The Lancer was Dodge’s first compact car from 1961 to 1962. And buyers didn’t take to it even though it was a warmed-over Plymouth Valiant, which sold better. A redesign came in 1963, and Dodge repositioned the Dart nameplate, hoping that the car would finally catch on. It did – and was a Dodge staple through 1976. The seller has a 1965 2-door sedan in project state, needing at least an interior and paint. But it’s priced as Cheap Wheels at $1,000 in Des Moines, Iowa, and here on craigslist. Mopar tip finder “Curvette” turned us on to this one.
Darts for 1965 were little changed from the 1963-64 editions. A 170 cubic inch Slant-Six was still standard, but a 225 version dubbed the “Dart Charger” was optional (a nod to the mid-size Charger automobile that would arrive the following year). Bigger wheels were now available, as was factory air conditioning (even though it hung under the dash). The 1966 Dart got a styling refresh ahead of the 1967 redesign that would carry the car until the Aspen eventually replaced it.
We don’t know if this Dart runs as the ignition key is MIA. But it looks to be complete, at least where it counts. Since the odometer is said to have rolled over, this Dodge may have 158,000 miles, a lot for 1960s automobiles. Besides the larger Slant-Six, the original owner also opted for an automatic transmission, no longer offered with push buttons. The engine turns by hand, so there’s reason for optimism.
The paint was once red, and the body has rust in the rear quarters and floor pans. If your goal is to have a cheap set of weekend wheels, you could get it running, redo the seats, and maybe sell it again down the road for more than you’d have in it. The seller will even provide delivery, though there are bound to be limitations.
Gone!
Good deals don’t last.
Steve R