In its later years, the Dodge Dart was a poster child for basic, economical transportation, serving that role capably until production ended in 1976. While the Dart was usually dubbed a compact, it didn’t start out that way, as the first examples were considered full-size automobiles, though not quite as large as some of the period’s competing offerings. Debuting as a 1960 model, the Dart came in 3 trim levels, starting with the base Seneca. Next was the mid-range Pioneer, followed by the top-of-the-line Phoenix, like this one here on Facebook Marketplace. It’s a project priced at $6,000 and located in St. Peters, Missouri, and we’d like to thank Barn Finds reader Zappeduster for the fine Mopar tip here!
The 1960 Dart Phoenix featured a beautiful exterior design penned by Virgil Exner, and it’s a true one-year-only body, as the ’61 cars took on a significantly different appearance. This one seems mostly complete on the outside, with the seller noting some rust along the lower rear area. It still appears fairly solid from the doors forward, so hopefully a skilled sheet metal artist can make the needed quarter panel repairs and get this one ready for a respray in no time. Interestingly, there’s a vintage metal tag on the back from Cumberland in Nashville, which was one of the earliest Dodge Dealers in the country.
The interior is described as original, and while it could use some work here and there, it still looks decent considering the age. A seam separation is present on the left edge of the driver’s seat, but I’m not spotting any other obvious upholstery tears. There’s no headliner, so the buyer will either need to source one or have it fabricated, and repairing or replacing that cracked steering wheel would be money well spent. The automatic transmission is controlled by push buttons on the dash, although it’s not reported whether it’s still shifting properly.
Unfortunately, the 361 engine is locked up, so the next owner will have to decide whether it makes more sense to rebuild it or install something entirely different under the hood. The brakes aren’t working either, so several mechanical tasks will likely be required before this one’s ready to get back on the road. Still, with its cool, forward-looking design and rare body style, this Dodge undoubtedly deserves to be saved. Is this 1960 Dart Phoenix one you’d be interested in resurrecting from the ashes?
My first automotive recollection was when our family picked up our new 1960 Dodge Dart at the dealership. It was a low-option Seneca. I would have been 3 3/4 years old. I remember how exciting that day was.
And all these years later, cars still interest and excite me.
Thanks Mike.
Bob, thank you for bringing to the surface my first memory of my grandparents car, a 1960 Pioneer sedan painted in a mix of Salmon and Hearing Aide Beige. Wow. Just wow. I loved tgat car then, and I love it now.
Interesting specimen. I remember a time when a Forward Look hardtop such as this would command large money in about any form. The ask is not unreasonable but the market for selling anything is. I prefer the Plymouth for 60 over this Dodge. But still wouldn’t be unhappy. Hope it gets a good home.
This is 1 of 20,525 US built V8 Phoenix 2 door hardtops.
Canada production was 511.
There were only 1473/175 US/Canada standard 225/6 Phoenix 2 door hardtops.
There was no Phoenix 2 door sedan offered.
On “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.”, Sergeant Carter’s red Phoenix 2 door hardtop was switched out with a cheaper, base model Seneca 2 door sedan before the wrecking ball dropped on it.
While under Gomer’s care.
This needs attention everywhere, it may be a 1 year only design, but does that make it highly desirable? The seller seems to be diminishing the amount of work it will need. This may be a tough sell.
Steve R
The engine in the photo is a 318 not a 361. A 361 is a b block with the distributor in the front looked the same as a 383
The seller indicates that the engine is a 318, and it sure looks like one.
That engine is a 318, not 361. First clue is the rear distributor. I had a 1960 with the 361. Great car.
That engine is a 318, not 361. First clue is the rear distributor. I had a 1960 with the 361. Great car.
So much better looking than the same year Plymouth. She’s pretty rusty. Too bad you’re not starting with something better.
Someone has screwed up the padded dash above the glove box door.
That there is the original equipment 1960 Dodge airbag. It’s deployed. LOL!
With its condition, this would be the perfect donor for a remake of the Norseman that went down on the Andria Doria.
I cannot believe it has not been recreated yet.
it is a neat piece, and you won’t see another at a cruise. the condition and the fact there are no brakes and motor is locked up does not help this dodges cause. then factor in rust and the interior is shot that 6k price is just a bit out of line. just because it’s a 1 year model does not make worth a mint looking like this. nicely restored would be another thing. your making metal parts for this not buying them and any other need items may be very hard to find. this is a 2-k car like this.
A lot to work with here. For somebody besides me mind you but what a tribute to the land yacht era. And you wouldn’t have a me too car.
Pnuts, I take issue with your comment about these cars being land yachts. In a world of planet-mashing lifted unnecessary pickups and SUVs, my cars look small by comparison.
Every 5 years my aunt and uncle and his family would come back to the states for a 1 year furlough. (They were missionaries in South Korea. ) So my uncle would send a,check to my Dad for what they could afford to buy for their year. And then sell it when it came time to return to Korea. In 1961 he bought them a 1960 Phoenix and it sat at our home for a,couple of weeks before they picked it up. I remember carefully looking the car over. (I was already a car nut at that time.) And trying to figure out the pronunciation of the word Phoenix, as I had never heard the word before. (Living in the south suburbs of Chicago.) To me (at the time) it was interesting to look at. But didn’t seem outlandish or particularly good looking. (Remember, at that time I was subjected to 1957 Plymouths, Henry Js, 1955 Oldsmobiles and Kaiser Frasiers.)
Wayne, your story is almost a carbon copy of what my uncle & aunt did.
Uncle Arnie was an engineer in Liberia Africa. When they’d come back to Mn. for a visit he did the same thing, bought a new car and sold it when they went back. Don’t remember how long they stay. I remember a ’62 Mercury was one car. When they moved back for good, he bought a ’68 Chrysler Imperial loaded up. Emerald green with a green interior and either a dark green or black vinyl roof. A real beauty.
As Bob Hope said a million times, “thanks for the memories!”
My very first car was a 1960 Dodge Dart Seneca! Sure looks like the same engine I had which was a 318. I think it was called a 318 “wedge” as it had a very wide intake manifold. I WILL have one again!
318 Polysphere.(spelling?)
Good engine. The second design 318 was even better.
Saw a 4-door Seneca in the Twin Cities a few years ago. Can’t remember another one besides my relative who had a yellow Dart of some model.
Good looking car.
kanon bil ja har en i garaget phoenix 383
Needs are…….paint and body work , a interior ….a engine an most likely transmission R.B………this car will get you upside down merely towing it home .
What project car worth it’s salt won’t get you upside down? Aficionados don’t restore projects to make money. Nostalgia, love, history, personal experience all play a big part.
What project car worth it’s salt won’t get you upside down? Aficionados don’t restore projects to make money. Nostalgia, love, history, personal experience all play a big part.
Interesting unit because of the fins and the left over rocket ship accoutrements, but way overpriced. Steve R has it right.
Had one just like it in the mid 80s that ran and drove great, 2 door and the same color and the 318 poly with 4 barrel carb, I put a one wire gm alternator on it.
This car needs everything.