Usually, when the subject of the Dodge Dart arises, one thinks of the compact A-body version that commenced production in 1963. Dodge aficionados, however, know the Dart actually got its start in 1960 as a full-sizer, and today’s subject, courtesy of Zappenduster, is a first-year Phoenix four-door hardtop edition. Looking good in Clarksdale, Missouri, this top-flight Dodge is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $22,850.
The Dart, as was often the case with domestic models, was available in three trim levels: the Phoenix rode the crest, the Pioneer occupied the rocking chair, and the budget-conscious Seneca brought up the markers. Phoenix body styles included four-door sedans, hardtops, and station wagons (known as the “Polara”) as well as two-door hardtops and convertibles. Our four-door hardtop is one of 20,000 assembled in ’60. The seller states, “This car was the top-optioned trim of its model. It is both the “Phoenix” Dart and a 4-door hardtop. Garaged all its life. Grandpa bought it from the original owner 30 years ago. I bought it from Grandpa 10 years ago.” It does show excellently! The claimed-to-be original finish is deep and contrasts beautifully with its red-hued roof. The chrome and stainless trim, which is extensive on this model, is all there and still sparkles nicely. Styling is always subjective, and this Dart definitely looks like it came from the house of Mopar, but it is a bit more restrained than some of the other models they were pushing at the time.
The interior, also said to be original, presents as only an interior from the early sixties can. The cheery striped fabric upholstery has withstood the test of time and use, and reveals no sign of wear, though the dashpad has gotten lumpy. The four-spoke “X” steering wheel was all the style in that space-age era, and the gigantic horizontal speedometer could even be read by Mr. Magoo. Two other notable Mopar features are the driver’s side raised seat back (an early attempt at a headrest?) and the dash-mounted rearview mirror. And of course, this Dodge wouldn’t be complete without a push-button-activated transmission. Unsurprisingly, this is a non A/C equipped car.
Speaking of the transmission, it’s a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic attached to a 255 gross HP 318 CI V8 engine. The seller adds, “Runs and drives” – not exactly a ringing endorsement. The mileage is stated as being 32K miles, and while there is no claim of authentication provided, there is some documentation that is included.
OK, summary time! The good: seldom-seen model/body style – it’s a standout, in excellent condition, and with limited ownership. The bad: Nothing really except the price. I think $22,850 seems a bit rich – top drawer model or not; what’s your thought on that matter?
1 of 13,046 US built V8 Phoenix 4 door hardtops, 315 Canadian built.
225/6 engine was standard, with 1108-US/83-CAN built.
This Phoenix has been listed for a year.
I remember when it first was posted in The Forward Look group.
For a low mileage survivor I don’t think the price is too far off the mark, but if its been for sale more than a year, I guess the market has spoken. I’ve never owned a vintage Chrysler product, but if I did, I’d get one of their atomic-age beauties like this one. Love that steering wheel!
if you want 1 of these this sure looks like a solid survivor its just ugly.
This is smack dab in the middle of the segment of cars where prices are collapsing. No matter how nice, it’s only worth close to the asking price if this is the exact year, make and model is someone’s dream car.
Steve R
I prefer the 300 E…
Yes I prefer that dream machine myself even though I think the ‘60 Dodge is one of the better looking models than a couple years before and after it.
If it’s as nice as the photos indicate and the mileage is accurate you should expect to pay a premium. They are only original once and the number of comparative cars is low. You couldn’t restore one as nicely for anywhere near the asking price on this one. It’s a good looking example and 4 door hardtops are finally getting long overdue appreciation. The 1960 Dodges were much improved over the 1959s in quality. The corrosion, water intrusion, and weather sealing problems that plagued the 1957s had been fixed. Styling is always subjective but 1960s design is an improvement from 1959 IMHO. The regressive 1961s are not easily explained. $22,850? Come on, where else can you get this much style and fun at this price?
I was checking out the styling so much I didn’t even realize this was a 4-door! No wonder people think it’s priced too high – I don’t retract my previous comment, but I would modify it a bit. Still would be proud to have this in my garage, but I’d really like a nice ’60 Fury 2dr hdtp.
Looks good, but that isn’t a 22K engine bay. For sale for a year means nobody wants it. Either keep it, or lower the price. By half.
It depends where and how it’s being sold. Clarksdale Missouri is somewhat off the beaten track and they might not be getting much exposure on their advert. This is a specialty item appealing to a select demographic. I agree that the underhood looks less impressive than the rest of the car but an inspection will answer any questions. It wouldn’t take much to tidy up and bring it in line with the rest of the car. Trust but verify.
Veeery nice
Well, it definitely needs some serious detailing, especially the engine bay, to pull over 20k because truthfully it’s just not that special. It’s old, a survivor, nostalgic etc… but still not exactly special. But it could be. And that’s what the seller is not taking into consideration. How much $$$ is needed to make it “pop” and be special. I’m guessing based on the ads and photos north of 5k. So an ask under 20k is more realistic.
I have always like the “frenched in” license plate space Mopar did in the 60s.
The weird thing about these fins is they fall short of the length of the car. Odd looking.
And those taillights have always fascinated me. Don’t know why, maybe because they are so large as are the backup lights but I really like the rear styling of these cars.