Restomod V8 Wagon? 1964 Dodge Dart 270

While the Dodge Dart was born as a full-size car in 1960, it shifted to a compact platform in 1963. The 1961-62 Dodge Lancer compact wasn’t all that successful (and was strange looking), so perhaps Dodge wanted to use an established name instead. This 1964 wagon may be an older restomod, as it has a V8 engine that wasn’t on the roster until nearly a decade later. We’re told the transport needs cosmetic work, although mechanically it may be fine. Located in Loveland, Colorado, this Mopar wagon is available here on craigslist for $8,000.

The 1964 Darts were little changed from the all-new 1963 editions. The 1964 model year was the last for the push-button automatic transmission in Chrysler products. We wonder if the A904 in this wagon now uses that system since later Dodges had the shifter moved to the steering column, which was the industry standard. The base 1964 Dart was the 170 model, with the 270 having a better level of trim. Dodge produced 60,400 270s overall in ‘64, but only 6,700 had a V8 engine (across all body styles), which would have been a 273 cubic inch motor.

We don’t know if the seller’s wagon was a V8 to begin with (in other words, did it have a Slant-Six as most did?). But a 360 engine with headers and a dual exhaust is on board now. And given the amount of dust and dirt, we suspect the change wasn’t recently. The car has power steering, but the front brakes have been converted to discs. And sway bars have been added fore and aft to improve handling for a more spirited ride.

This wagon had some rust that the seller says has already been taken care of. Paint and interior work are needed, and “more,” which is “too much otherwise to mention.” Really? Why not tell people what else is wrong with it, or you run the risk of unnecessarily scaring off buyers. The odometer quit working at 40,000 miles, so who knows how much real estate this Dart has seen. Tony Primo was the source of yet another good vintage tip.