For most of the 1960s and 1970s, the Dart was Dodge’s popular compact car. But in 1960 and 1961, the Dart was a lower-level full-size automobile. The seller has a 1960 Dart Phoenix, which was the top trim level offered in the Dart. Located in Manchaca, Texas, this Dodge was intended to become a rat rod driver, but the seller has decided to part with the car instead. The Mopar is available here on craigslist for $3,500. This tip was brought to us by Barn Finder “Kendra.”
The 1960 Dart was essentially a Plymouth with Dodge sheet metal. The wheelbase was four inches shorter than the more upscale Polara. You could buy a new Dart in three trim levels: Seneca, Pioneer, and Phoenix. The latter was a big seller, as about one out of five Dodges built in 1960 were Dart Phoenixes. The then-new 225 cubic inch “Slant Six” was standard, with the 318 V8 being a commonly ordered option (such as in the seller’s car).
As the story goes, this Dodge has been sitting since the 1990s. It will run if you drop some fuel into the carburetor, but more mechanical tinkering is needed. The seller was planning to fix the car up and drive it complete with patina, but his/her health became an issue, so that plan is out. It’s a well-equipped Dodge with an automatic tranny, power steering, and factory air (rare for a Mopar from that era). The odometer has turned over, so the mileage is in excess of 100,000.
The body has more than its share of issues, with rust and outright holes prominent in several places. The floorboards have become quite crusty, which means there could be lots of issues with the car’s unibody platform. However, the glass is good, and the chrome brightwork has survived better than the sheet metal. The title may have problems as the seller says a bonded title may be needed to sort out ownership. Would you restore this old Dodge, four doors and all?
Quite the looker in it’s day….
Even restored, not my cup of tea. But I’m digging that crazy dashboard!
Jeff- the push buttons were cool, and controlled many things. I’m thinking the warning ‘Don’t push my buttons” maybe started around this time.
My mother drove a Dart, doubtfully a Phoenix though. A tractor trailer hit it in 1966 while she was stationary, bending up the fender and who knows what else? I was very little, and Dad isn’t alive to ask if it probably was repairable or not.
Back then, I don’t think cars were repaired as much body-wise; replacements were plentiful and cheap, so it probably went to a junk yard. Love that big toothy grillework, the wacky dash and the serious/bored look from the rear.
Rat rod would be cool. Gloss black roof with gray /silver lace. Flat black body. Keep the chrome and white walls. Flat red wheels, chrome rings with bullet center caps. Mexican blanket interior.
Interesting the 62 (Chrysler or Dodge – they shared the rear fenders) in the background.
A neighbor had a 61 that was far worse looking, especially the front end, than this 60, which is actually not bad looking.
My first car was a black one with the fender skirts, extra long rear glass (you could sit in the back seat and look up and see the sky), and red interior with plaid inserts in the seats. Bought it for $75 in 1971 in excellent condition. Traded for a Rambler for the fuel economy. I know, gas was only 24.9 but wages were really low and I liked to drive. Of course I wish I still had it.
My very first car was a 1960 Dodge Seneca 4 door. I WILL have another 60 one day… a 2 door!
Give this old girl another chance! Still looks pretty solid, and how often do you see one of these around?
Pretty sure this is an old buddies of mine – he sold it out of Allen Tx….it was rare then if only because of the 4 barrel on that o’318 poly….
Paint it fer chrissakes !
Is the ratrod thang over yet?
Judging by the holes in the floor pan and body panels, it looks as though this beauty is suffering terribly with Stage 4 cancer and is likely beyond the capabilities of modern day chemo therapy. It;s truly heartbreaking cause she’s a real beauty.
Looks like a sweet, red 1962 Chrysler 300 2-dr hardtop just up the driveway. I can spot that round 300 emblem on the right rear fender…