Some of the late 50’s early 60’s Mopars have an incredible mix of styling much like this 1960 Dodge Dart Seneca. While that incredible mix of styling isn’t loved by all, I personally find it fascinating. The Seneca is a scarce machine, and this non running project is a mostly complete find that could be a fine example of Mopar obscurity. This immensely unique and wildly stylish Mopar can be yours for $3,398. Be sure to look at it here on craigslist out of Alvord, Iowa. Thank you to Roger for sharing this stylish and uncommon Mopar!
Currently registered, this Seneca seems like it was a driver until undergoing an engine swap. The original inline 6 with manual trans was removed for a newer 6 with an automatic. The swapped engine is described as being in good health, but I would guess there are still some things that need to be buttoned up. The seller is willing to include the original drive-train in the sale.
While there are a few rips to be found in the upholstery, the remainder of the interior doesn’t look too shabby. The passenger side door panel looks excellent, and perhaps the rest of the interior is equally as nice.
Wearing what appears to be original paint, this Seneca is in fair condition, but there is some rust to contend with. The passenger side rear wheel arch and lower quarter need work, as well as a couple of areas with the floors. Floor panels are included, but the extent of the rust is unclear. Thankfully all of the trim appears to be present, and really this is a good start to a not so common project. Are you a fan of this wildly styled Mopar?
According to the seller, “I am putting this up for a very low price, before winter or fall hit”, it seems like he’s missed his timetable. If it was such a good deal, why hasn’t it sold? It’s a cool looking body, but not very desirable. The asking price of $3,398 for a non-runner with rust in the floors, body and frame, which also needs some interior work is a stretch. I wonder what his asking price will be next spring?
Steve R
Are you kidding me? This unusual 2dr. post BEGS for a 330HP 383 4bbl and automatic!! Think “Highway Patrol”–IN. and CA. both used these in `60!! The interior should be somewhat easy to clean up. The main catch is the price–considering the rust, he’s way too high.
I owned a Nebraska State Patrol car in the late 60s for a short time. They were a great drag racer because they were so easy to drive. If I could only find another for sale.
whats the thoughts on a 340 four speed?
My Father bought a new 1960 Dodge Dart Phoenix convertible, 318 4bbl. The build quality was worse then his 1958 Plymouth convertible. In 1962, at my urging he switched to a 1962 Pontiac Catalina convertible.I don’t think this styling is bad when compared to a 1960 or 1961 Plymouth, or 1961 Dodge Dart.
In 1960, someone approached my father and said his sister had a 6 cylinder. She was super happy with the 18 miles per gallon fuel mileage.
On another topic, the design, think of what a massive evolution in design thinking this car and most of the 50’s Mopars represented to the generation who designed them.
In the short span, really short in retrospect, of twenty years, we had defeated two enemies in a world wide war! and the shape of cars had evolved from the breadbox design of the forties to this!
Phew…neck snapping when you think of it this way. The whole Googie design movement of space age fifties drive-ins, etc, had taken root. And Dodges looked like this.
What a great period of American industrial design. Almost as great as machine age Art Deco imho.
On a recent trip to Indianapolis I was struck by the depressing sameness of automotive design. Kias and Fords and Subarus and BMWs are indistinguishable from each other (except that the Beemers are a tad uglier…).
There’s no way you would confuse a 1960 Dodge for a 1960 Chevrolet or a 1960 Ford, from any angle. I freely admit to being an old fart who favors cars over SUVs and Style over Fashion. And while the product today is functionally far superior to the cars of my youth there is just no excitement anymore.
And please, Toyota, don’t try to sell the Camry as a performance car. It’s insulting on so many levels.
My millennial son recently told me that all cars will be self-driving soon because no one likes to drive anymore. They’d rather text or have sex while traveling the interstates. What a shame.
The texting, I mean.
History tells us that one of the harbingers of the downfall of a civilization is the formation of cults of the antiquities – a yearning for the good old days. The old car hobby fits right it here, along with selecting backwards thinking leaders who promise a return to the way things used to be.
On the other hand I don’t see anything wrong with preserving what amounts to great works of art, like this Dodge and its brethren. Complete restoration isn’t always necessary (or even desirable). Enjoyment and sharing with others is the whole point.
So to end this rant I hope and pray that Ford and GM and Mazda continue to make Mustangs and Corvettes and Camaros and Miatas.
Hopefully, the newer six is from the 70’s which will make it unleaded fuel friendly. These cars are quite unique and eye catching for sure.
Tho the big 383 does sound an enticing swap, if the original power train is viable, I’d put that back in. Love the old big cars with the small engine & manual shift. It’s so quirky in today’s world! I don’t care about getting there fast, I enjoy the ride
A rare Mopar.
He put a six in this tank ?
And its still not running ?
Get this away from him for a Grand and put in a 426 Hemi auto.
He is destroying this
It came with a six and 3 speed manual. He replaced the six with another six and automatic.
He’s not destroying anything.
Fireball 500 !!!!
Yes, have been accused of being a big fan of this era. Following cars now or within last 10 years in our buildings. 2-1960 Polara D500 converts. 1-1960 D500 Polara station wagon. 2-1961 Phoenix converts. 1-1961 Phoenix 4 door ht. 1-1961 Phoenix 2 dr ht. 2-1960 Pioneer wagons. 2-1960 Seneca wagons. 1-1960 Seneca 4 dr sn. 1-1960 Seneca 2 dr sn. 1-1961 Pioneer 2 dr ht. 1-1961 Pioneer 2-dr sdn. 1-1961 Imperial LeBaron. 2-1961 Crown 4 dr htp. 1-1961 Imperial Crown 2-dr ht. There is more, but would need an inventory. So, yes, a major love for this auto era. Have several more from the Muscle car era.
`My first car was a 60 Pioneer wagon. With the slant 6 and a 3 speed. So many details on those, hard to isolate any, but the overall look, was and is just cool to me. Love your stable!
Hey Fin Dude, do you still have the ‘60 Polara Wagon?
Yes. Every option from Mexico City. First one I found was in late 70’s in a wrecking yard in Wilmington, Cal
I own one of these with the original slant-6 and manual transmission. I restored it several years ago and chose to leave the original drive train in it, since I know what great and reliable engines these are. Mine has fender skirts, wide whites, and original ’60 Dart spinner hubcaps. It looks great, drives great, and has won many trophies at car shows. It’s good to break out of the Chevy-Ford mold sometimes and let folks see what else was out there back in the day.
@Go-Par: Post a picture, I’d love to see it! :-)
My Dad owned a ’60 Matador, it was a fantastic car!
I’ll get one on here soon. Watch for it! Thanks for the interest.
Have memories of this car from my childhood provided by the people down the street.
It was some sort of sand metallic, faded, 8 or nine years old at the time.
They painted it baby blue…. with a brush in the side yard.
I loved the design of these. So much more coherent than the “big” Dodge with the half fin and gorpy looking front grille.
This was our pretty much our first family car — same color but (I think) ours was a four door. I remember picking it up new from the dealer when I was not quite five years old. Good example of the frugal family cars my dad drove. I don’t think a single photo of it exists. I haven’t seen one of these in real life in decades.
In hindsight this is amazing to me: about a year after purchasing the car he moved from a factory job (the car being his commuter car) to working in the oil fields. Being the only car in the family, it became his work car. Today can you imagine a one or two year old sedan being used in the oil field? That lasted about a year (I can imagine my mother complaining about taking that muddy, smelly car to town for groceries) when he bought a new Jeep CJ-5.