Most folks remember the Dodge Dart as a compact car. That was between 1963 and 1976. But in 1960-61, it was a full-size offering with a shorter wheelbase that outsold some of the other Dodge offerings. The seller has a 1960 Dart Phoenix, which had the best trim package of the Darts. This Mopar runs and drives but needs some cosmetic love. Located in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, the car needs restoring — something you might call the “Rise of the Phoenix” (ha, ha?). It’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,250.
Between 1960 and 1963, the Dart went through three phases. First, it was a full-size car, then a mid-size (remember the ill-fated downsizing move and the “Plucked Chickens”?), and finally a compact. After the Dart was replaced by the Aspen in 1976, the name disappeared until it was revived on another compact from the Fiat world in 2012. A Slant-Six was standard, with a 318 cubic inch V8 being the next step up, as in the seller’s car. In 1960, the great majority of Dodges sold were the Dart.
This Dodge is pretty crusty, bad enough for state inspectors to fail it on its most recent inspection attempt. Mechanically, the car may be sound and has a push-button TorqueFlite automatic and lots of power accessories (steering, brakes, windows, and seats). The 318 has a 4-barrel carburetor, which was also an option in 1960. Two of the tires are new, and a new exhaust is coming along for the buyer to install.
Unibody construction was introduced to Dodge and Plymouth in 1960. Because of its integration of the frame and body panels, once unibody corrosion sets in, it can be more difficult to eradicate later. We don’t know how much of it this car has, but if the State of Pennsylvania is concerned, should you be worried? Thanks for the tip, “Gary”.
Looks like another WASTE of time and especially MONEY!
That first picture on the Facebook ad – a straight on shot of this Dart’s front end – shows where the inspiration for this front end *could* have came from – from a mix of the 1958 Packard and the 1958 Studebaker front end design – they *almost* could be cousins – almost.
Cousins or not, you can pass the stew on down the line.
To me, if the engine runs and the transmission makes the car go forward and backwards, the cosmetic issues can be addressed as you go and in good time. It’s gonna take awhile to get this car looking sharp, again.
In my view the only way this may work is to restore it over time and use it daily thereafter as it will cost so much to fix correctly that money wise you’ll be upside down for many years – just saying!
Looks like they did some “professional” rust repairs with some “legally acquired” sheet metal, both on the driver’s side and in the trunk.
Everthing has a second life . Depending on your money line .
A 60 Dart Phoenix was my first car. Mine was black with red interior and the extra long rear window. You could sit in the back seat and look straight up into the sky. I traded into a 64 Rambler for fuel savings. I miss that car.
No state inspection required for antique insurance in PA, but photos required for an insurer may not please them. Years ago, though, I did find one insurance company that insured my 53 F-100 panel truck in an ugly red oxide primer. I still use them for a much nicer looking truck. So, you may be able to offer less for this and, as said, fix it mechanically while the body and paint is made better, just not anywhere near perfect.
Dave, you are correct about PA’s inspection law is not required for an Antique tag. Between my Dad’s ’57 Bel Air to my ’65 Chevelle Conv. +2 others, we went with Antique plates. My ’66 Belvedere I chose Classic plates, simply because it eliminates the “regular use” after dark clause that is applied to Antique tags. The requirements to provide PennDot with pictures to register is the same for both, but a once a year State inspection (no Emissions B.S.) is. If you ask me, it’s all a money grab. We both use State Farm for everything, and at ridiculously low rates. The ’57 is a mere $42 a year, and my ’66 Belvedere is $48 yr. They accept what I call “name your price” for “stated” value when insuring, just use realistic common sense to determine value.
failed for rust. that’s says it all. there is a small buyer pool for these Mopar’s. not worth putting money into.
Not according to most of the comments above.
Steve R
Looks like a rust bucket, needs a lot of cosmetic attention and TLC, would take a lot of money to restore properly inside and out
You are correct. The option is to not restore it, but at least fix some of the rust, do mechanics and drive it. Rare car.
Fon’t know why anyonr would bother fixing up this ugly thing! I think Chrsler Corpp made some rrally ugly cars that era. I’m sllergic to Fodgr. So, i have zero interest in this pig!
It’s definitely unique.
Wow, seven that I counted.
I nominate the Dodge Dart as being the “Most Changed Car in Three Years (1961-1963)”:
1961 Full-size with strange ellipsoid fins
1962 Mid-size with ugliest front-end ever
1963 Compact with an attractive design!
Even Fiat-Chrysler’s last Dodge Dart was a nice looking car, sadly with unreliable Fiat running gear.
I own a 1960 Dodge Dart Seneca, 4-door. It was my father’s car that I restored in 1981. The car I learned to drive on and acquire my driver’s license with in 1963-4. It runs and drives very well.
Mine has the Slant 6 and 3 on the tree. I wish I had the optional steering wheel and backup lights that this model has. Notice how well the chrome has held up after 66 years. Mine has too, as well as all the glass. I also have an original dealer brochure. These were beautiful cars when new and had personality. Not the homogenized stuff we see today.
One of these was listed in the Hemmings Motor News for many months, I think from the St Louis Motor Museum (?) for a very high price. I think it was a “fishing expedition” that also advertised the museum’s presence.
To the knowledgeable there is a lot of potential here. According to the owner it runs and drives. It has the 318 poly with a four barrel carb. I wish there were some pictures of the underside but… To the uninformed armchair mechanic, Looks like another WASTE of time and especially MONEY!
But you would be wrong.
And at $4250 it won’t be around long.
For $4,250 you have a car that could be rescued from the Junk. If you’ve got the time and the money, it’s worth it, no matter what the out come.
Stylistically a freak show. Not full size either but looks like a monster.
Interesting how the paint on the underside of the trunk lid looks brand new. Good luck to whoever decides they need to put this on the road.
I agree, it’s not a very attractive car.