Dodge entered the compact market in 1961 with the Lancer, a variant of the quirky Plymouth Valiant. It wasn’t very successful, so the car was redesigned and given the Dart name, where it flourished through 1976. A redesign came in 1967, the year the seller’s grocery getter 4-door sedan was built – but with a small V8 rather than the Slant-Six. Located in Vancouver, Washington, this nice running survivor is available here on craigslist for $6,900. Thumbs up to “Curvette” for the Mopar tip.
The A-body Dodge Dart of 1967 was better engineered than its predecessor. The front track was wider and the front end reinforced so the car could accept engines larger than the 273 cubic inch V8 in the seller’s car. The appearance of the cars helped raise sales numbers, so we assume the Valiant/Dart combo came in third behind the Chevrolet Chevy II/Nova and the Ford Falcon. Besides the small-block, the seller’s car has a 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
As the story goes, this Dodge was purchased new for a student in Portland, Oregon. After that, it lived on the streets with occasional use, beginning in the 1990s. So, it sounds as though the seller has some degree of history about the car that could be shared. Its overall condition is good, and we’re told it runs well, even with 138,000 miles to its credit. The upholstery and headliner have been redone, so the passenger compartment should be comfy enough.
The body isn’t perfect, with a few little dings and dents. And the blueish-green paint is faded but might respond to some wax and elbow grease. The seller has part of a period-correct A/C system you can install after you source the missing pieces. A new windshield is needed (cracked?), and the dash lights seem to have a mind of their own. If you think this old Dart has plenty of life left, hit up the seller with an offer.
Seems like a nice little driver. Of course, I’d want to know what’s under the dreaded steering wheel cover. (Why do so many people put those things on their cars, and more importantly, why don’t they take them off to take photos???)
A lot of folks make this point about the k mart steering wheel cover. I happen to like um and perhaps I don’t know the risk? Also got a classic with one on the wheel. It was there 20 years ago and I never thought to take it off or look under it.
If you’d ever driven one of these cars with that skinny, HARD plastic wheel for any length of time, then you would understand why the steering wheel covers were used. (IMO) when installed with care, they look better than the current ones that just fit over the wheel. :-)
True. Installing the cover using the plastic lacing supplied was almost like a flashback to summer camp, where you “made” a leather wallet trimmed with that lacing, which we called “gimp” (some spell it “gymp”). The big problem with the slip-on steering wheel covers that aren’t laced on is the word slip. They slide around and fall off of the steering wheel as you turn the wheel. The lace-on covers stay put! IIRC, they cost between $2.99 and $3.99 at your local K-Mart, Woolworth’s or friendly auto parts store back in the day, LOL!
Had a number of 60’s Mopar’s and loved the wheel the way it was. Never bothered me at all. Always hated steering wheel covers.
To protect the original steering wheel I’ve got one on my 2001honda and my 2010 4.6 tundra
I agree with JDC, this is a great driver. I knew a guy many years ago who had one the same year except it was white, with the 273. You would be surprised how well that little motor will run, even with a 2 barrel. I do believe he opened up the exhaust a bit which I’m sure helped it some. These were (are) great cars.
Down to 5k already
Would the 273 have come with the 727 or the 904? Or could you choose? The ad says it has a 727 and I always thought the just came with big blocks.
V8s got the 727, sixes got the 904..both great transmissions except for the occasional reverse failure.
I don’t know about 1967, but my ’73 Duster came with 318/904
Had a ’65 Valiant Signet with 273/904 combo.
No, you can get it with small blocks. The 83 Plymouth Gran Fury cop car last week had the 318/727
The earlier full sized Mopars with the 318 got the 727 too.
It’s nice to see a quality Mopar with a V8 at a reasonable price..That makes this a unicorn..LOL
Of course it is located, where else; PNW naturally. In my view this a really good deal. I would DD it. Robert Atkinson nailed it with his comments on the steering wheel cover. I’m surprised that this hasn’t sold yet.
Really love the looks of these year Dart’s. Don’t know why they didn’t reupholster the seats to match the interior. I’m sure the original was green, plus I wouldn’t doubt if the original fabric could even still be sourced. Overall a very nice looking Dart minus a few needs. Even being in WA. I would have liked to see a few photos of the underside. Ad says posted 3 days ago but it’s already been dropped almost $2k with a OBO.
IMO these were the better styled compact of the era. Well enough to look good after a decade of production and added rooflines. Will always remind me of my Polish uncles who drove Dotches like these.
Lovely looking car. This is my favourite version of the Dodge Dart. I had a teacher when I was a boy who drove one. I can’t remember now what powered it, whether it was a slant 6 or a V8. I love the 1966-76 version of the Dodge Dart.
I agree. My favorites from that era were the 71-72 models, before the Federally-mandated “Bash Beam” bumpers came in starting in 1973.
I agree. I’m not against safety. What I’ve never liked was the US Govt’s deciding what makes for a safe car.
Price is now $4400 OBO.
If you are near this car, either wait it out or go make the seller an offer. They obviously want it gone.