In an interesting move, Dodge shifted its Dart nameplate from the full-size line-up in 1962 to the redesigned compact A-body platform in 1963. Sales would take off and continue strong through 1976 when the new Aspen knocked it from the portfolio. This 1964 edition, likely a 270 model, is a two-owner automobile that looks to have been sitting in a messy storage building for some time. We don’t know if it runs because the keys are MIA. Located in Sycamore, Ohio, this project Mopar is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $2,000 (and a firm handshake?).

Dodge struggled in the new compact market segment in 1961-62. They used a rebadged version of the quirky-looking Plymouth Valiant they called the Lancer. So come 1963, both Chrysler divisions got a redesigned compact and the now-Dart rode on a wheelbase three inches longer than the Valiant’s, providing more legroom for rear seat passengers. In 1964, two main series were offered (plus the sporty GT), the 170 and 270. We think the seller’s car is a 270 from the seller’s reference to a higher level of trim.

Dodge produced more than a half-million cars in 1964, and the Dart represented 38% of sales or 194,200 automobiles. The 270 4-door sedan was popular at 60,400 copies. We’re told this sedan has been in the same family for ages (second owners) and the odometer reads under 23,000 miles. We suppose that could be legit, but 123,000 is more plausible. The car has Chrysler’s venerable Slant-Six engine, but we don’t know if it’s the 170 or 225 cubic-inch version (the difference was 44 horsepower, making the 225 considerably more peppy).

This Dodge has an automatic transmission, the dash-mounted push-button version Chrysler stopped using after 1964. There is no indication if the Dart runs, so it’s a safe bet that it doesn’t at the seller’s price point. The radiator looks newer like an aluminum one. While the body and frame as said to be good, the paint is not, and the interior is dirty and will require lots of elbow grease to be salvaged. All of this raises the question if a mid-1960 Dart with four doors and a Slant-Six is worth restoring. Thanks for the old school Mopar tip, “Ted”!