Most nameplates have a hierarchy of desirability. I know from experience that the fiscal value of my ’74 Firebird is a fraction of what a ’73 is worth, and my ’65 Dart is worth far less than a ’68. That’s not a bad thing. Take this ’64 Dart GT; it’s a V8 convertible with an asking price (on craigslist in the San Francisco Bay area) of $15,100, and it’s been posted for almost three weeks. You see, the 1963 to 1966 Darts are called “Early A’s,” and they just don’t draw the same crowd as the later cars. Parts availability isn’t as good. But they’re still handsome in a quirky way, and they still have robust Mopar mechanical parts. I think this is a hidden gem – thanks to numskal for finding it for us.
When buying any ’60s compact, it’s important to remember that these were throwaway cars with dubious factory rust protection, so getting an earthworm’s eye view is part of the game plan. This California car looks extremely solid in the floors, torsion bar crossmember, and subframes. Unfortunately, someone “schutzed” the undercarriage, which tends to obscure the evidence, but there’s nothing that stands out as being an egregious attempt at deception. It appears that the driveshaft has been converted from the factory ball-and-trunnion to a more traditional universal joint, which is an upgrade done not for strength but for parts availability.
The seller doesn’t mention if this Dart is an original V8 car, but it currently has a later 318 and a 904 Torqueflite, both with roughly 3,000 miles on their respective rebuilds. The 318 has a sportier cam, aluminum intake, and Edelbrock four barrel. The master cylinder has been upgraded to a dual-channel unit, and the car has power steering and power brakes, in addition to front and rear sway bars. The differential has also been upgraded from Chrysler’s weakish 7 1/4″ unit to a beefy 8 3/4″ with 3.23 gears. The only problem I see is that the car must have been stored in a damp area, because there’s plenty of evidence of minor corrosion on the top side of things.
I don’t know about you, but I tend to buy cars that have been lying dormant and need all kinds of nickel and dime parts, such as weatherstripping, upholstery, and new engines. The seller of this Dart has done the hard work, so you can just detail it and drive. See the advertisement for a full list of new parts.
As the owner of an “Early A” myself, I can tell you that these cars are pretty much stone cold reliable once you dial them in. Sure, you’ll need to maintain it, but a 318/Torqueflite/8 3/4″ car with no rust is a car that theoretically might need nothing but gas and oil changes for the next two decades. Just put that top down and drive.
I had a ’64 Dart GT myself. I bought it in 2005 and owned it for 10 years. It was a great car, as were several other 63-66 Darts I’ve owned.
My ’64 GT had a 273 V-8, which wasn’t available in the ’63 GT. Mine also had a push-button transmission, which gets me thinking that the subject car got the console/floor shifter from whichever car donated the 318.
Agreed, the photo of the dash cluster does not extend to include the push button locations to the left of the speedo (showing if they were thorough enough to swap in a standard transmission trim plate. The presence of the ’64 V-eight badges in the correct front fender locations leads me to believe this did start life as a 273 car.
I’ve owned my 273 automatic ’64 ‘cuda since ’86….
I always thought the hardtop Darts of this vintage were goofy looking but as a convertible this car is darned handsome, top up or down. The headlights just add to the appeal. Not seeing any rust either.
That console shifter is out of a `66-`68.
`64 Dart automatics were still push buttons on the dash to the left of the speedometer.
`65 was the first year for the console shift, but it was not that shifter pictured.
`65 was just a small shift pod with a black knob, with no extended console between the seats available until `66.
That seat pattern is based on the `65, but which originally had ribbed inserts.
Nice car, but lots of modifications.
Nice car that appears to be in good condition with some well thought out and executed modifications. There are a lot of car people in that area and a lot of money floating around, it’s surprising no one has bought it yet. The price seems more than reasonable, this would make a good cruiser.
Steve R
Jimmy S I owned a 64 Dart GT it came with a 273 v8 don’t rennet the trans numbers but it never gave any issues it came stock with 13inch wheels a Chrysler surgrip rear end wich always payed down posi rubber and was automatic on the floor all factory the shown in photo I don’t beleave is original mine rusted to pieces
Very handsome ‘vert!
It’s really a neat looking Mopar. Too bad it’s on the other end of the world from Tennessee. I’d be a player if it were closer.
Very nice looking Dart .I like it.
Had a red 64 Dart GT when I got married. Stone cold reliable and a sharp car. Loved their Anniversary horn button , push button trans and power steering. Mine had the 225 slant 6. Rust took its toll so this looks appealing. Those aluminum headlight rings were tough to find back then; I assume they’re unobtanium now.
Nice! this is not far from me, only ~40 miles. My wife had a Dart ‘vert but doesn’t remember what year: white with a red interior, so this is kinda tempting but parking/storage is one stopper. I already have challenges driving my current small stable to keep them charged up and happy so I hope the next owner can keep this exercised.
I’m thinking this is a rare car. There weren’t that many back then. Also a “convertible”. Doesn’t look like it’s been abused and all intact. Square exhaust and all. These would give your neck a workout when stepped into “passing gear”.
I’ve got one–and it’s getting customized as we speak. Going restomod with it, so you 100-point-restoration fans may cry foul, but when it’s done–which shouldn’t be much longer–it’s going to be a 318, Tremec 5-speed, 8 3/4 rear end, EFI, custom interior. We plan to drive it as often as possible. I always liked the look of these; it’s the car I would have wanted when I graduated from high school, which tells you how old I am.
1964 California had black plates with yellow letters. Makes me think it might have came from somewhere else
It’s a nice one that someone spent some money on – good price – there’s a Yellow 1965 Convert like it that has money spent on it as well – owner is asking about that for it.
Happy trails to the new owner !
I had a red 67 dodge dart GT With a 225 6 cylinder. That engine Was the most reliable of any car I’ve had. It was in perfect condition, Until someone customize it by crash. Wish I still had her.