Generally, when the Dodge Dart is mentioned, thoughts steer towards the late sixties through mid-seventies A-body compact. But in the beginning, it was a full-size model such as this 1960 Pioneer example. It’s definitely, today, one of those seldom-seen cars that have often slipped from the recesses of memory. The seller claims, “The car is in supper (sic) great condition,” so let’s examine it and see if we agree. Port St. Lucie, Florida, is its home port, and it’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $20,000. Thanks are due to T.J. for this tip!
First up, the listing images aren’t very good, and that’s unfortunate, as some of this car’s better qualities are obfuscated by the crummy photography. Darts were available in three trim levels for ’60: Phoenix, Pioneer, and Seneca, and the Pioneer was available in two-door hardtop and sedan body styles, along with four-door sedans and station wagons. The total Pioneer production stat reached 80K units, but I couldn’t uncover a specific volume for the two-door hardtop.
The copper finish shows as being pretty strong, as do the chrome-plated bits, and there’s no indication of rust, rot, or crash damage. Whether this 65 K-mile Dart is wearing its original finish is not disclosed, but if it is, proper storage has been part of this car’s 66-year history. The only unusual aspect of this car’s appearance is its noted rear-high attitude – replaced springs, maybe?
I was expecting to find “old reliable” in the form of a 318 CI V8 under this Dart’s hood, but nope; it’s a newer old reliable, a 145 gross HP, 225 CI “slant-six” powerplant. The seller adds, “Rebuilt p/s pump, starter, rebuilt trans, front end, new battery, dual master cylinder, rear differential seals…Car runs and drives great.” A three-speed manual transmission handles the gear-related activities.
The interior looks pretty good, but the lousy images aren’t painting a comprehensive, detailed picture. The two-tone vinyl and woven upholstery, along with matching door panels, probably show beautifully, but I can’t tell for certain – how unfortunate. It’s the same story with the dash and instrument panel; it appears to be fine. The dash image is clear enough, however, to note that this is a radio-free Dodge. It’s also had A/C added, and the seller states, “has electric AC – needs charge.” Well, if it simply needs a charge, why not do it? That sort of an excuse statement leads me to believe there’s something beyond a charge that’s affecting the system’s proper operation.
Plusses? This Dart is not a commonly encountered car these days, and it appears to be in very nice condition – the two-door hardtop body style is always a sales enhancer. The negatives? The $20,000 price tag. I say GLWTS, how about you?
I’m thinking that 1960 is the first year for the slant-6. But for 20K I’d want a V-8 w/Torqueflite. At least the Torqueflite.
A 1960 Dodge was our family car when I was in early grade school years. It was a low-end Seneca, six cylinder (I assume), blackwalls and dog dishes, I think it had a radio, and was an automatic. But the fact that my dad was okay with low-end low-optioned cars, that probably was about it. I don’t remember much more about it, other than the view from the back seat of that highly-styled instrument panel.
Good write-up Jim.
US Dart Pioneer production was 79,970
Canada Dart Pioneer production was 31,119
For a combined total Pioneer production of 111,089 including 2 door hardtops, 2 door sedans, 4 door sedans & 4 door wagons (both 2 seat & 3 seat).
There was no Pioneer 4 door hardtop or convertible offered.
US: 8475 /6 Dart Pioneer 2 door hardtops (above model for sale)
Canada: 693 /6 Dart Pioneer 2 door hardtops.
US: 14,966 V8 Dart Pioneer 2 door hardtops.
Canada: 643 V8 Dart Pioneer 2 door hardtops.
I will add the station wagons were available as pillared or hardtop vehicles. The wagon looked odd because the fins started just behind the rear doors and ended just short of the C/D pillar (tailgate). The tail light housing was longer and extended beyond the tailgate. The fins look like a tacked-on bad idea.
When someone spells super, S U P P ER, antennae rise.