you never plan to go around any curves in the road or come to a sudden halt in an emergency. I was never a performance oriented guy, but if I had been in this era, the 340 would have been the obvious choice for all the above reasons.
Changing plugs is kind of like Luke learning how to use the Force: you close your eyes and “see”with your fingers.
Now…the 440 version and the Hemi version were only meant to go forward. The 383 is a small “big block” and doesn’t weigh significantly more than a 340. The real problem were the bias ply tires of the era.
It’s easy to find the engineering flaws of the past. Model Ts put America on wheels and the Jeep helped win a war but most folks wouldn’t consider using one as a family car.
383 was not a small block.
Had a 69 with p/s but there was no room for the V-2 a/c compressor for air conditioning. It was the 335 hp engine that year.
had a ’68 383 with auto and a/c. p/s seemed to be available but I specifically didn’t order it. used it as a tow car for my Morgan racer. silver with green interior and top–an ‘unrecommended’ combo but people–and I–liked it a lot.traded it in at knauz on a quattroruote zagato alfa in a couple years
My older brother had a ’68 Dodge Dart GT with a slant six under the hood. Unusual to say the least in what was remembered as the era of horse power.
Yep, my younger brother’s ’67 Dart GT ragtop came with the LTP also, soon to be replaced with some level of Mopar V8.
When people say Dodge Dart the slant six immediately comes to mind. I’d bet at least 80% of the A body Mopars were equipped that way. Not really unusual as it was an economy car like the Falcon, Rambler, Chevy II.
The numbers vary, but most agree it was 457 total 67 GTS ,s with a estimate of 6 convertibles in the bunch. The vin on a 67 GTS will be LP23H for a hardtop or LP27H for a convertible. The H is the engine code = 383 HP. Only way to get a B engine in A body by the factory was either the GTS or Formula S Cuda This one got away and still trying find where it went..
Would have loved to get my hands on it before the owner let it turn into a RUST BUCKET!!!!! BUT….who knew these MOPARS would bring so much money later in life?????
Mannix has a convertible 383 I believe, I always recall it being triple black, someone else said it was dark green, I gotta watch reruns
When people say Dodge Dart the slant six immediately comes to mind. I’d bet at least 80% of the A body Mopars were equipped that way. Not really unusual as it was an economy car like the Falcon, Rambler, Chevy II.
Typical MOPAR “rot box”!
would be interested in buying….Contact 740-975-9284 George