Project builds. Sometimes an owner will see it through to completion, while others stall with the finish line in sight. This 1968 Dodge Dart GTS Convertible falls into the latter category, though the remaining tasks seem relatively straightforward. The panels and paint are stunning, but the new owner may want to refresh its original V8 before bolting it back in. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the GTS listed here on Craigslist in Auburn, Washington, priced at $29,500.
Dodge released its Fourth Generation Dart range in 1967, featuring dramatically refreshed styling. However, the biggest news lay beneath the surface: the company made substantial engineering changes that let buyers order these cars with larger, more powerful motors. This 1968 Dart is a GTS Convertible that is an unfinished restoration project. The hard work is complete, with the panels massaged laser-straight, any rust eliminated, and a fresh layer of the car’s original Code Q Bright Blue Metallic cloaking the exterior. The Black power top heightens its appearance and matches the Bumblebee stripes. The top features new hydraulic lines and functions perfectly. The seller polished the exterior trim and refitted the side glass, though it is unclear whether the windshield is included.
Okay, the engine bay contains a lot of fresh air, although the news remains relatively positive. The first owner ordered the GTS with the entry-level 340ci V8 and a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. It may have been the least potent motor money could buy, but with Dodge quoting power and torque figures of 275hp and 340 ft/lbs in that year’s Sales Brochure, it offered very respectable performance. Those craving more could opt for the 383, which became available because of the engineering changes mentioned above. The seller says that the car is numbers-matching, but the cylinder heads have been removed from the V8. It is unclear why, but it might provide an opportunity for an engine rebuild, ensuring this classic is spot-on once bolted back together. It appears they may have replaced a few parts during the restoration, because the master cylinder and steering box look new.
This Dart’s interior features bucket seats, a console, and an AM radio. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, and its needs appear relatively minor. The shopping list includes new seatcovers and, given the car’s age, replacing the foam at the same time would be wise. The remaining Black upholstered surfaces look comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, as do the dash and pad. The carpet is new, and with the refreshed seats bolted back into place, the interior would look pretty sharp.
The seller’s listing images are encouraging, suggesting that completing this 1968 Dodge Dart GTS Convertible’s restoration should be pretty easy. The seller claims only 315 examples of the 1968 GTS Convertible left the line equipped with a 340, and my research suggests only 271 of those featured the TorqueFlite transmission. If in-depth investigation confirms those figures beyond doubt, that makes this classic very rare. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to add the finishing touches to this restoration?
Heads are off? Odometer 1?
Yep….another available at extra cost owner….not pictures of motor or the “matching numbers” they could be there but for the ask – it should be proven or at least show.
This GTS will definitely be very nice when it’s finally finished, but is worth what they want unfinished? If the windshield MIA, that’s going to be expensive to try and replace. Hopefully the new owner will keep it as stock as possible.
Agree. The price is more a reflection of the work put into this very clean Dart and not necessarily the market price. I did not know that Chrysler was using hydraulics to operate the top. Sounds like it could get messy. The Washington VIN business sounds weird too, but I like this Dart. You could put something bigger in the engine bay but the correct motor would be plenty powerful.
Oh….forgot to mention – is that a DMV assigned vin plate ?
Only 271 of 315? That’s 86%. That’s not proper use of the word “only”. Now a total of 315 is rare, but the vast majority were the torqueflite, so not a rare subset of the 315!
Only 271 of 315? That’s 86%. That’s not proper use of the word “only”. Now a total of 315 is rare, but the vast majority were the torqueflite, so not a rare subset of the 315!
Have to put the engine back together, install it, put the interior, at least back seat, together. Washington VIN number, so is it registered or do you have to jump through hoops. All for $29,500. That’s a lot for the amount of work left.
Yes power top . I have that in my 1967 dart conv. This is a beautiful car . There very expensive to restore . Nos parts are non existent. Yes I believe he has the asking price in the car. He’s probably spent out on more restoration expenses. Sick of spending $$$ ! Think the windshields are like 700 .00 bucks new.
Yep, the days of finding parts for these in the boneyards are long gone!
with the state assigned vin i don’t see as much value as with a factory vin from Chrysler. drivetrain out no windshield too many unknowns here for me. they definitely would push me away if i were looking.
I had a 69 GTS 340 4spd convertible in this color it was one of 58 340 4spd convertibles made, it was a rare stripe delete car. There were 214 automatic GTS 340 convertibles built in 69 The 340 was the way to go The big blocks were too heavy and would spin the tires when pushed hard very restrictive exhaust manifolds really choked off power
Fuel injected engine and an overdrive transmission and you can go cruising with this topless chryco
The 340 was the base engine in the GTS model, but far from the base engine in a Dart, or even the base V8 in a Dart, which would still have been the 273.
There’s a backstory here. I think the only way the seller is going to get his money is to get it back together and running. Some dealer will buy this if it’s cheap enough and put it together, my guess. There’s no upside for an individual to pay retail for all the work it needs.