Upgraded 340: 1968 Dodge Dart GT

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As Barn Finds writers, we are always on the lookout for classics that deserve to appear on the site. Our readers make a valuable contribution, which we always appreciate, but my colleague, Russell Glantz, spotted this 1968 Dodge Dart GT. It is a tidy, driver-grade classic that sneaks into the affordable category. However, the upgraded 340ci V8 under the hood should unleash performance improvements that many enthusiasts will welcome with open arms. The buyer could leave the car largely untouched or address some of its cosmetic shortcomings as time and circumstances allow. The seller has listed the Dart here on eBay in Laguna Hills, California. They set their BIN at $14,500 with the option to make an offer.

Dodge’s Fourth Generation Dart proved to have staying power, gracing showroom floors from 1967 until the company retired the badge in 1976. Dodge performed evolutionary upgrades during the production life, most of which were to comply with evolving legislative requirements. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1968 and was finished in Light Gold with color-matched Rally wheels. The seller is candid about the car’s condition, admitting that although the paint shines nicely, it has accumulated its share of blemishes and imperfections. The same is true of some bright trim pieces, although the presentation is tidy if potential buyers are eyeing a driver-grade classic that would serve as a solid project candidate. The underside shots reveal no significant rust issue, although there are holes visible in a couple of images that don’t rate a mention. The wheels are in good order, and the glass is clear.

Decoding this Dart’s VIN confirms that the first owner ordered the car equipped with a 273ci V8, a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, and power steering. The company’s 1968 Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 190hp and 260 ft/lbs for the 273, providing respectable performance without threatening genuine muscle cars. However, that is now largely academic, with the original motor little more than a distant memory. The space it once occupied has been filled by a 340ci V8 that has received plenty of upgrades. It received 360 cylinder heads that have been ported, polished, and flow benched. The engine inhales through a Holley 770cfm Street Avenger carburetor, exhaling through headers and a Flowmaster dual exhaust. The listing indicates that this V8 has only clocked around 10,000 miles, with the TorqueFlite and front end both rebuilt at the same time. The seller describes the engine as strong, a claim that is easily believable. They supply an embedded video in their listing featuring the engine running. It sounds smooth and sweet and would not feel coarse or unruly if the new owner found themselves in heavy traffic.

The Dart’s interior is serviceable, but it is one area where the new owner could weave their magic. There are no gaping holes or other major problems, but it simply looks tired and in need of a refresh. The seats wear aftermarket covers that don’t match the rest of the vinyl trim, and the carpet exhibits wear under the driver’s feet. However, the dash, pad, and console are in good order, and the car retains its factory pushbutton radio. The seller added extra gauges below the dash to monitor that sweet V8, although removing them would be child’s play if the buyer preferred authenticity.

Some readers may question whether this 1968 Dodge Dart GT is genuinely affordable, but a search of recent successful sales suggests that the price is extremely competitive. It needs TLC to present at its best, but the listing statistics confirm that many people like what they see with this classic. I believe that the interest will translate into a successful sale, especially if the seller is flexible in their negotiations with potential buyers. It will be fascinating to learn whether we have readers who might consider making a play for this slice of Mopar history. What do you say?

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Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    Some say Mopar or No Car. 🏁

    Like 3
    • EJ KOSSL

      Mostly Old Parts And Rust
      All the new junk
      Mercedes Old Parts And Rust

      Love the Old stuff the prices are ridiculous but that’s everything.
      My brother’s best friend had one and it was incredibly fast built 340 with a real transmission

      Like 1
  2. Robert L Davis Jr

    not a bad price really

    Like 8
  3. Steve Crist

    I had a ‘71. Disliked the taillights in my bumper. I like the location of these.

    Like 2
  4. The Other Chris

    I’m not sure if this is what you were really saying, and it’s a super minor nit, but those rallyes aren’t original to the car, and doubly-so painted body color (esp since this isn’t painted in that original color anyway — and what’s with the blue interior? I didn’t look at build info).

    I like it. It’s a really cool car and looks like it could be tidied up nicely. Hard to find anything as cool near that price anymore.

    Like 5
    • Terrry

      The wheels do look like they could have been stock though, and 2-door Darts of this generation are attractive. And though it came with a 273, which at least made these cars interesting to drive, the seller did no damage in upgrading to a built 340!

      Like 2
  5. Tripower

    Nicely done. This should sell quickly.

    Like 3
  6. GT750

    To me it looks like its got a lot of filler, and poor paint. Top of the left front fender, and the hood, and top of right fender near the antenna mount. Who knows what the lower body panels are like. Better take a fridge magnet with you to look at it.

    Like 0
  7. oldroddderMember

    I am by no means a big fan of Mopar’s, but this one is kind of interesting. I had a friend in college who had a ’68 GTS 383 4 speed and I kind of became fond of it. This one kind of reminds me of that car so I like it. Probably wouldn’t buy it, but I like it nonetheless.

    Like 1
    • Mike76

      I agree with you Oldrodder. Not a Mopar guy either but I too developed a fondness for the Dart ever since I was about 18 or so and got a ride in one of my neighbors two Darts, a four speed ’69 340 Swinger. Surprised the daylights out of me how quick that little car was. I kinda have had a closet fetish for the 68/9 Dart ever since.

      Like 2
  8. Wayne

    In college I had a 1955 Chev convert. The engine was worn out (a 16 year old will do that to a car!) and I had no place to work on it. So I traded for a 1968 340 4 speed Dart. I loved that car. Unfortunately it was stolen after 2 weeks of ownership. It was replaced with a 1968 Dart 170 slant six and 3 on the tree. So ended my first 20 years of blasting around the roads.

    Like 1
    • Terry Bowman

      Maybe, that is the way to go. put a 170 badge on a 340 Dart and it will not be stolen.

      Like 1
  9. Ron from MnMember

    Those rims weren’t offered from the factory ’till 1970. Minor issue. They look good on there.

    Like 0

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